Classic Motor Show 2026 | TradeShowIntel

Name: Classic Motor Show 2026
Start: 2026-11-13
End: 2026-11-15
Location: National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

Event overview

Overview

The UK's biggest indoor classic car show returns to the NEC Birmingham this November.

Across seven halls and three unforgettable days, discover 3,000+ cars and bikes, the world's largest vehicle club gathering, 450+ specialist traders, and 600 vehicles for sale, including 500 through Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction.

TL;DR

1Scale: 3,000+ classic cars and bikes fill seven halls of the NEC Birmingham, covering an area equal to 16 football pitches.
2Clubs: The world's largest vehicle club gathering brings 320+ owners' clubs under one roof across the three show days.
3Trade Floor: 450+ specialist traders and a legendary autojumble cover parts, restoration, insurance and accessories for every budget.
4Auctions: 600 vehicles are offered for sale, including 500 lots through the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction.
5Dates And Venue: The UK's biggest indoor classic car show runs 13-15 November 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

Why visit

Visitors can explore a vast array of classic cars, participate in engaging activities, and meet fellow enthusiasts. The event offers unique opportunities to purchase vehicles and parts, as well as to learn from industry experts. The UK's biggest indoor classic car show returns to the NEC Birmingham this November. Across seven halls and three unforgettable days, discover 3,000+ cars and bikes, the world's largest vehicle club gathering, 450+ specialist traders, and 600.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience of classic car enthusiasts, potential buyers, and industry professionals. The show provides a platform for networking and showcasing products and services related to the classic car market. The Classic Motor Show is a pivotal event for classic car enthusiasts, providing a platform for networking, showcasing vehicles, and connecting buyers with sellers.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Members of owners' clubs such as the Mini Cooper Register, Range Rover Register, TR Drivers Club and Lotus Carlton Enthusiasts

Classic car collectors and auction buyers hunting rare lots

Restoration specialists and home restorers sourcing parts

Modified and custom classic owners

Classic car, bike and commercial vehicle enthusiasts

Families and casual visitors looking for a full day out across seven halls

Trade buyers and dealers sourcing vehicles and spares

Automotive trade professionals from the classic car aftermarket

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Classic car parts and spares suppliers

Restoration workshops and specialist services

Owners' clubs running club stands in the club halls

Auction houses such as Iconic Auctioneers

Classic car insurance and finance providers such as Goodwood Classic Solutions

Automotive tooling and workshop equipment suppliers such as CNC SmartBench

Accessories, art, toys and memorabilia traders such as WOW WALL ART and Pauls Toys

Vehicle transport, storage and detailing providers

Headline sponsors and media partners such as Lancaster Insurance

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Classic cars and motorcycles

Automotive parts and accessories

Restoration tools and services

Collectibles and memorabilia

Automotive literature and publications

Specialist automotive services

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Facilities

Parking

Yes. The NEC operates car parks on site with free shuttle buses to the venue during exhibition open days, running from one hour before the show opens until one hour after it closes. Enter B40 1NT in your sat nav, then follow the on-site digital signs for the show car park.

Parking: Yes. The NEC operates car parks on site with free shuttle buses to the venue during exhibition open days, running from one hour before the show opens until one hour after it closes. Enter B40 1NT in your sat nav, then follow the on-site digital signs for the show car park.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Adult (16+)
Includes £2.95 one-off transaction fee
£47.20
Child (5-15 years)
Must be purchased with an adult ticket
£28.75
Family (2 adults & up to 3 under 16s)
Includes £2.95 one-off transaction fee
£94.20
Groups of 10+
Booking fee of £2.95 per order
£39.25

Who runs the show

Organisers

Clarion Events Limited

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

This edition

2026

Next edition

Not announced yet

New this edition

1
YouTube Village
The Classic Motor Show's newest feature, bringing classic motoring content creators and their cars onto the show floor for the first time.
Source
2
StarterMotor 2026 charity partnership
The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show supports StarterMotor as its 2026 chosen charity, with fundraising activity across the show.
Source
3
Expanded modified offering
New partnerships expand the modified and custom classic line-up for the 2026 edition.
Source
4
Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction
Around 500 vehicles go under the hammer through the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction, including The Grand Tour cars offered directly from Jeremy Clarkson.
Source
5
Debutants and unseen treasures
A line-up of debuting cars and previously unseen vehicles, including a Mazda missing for 20 years and stands appearing at the show for the first time.
Source

