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Thinking of attending a classic car show for the first time? You’re in for a real treat.

Events such as the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the Birmingham NEC from 13-15 November 2020 (dependent on the COVID-19 pandemic) attract huge crowds to see the thousands of beautiful automobiles on display and for sale.

Classic car shows are relaxed weekends that are fun for the whole family. To make the most out of your visit, we’ve listed a few simple dos and don’ts below.

And should you be tempted to buy a vintage vehicle yourself, then Lancaster Insurance will be delighted to help you find a classic auto insurance policy to suit.

Do plan your shows in advance

There’s so much to see and do at classic car shows that it pays to spend a little time poring over the programme and deciding what to prioritise.

At the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, each day has a packed programme of talks, challenges and interviews with celebrity guests on the Discovery stage.

Away from the stage, there are displays, showcases, auctions, sales and competitions which you can wander around as the mood takes you.

If you want to take a test ride in a classic car, it’s best to reserve your ‘arrive and drive’ slot to avoid disappointment. Last year’s options included a Jaguar E-Type FHC 1968 and a Triumph Tr4A 1966!

When it comes to booking tickets for the show, you can buy them on the door if you prefer. Car parking or train tickets are worth booking in advance to save yourself time and a few pounds. 

If you are mobility impaired and would like to hire a motorised scooter, book one in advance to be sure of availability.

Keep little ones under control

Kids are welcome at classic car shows – and they’ll have the time of their lives, seeing all the amazing vehicles and watching the action-packed events.

However, classic cars are of great financial and sentimental value. No owner who’s proudly displaying their lovingly restored Triumph or Bentley wants to see small, sticky fingers heading towards it!

Even a handprint can damage certain types of paintwork, so it’s best to keep your curious kids a respectful distance from the vehicles.

Teach your children to respect classic cars, and keep a close eye on them throughout the show. Hopefully they’ll become enthusiasts of the future!

If they need to burn off energy, there’s usually plenty of space away from the vehicles where they can run around and let off some steam.

And if you’re an owner, you’ll get greater peace of mind when taking your vehicle out and about by knowing it’s covered with the right specialist car insurance policy.

Don’t damage or disrespect vehicles

It’s not just kids who can pose a risk to a Riley or damage a Daimler – it’s careless adults, too.

Be careful around the vehicles, particularly when taking a test drive or ride. Classic cars are easily damaged by zips, bracelets, watches, heels and so on, which you might even have forgotten you’re wearing.

Don’t crowd around vehicles, as this could cause knocks and bumps that might dent panels or scratch paintwork.

Keep your food, ice creams or drinks well away from all vehicles – no owner wants to see your lunch dropped on the bonnet of their Bentley!

Remember – classic cars are delicate. What you might shrug off as a light knock could take an owner hours of painstaking work to put right.

If an owner asks you to move back, don’t take offence – just accept that they love their car, and want you to enjoy it from a respectful distance.

Do chat to owners and ask questions

There’s a real sense of camaraderie at classic car shows. Owners who are displaying or selling vehicles usually love chatting to fellow enthusiasts about their cars, so ask away!

And often, you’ll find the classic car you’re looking at is not just a vehicle, but a story. It may have a fascinating history.

It could well have played a highly important or meaningful role in the lives of its owners. And the restoration process could have been fraught, or might even have uncovered something incredible.

By chatting to owners, you’ll gain a real sense of what drives the classic car community – and you might be inspired to get more involved yourself.

If that’s the case, then classic car owners will be only too happy to help you get started on your journey of discovery.

If there’s a particular make or model that’s caught your eye, then head over to the car clubs’ stands.

In 2019, there were 300 classic car clubs at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, so you’re bound to find fellow fans for your favourite model.

And don’t forget, becoming a car club member could earn you a discount on your classic car insurance.

Do get involved and immersed

This last point is easy. In fact, we challenge anyone to visit a classic car show and not get immersed!

The sheer variety of exhibits and activities mean that the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has something to offer everyone, from casual observers who know nothing about motoring right up to experts who’ve been attending car shows for decades.

In fact, even those visitors who just want a day out with a difference may well find themselves gazing with interest at the car sales and auctions.

If your visit inspires you to get in the driver’s seat yourself and invest in a vintage Volkswagen or an antique Austin, then don’t forget to choose the right car insurance for a classic.

Policies are often cheaper than regular car insurance to reflect the fact that owners rarely drive these vehicles, and take such excellent care of them.

Get a quote from Lancaster Insurance today

If you’re a classic car enthusiast, then a motor show is a place for you to meet fellow fans.

At Lancaster, we share your passion for motoring. We arrange specialist cover for all types of vintage cars, helping you keep your classic on the road for years to come.

Contact us today to find the right classic car insurance for your cherished vehicle.