The International Classic Motor Show takes place on November 8th and 9th 2003 at the NEC, Birmingham, England. This show, the largest and most successful indoor event dedicated to classic motoring in the UK, has become widely regarded as the "grand finale" to the UK classic season. This year sees the show housed in no less than six halls at the National Exhibition Centre, and with over 40,000 enthusiasts expected organisers are confident of another record breaking show.

The Cars -

For those not familiar with ICMS, you can expect to find a massive and diverse range of around 1000 cars on display with exhibits from over 150 of the UK's leading car clubs. With true diversity and something for every taste you can expect to see a wealth of motoring heritage taking in a multitude of marques including all the popular British Classics through to the more unusual, prestigious and exotic.

Not only classic cars at the NEC

Expect some glorious pre-war cars like this Bentley

Concours -

Major concours finals including The Autoglym Concours Grand Final 2003, The Jaguar Drivers Club Finals and The Classic American Concours Finals all take place at the show. The culmination of a year's worth of competition by the nations most dedicated owners and their immaculately preserved cars.

Special Features -

Upon arrival at the NEC visitors will find that, in addition to the existing fleet of shuttle buses, the organisers have added 3 extra special classic buses ranging in age from the 40's to 60's to whisk you to the halls. The nostalgia begins in the car park!

Another extremely popular feature of the show year-on-year is the Restoration Theatre. Throughout the weekend visitors are given ongoing demonstrations of specialist restoration techniques in the Restoration Theatre. Operated by Leeds College of Technology this interactive feature is invaluable to anyone involved in restoration projects.

Enthusiasts appreciative of craftsmanship

The Autojumble and Small Business area is always popular

New for 2003 is the Seminar Theatre which, hosted by TV's Jerry Thurston, will provide expert advice on a range of subjects over the weekend including seminars and Q&A sessions on buying your first classic through to advice for more knowledgeable existing collectors and investors.

Buying and sourcing -

There are literally hundreds of companies exhibiting at the show. Whatever you are looking for, be it a small fastener to a complete car, from a special tool to a company to do the job for you, you can find it here. With a very large Autojumble/Small Business area, a dedicated Restoration Area, Trade stands including some of the biggest names in the UK classic industry plus of course Cars For Sale in the Dealer section there is more than enough here to provoke some serious "wallet lightening". In fact ICMS is responsible for millions of pounds worth of business within the UK classic industry.

Star guest Sir Stirling Moss O.B.E. -

Visitors have the opportunity to meet a true motor racing legend! Sir Stirling Moss O.B.E. will be opening the show on Saturday 8th and will remain at the show all day (Saturday only) meeting visitors, signing autographs and taking part in a Q&A session.

Sell your car at the show!

If you have a classic to sell then the organisers have created a new "sales lot" for private sellers. For the price of a classified advert you could actually show your car to around 40,000 enthusiasts. See www.necclassicmotorshow.com for details.

The show website www.necclassicmotorshow.com is updated regularly with news. Here you can check back regularly for the latest information, buy tickets or enquire about trade stands or selling your car in the private sales area.

Show opening times:

Sat 8th November: 9.30am - 6.30pm
Sun 9th November: 9.30am - 5.30pm

Getting to The NEC -

The NEC (National Exhibition Centre) is easily accessible by road, rail or air.
By road:Motorways - Junction 4 M6 OR Junction 6 M42
By rail: Birmingham International Station is INSIDE the NEC complex. 5 minute undercover walk to halls from station.
By air: Birmingham International Airport is NEXT DOOR with a brand new monorail link. Check www.bhx.co.uk for flight schedules and information. 3 budget airlines operate in and out of Birmingham International airport plus of course British Airways and many other operators.

Accomodation -

Centre Exhibitions have teamed up with Hilton Hotels to offer some fantastic deals to visitors to the show. Again, check the website www.necclassicmotorshow.com for details.

For any further information on the show itself call Andy Rouse on +44 (0) 121 767 2772
For tickets call +44 (0)121 767 4767

Text/Photos - NEC

The 2003 The International Classic Motor Show is sponsored by Footman James insurance and is supported by Classic Cars and Practical Classics magazines -