Photos

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The UK's biggest indoor classic car show returns to the NEC Birmingham this November. Across seven halls and three unforgettable days, discover 3,000+ cars and bikes, the world's largest vehicle club gathering, 450+ specialist traders, and 600 vehicles for sale, including 500 through Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction. The Classic Motor Show is a pivotal event for classic car enthusiasts, providing a platform for networking, showcasing vehicles, and connecting buyers with sellers. It.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Visitors typically include Classic car enthusiasts, Automotive collectors, Restoration specialists, Families looking for a fun day out. 3,000+ classic cars and bikes on display. World's largest vehicle club gathering with 320+ clubs. 450+ specialist traders and a legendary autojumble. 600 vehicles for sale, including 500 at auction. Classic Motor Show 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Why it matters

The Classic Motor Show is the UK's biggest indoor classic car show: seven halls of the NEC Birmingham hold 3,000+ cars and bikes across an area equal to 16 football pitches, alongside the world's largest vehicle club gathering of 320+ clubs. For the trade it is the country's largest single gathering of classic car owners and buyers, with 450+ specialist traders and an autojumble covering parts, restoration, insurance and accessories. Around 600 vehicles are offered for sale, including 500 through the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction, making the show a key pricing and sourcing moment for the classic car market each November.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

Sustainability in procurement

Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

Automation and labour efficiency

Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

Regional supply-chain resilience

Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

Hybrid engagement models

Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

Automotive trade fair circuit

Book hotels and meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector often fall in adjacent months.

Buyers covering automotive often plan Classic Motor Show 2026 alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

Pre-show

Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for Classic Motor Show 2026.

Show week

Hall walk-throughs, live demos, and supplier negotiations.

Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

BHX

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

to venue

by car

CVT

Coventry Airport

Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

to venue

by car

EMA

East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

to venue

by car

LTN

London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

to venue

by car

LHR

London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

to venue

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Hilton Birmingham Metropole

midscale

About 410 m from the NEC to venue

4-star on the NEC campus, guest rating 4.0 (2.8K reviews), eco-certified; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness centre; roughly 26 percent below its usual rate on the capture date.

Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Airport NEC by IHG

budget

About 1.5 km from the NEC to venue

3-star airport/NEC hotel, guest rating 4.1 (2.1K reviews), eco-certified; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning, bar, restaurant, pet-friendly and accessible rooms.

Travelodge Birmingham Airport

budget

At Birmingham Airport, minutes from the NEC via the free air-rail link to venue

3-star value option, guest rating 3.9 (2.0K reviews); handy for early flights and for the airport to NEC rail link.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

rail

Estimated costGBP 0 for the air-rail link, then a 3-minute walk

Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

The free air-rail link connects Birmingham Airport to Birmingham International station; the station entrance to the NEC is signposted and about a three-minute walk from Hall 5.

shuttle_bus

Estimated costGBP 0 (free shuttle service)

Best forNEC car parks to venue halls

Free shuttle buses run between all NEC car parks and the venue during exhibition open days, starting one hour before the event and finishing one hour after it closes.

bus

Estimated costEUR 40–90 / USD 45–100 taxi or rideshare to venue

Best forBirmingham city centre to NEC campus

National Express West Midlands services X1 (city centre to Coventry), X12 (city centre to Solihull) and 75/75A serve the venue from Birmingham International Interchange; local 900 runs about every 15 minutes (roughly 30 minutes) and 97 about every 30 minutes (roughly 45 minutes).

taxi

Estimated costTaxi or ride-hail from the city centre is typically around GBP 25-35 and from the airport around GBP 8-15 (approx.; confirm with the operator)

Best forBirmingham city centre or airport hotels to NEC

The NEC is about 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, near junction 6 of the M42; leave extra time on show mornings because car parks and drop-off areas are busy.

car

Estimated costParking charges apply (payable on site); free shuttle buses link car parks to the halls

Best forSelf-drive arrival and parking at the NEC

Enter B40 1NT in your sat nav, then ignore it on site and follow the digital signs for the show and the relevant car park; blue badge holders should follow the blue signage.

taxi

Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

taxi

Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

taxi

Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

London Luton Airport (LTN) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor visa (visit on business)	Visa nationals travelling to the UK for business meetings, conferences, contract negotiation or work-related training; the route also covers tourism, study up to 6 months and medical treatment, and many nationalities can visit without a visa.	—	Apply in advance of travel; check GOV.UK for current decision times

Official visa page

Weather

Birmingham in November is cold and damp: daytime highs of about 9-11 C, overnight lows of about 3-5 C, and roughly 63-73 mm of rain spread over about 11-17 wet days, with short daylight hours. Indoor halls at the NEC stay warm, but queues, car parks and shuttle buses are outdoors.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

UK eSIM and prepaid SIM plans for visitors typically run about USD 11-19 for 10 GB over 30 days, or USD 40-75 for a month of unlimited data with fair-use caps, on the EE, Vodafone Three and Virgin Media O2 networks. Travel eSIMs can be installed before departure and activated on arrival so your home number stays active.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business dress

Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows unless meetings require formal attire.

