The Official Volvo Enthusiasts Club | The Club for all Classic Volvo Owners

The brand new Restoration show at the NEC covered just two halls but was FANTASTIC, the atmosphere was friendly and the stands were very well thought out. It made such a nice change to see “work in progress” vehicles along with the ubiquitous “barn find” and just one pristine car on each stand. There seemed to be a very different feeling to everything, it was far more relaxed and maybe that was due to the absence of carpet or roped off areas. It was evident that those attending this event were far more knowledgeable than the attendees at the November Classic Car Show.

The Club stand was predominately filled with 1800’s in the shape of HAB, Kevin Price’s 1962 P1800 as the rolling resto, Tony Whitton’s 1967 1800S as the “barn find” and ? ?’s beautiful 1800E as the fully restored example, Tony Whitton had also brought along a 2-door 120 that had been customised by its previous owner and was in its final stages of fettling – this being carried out during the 2 days of the show. Colin Hughes had also brought along 2 of his Volvo bicycles which always receive much, if somewhat confused, attention.

Throughout the weekend the Club focus was just as much on the events going on at the Practical Classics Restorer of the Year stand – mugs of coffee, cold towels and cleaning products were in full flow to Kevin who was required to spend his time with 71 DFX or ST 1 as she is better known. A report of this is elsewhere.

Well done Practical Classics for pulling off a great event in a very short space of time, another terrific feature in the Classic Car Shows annual calender.

Gillian Whitton

Practical Classics Restoration Show

NEC April 2014