Lancaster Insurance sponsors record-breaking Classic Motor Show

There was a "fantastic" turnout for the UK's largest classic car event, the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the Birmingham NEC, with record performances for not only the number of visitors but also for exhibitors in attendance, according to the show's organisers.

The event saw 65,000 people attend to photograph, video, watch and lust over more 1,500 cars of various marques and also in various stages of restoration. Some cars were of remarkable concours standard, whilst according to reports others were stunning examples of a good quality classic, as well as some incredible looking restoration projects.

Mike Edgeley continued: "What really struck me again was the passion and enthusiasm that the classic car owners have for their vehicles, but also their friendliness and willingness to share their stories. There were so many wonderful stories at the show too; cars reunited with their owners after many years, long, painstaking restorations, as well as True Brit adventures".

Silverstone Auctions for the first time held their auction across two days of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, achieving an 80% sale rate for all cars at the auction, making them a record total sale value of £2.85 million, more than double last year's figures. Even the BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans, notorious for his love of all things motor, made an appearance to see what was on offer. However the true star of the day went to the iconic 'Bond' car, a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 saloon which sold for £362,250, a whopping £80,000 over its lower estimate, although this was closely followed by another Aston Martin - a 1958 DB2/4 MKIII, which also exceeded its estimate, eventually achieving a price of £220,800.

Lancaster Insurance said that they saw a magnificent response to the show after achieving a record number of sales, three times their previous figure. David Soul, of Starsky & Hutch fame, made several guest appearances on their Gran Torino experience stand to pose with the 'striped tomato' and sign autographs. Mike Edgeley commented: "I am also really proud of our own stands at the show, be it the four decade 'Blast from the Past', or our Gran Torino stand with the legendary David Soul showing his star quality is undimmed".

This show may only just be over but The Lancaster Insurance and Classic Motor Show team say they cannot wait to get started on planning 2014's event. Mike Edgeley's closing comment: "Lancaster is committed to being the premier classic car insurer, and anyone at the show will have seen that we love this show. Bring on 2014".