Arrival

Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: BHX

Book flights to BHX when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare CVT only if fares are materially lower.

Visa

The Classic Motor Show is a UK trade and consumer event, so visitors travelling for business use the Standard Visitor visa (visit on business), which permits meetings, conferences, negotiating and signing contracts and work-related training for up to 6 months. Many nationalities can visit the UK without a visa under the same route; check GOV.UK to confirm your nationality.

Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

Apply through GOV.UK before booking non-refundable travel. Carry a letter from your employer and an invitation letter from the organiser or exhibiting company stating the purpose and duration of the visit, plus accommodation and return-travel details.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).; Coventry Airport (CVT): Coventry Airport (CVT) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).; East Midlands Airport (EMA): East Midlands Airport (EMA) is the main commercial gateway serving Birmingham; allow 45–60 min by road or rail to

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Exhibition Centre (NEC): Hilton Birmingham Metropole; Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Airport NEC by IHG; Travelodge Birmingham Airport.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Birmingham; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Birmingham International railway station is a three-minute walk from the halls and is served by direct trains from Birmingham New Street and London. National Express West Midlands buses X1, X12 and 75/75A serve the NEC campus from Birmingham International Interchange; local services 900 (about every 15 minutes, roughly 30 minutes) and 97 (about every 30 minutes, roughly 45 minutes) run from Birmingham city centre. Journey planning is available through Transport for West Midlands.

Parking: On-site parking is available at National Exhibition Centre (NEC); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November 2026

Temperature: About 4 C to 11 C (daytime highs around 9-11 C, overnight lows around 3-5 C).

Seasonality: Autumn wet season: around 63-73 mm of rain across roughly 11-17 wet days in November, with short daylight hours and cold winds.

Packing: Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes for moving between seven halls. Add smart-casual business layers for meetings and trader stands.

Plan your trip

Planning

Check passport validity and visa eligibility, then apply — Visa nationals travelling for business use the UK Standard Visitor visa (visit on business) via GOV.UK; apply before booking non-refundable travel and keep employer and invitation letters ready.

Book travel into Birmingham Airport or Birmingham International station — BHX is adjacent to the NEC campus and the free air-rail link reaches Birmingham International station, a three-minute walk from Hall 5.

Book an NEC-area hotel for 12-16 November 2026 — Hilton Birmingham Metropole is about 410 m from the halls and Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Airport NEC about 1.5 km; show weekend availability tightens quickly.

Buy show tickets online — Tickets are sold through necclassicmotorshow.com; the show runs 13-15 November 2026.

Download the hall plan and plan the halls you want to cover — The show spans seven halls, so prioritise club stands, the autojumble, the auction and any talks you want to attend.

Shortlist talks, features and auction lots — Expert panels, celebrity interviews and the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction with around 500 lots all run across the three days.

Plan the last leg from your hotel to the halls — Use the free air-rail link from the airport, walk from Birmingham International station, or take the free shuttle bus from the NEC car parks.

Sort out parking if you are driving — Enter B40 1NT in the sat nav, then follow the on-site digital signs for the show car park; free shuttle buses connect car parks to the venue.

Pack for cold, wet November weather — Birmingham averages about 4-11 C in November with rain on roughly 11-17 days; bring warm layers, a waterproof and comfortable shoes.

Set a budget for autojumble, trader and auction purchases — 450+ specialist traders and around 600 vehicles for sale make impulse buying easy; decide your limit in advance and check collection or delivery options.

Arrive early on day one, collect your ticket or badge and pick up a show guide — Early arrival avoids the busiest queues at badge collection and gives you time to orientate before the halls fill.

Budget

Costs & budget

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visitor_ticket

visitor · Adult (16+)

GBP 47.2 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Child (5-15 years)

GBP 28.75 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Family (2 adults & up to 3 under 16s)

GBP 94.2 / per person

official

visitor_ticket

visitor · Groups of 10+

GBP 39.25 / per person

official

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
visitor_ticket	visitor	Adult (16+)	GBP 47.2 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Child (5-15 years)	GBP 28.75 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Family (2 adults & up to 3 under 16s)	GBP 94.2 / per person	official
visitor_ticket	visitor	Groups of 10+	GBP 39.25 / per person	official

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

When your goal is to buy or compare parts, view specific cars and clubs, or bid at the auction in person.

Best for

Club members, collectors, restorers and auction bidders who want to see 3,000+ cars and bikes, browse 450+ specialist traders and attend the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction; also a strong family day out across seven halls.

Min. budget

$394.00

Timeline

4-6 weeks to secure tickets, rail or flight seats and an NEC-area hotel before show weekend pricing rises.

Risks

NEC-area hotel rates spike around 13-15 November and the closest campus hotels sell out first.

November weather and rail disruption can affect travel, so allow buffer time on arrival and departure days.

Popular talks, auction lots and autojumble finds move early on each show day.

exhibit

When you sell parts, restoration, insurance, tooling or club memberships and want face-to-face contact with classic car owners and buyers.

Best for

Parts and spares suppliers, restoration workshops, insurance and finance providers, tooling suppliers and owners' clubs that want direct access to thousands of classic car owners and trade buyers.

Min. budget

$2,200.00

Timeline

4-6 months for stand booking with Clarion Events, stand design and build, freight for vehicles and demo equipment, and staff travel.

Risks

Stand allocation across seven halls fills early and the best-positioned space goes first.

Freight, build-up and teardown windows for display vehicles need to be booked well ahead of the show.

Peak hotel pricing and limited crew accommodation near the NEC during show weekend.

skip

When you cannot travel to Birmingham for 13-15 November 2026, or you only need a one-off vehicle or part that a local auction or specialist dealer can supply.

Best for

Anyone whose interest is purely general and who already buys through local clubs, regional auctions or online marketplaces without needing the NEC show floor.

Timeline

No lead time required.

Risks

No major risks listed.

Book with

Partners

Recommended providers

Visa

UK Visas and Immigration

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from Classic Motor Show 2026

Official Classic Motor Show 2026 event branding

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

When and where is the Classic Motor Show 2026?

The show runs 13-15 November 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT, across seven halls.

What can I see at the show?

More than 3,000 cars and bikes spanning an area equal to 16 football pitches, the world's largest vehicle club gathering with 320+ clubs, 450+ specialist traders, an autojumble and 600 vehicles for sale including 500 through the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are sold through the official show site at necclassicmotorshow.com, where you can also sign up for show news and find the ticket FAQ pages.

How do I reach the NEC by train?

Birmingham International railway station is a three-minute walk from the halls and is served by direct services from Birmingham and London; the NEC entrance is signposted as you leave the station.

Is there parking and a shuttle bus at the NEC?

Which buses serve the NEC campus?

National Express West Midlands services X1 (Birmingham to Coventry), X12 (Birmingham to Solihull) and 75/75A serve the venue from Birmingham International Interchange, and local services 900 and 97 run from Birmingham city centre.

Can I buy a classic car at the show?

Yes. Around 600 vehicles are offered for sale at the show, including about 500 through the Iconic Auctioneers Super Auction, which covers everything from entry-level classics to rare collector cars.

Glossary

Autojumble: A large indoor sale of used classic car parts, spares and project items, where visitors dig through trader stalls for hard-to-find components.
Marque: A car brand or manufacturer, for example a prestige marque such as Aston Martin or Lotus; club stands and displays are usually grouped by marque.
Club stand: A display area run by an owners' club, where members show member cars, share restoration knowledge and recruit new owners.
Super Auction: The Classic Motor Show's large sale run by Iconic Auctioneers, with around 500 vehicles offered from entry-level classics to rare collector cars.
Restoration: The process of returning a classic car or bike to original or improved condition, covering bodywork, mechanicals, trim and paint.
Everyman classic: An affordable, widely owned classic such as a Morris Minor, Mini or MGB; the show covers the full spectrum from these to prestige models.
Modified classic: A classic car changed from factory specification through engine, suspension, brake or bodywork upgrades; the show has a dedicated and expanding modified offering.
Detailing: Deep cleaning, paint correction and finishing of a vehicle to show standard. The show's detailing partner supports the on-site presentation of display cars.
Shell scheme: A pre-built modular exhibition stand with walls, fascia and basic electrics supplied by the organiser, which exhibitors dress with their own branding and displays.
Trade day: A show day with a stronger trade and buying focus, when parts suppliers, restoration specialists and auction buyers do most of their business on the floor.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

Classic Motor Show

necclassicmotorshow.com
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Facebook - Classic Motor Show
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Instagram - Classic Motor Show
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YouTube - Classic Motor Show
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X - Classic Motor Show
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