Classic car magic in the capital

Finally, London – arguably the classic car capital of the world – has a number of events worthy of its stature. For four years now, the London Classic Car Show has thrilled visitors to the ExCel exhibition centre with an outstanding selection of rare and historically significant cars, many of which are demonstrated on the Grand Avenue that spears through the heart of the event, and the prolific personalities who wrote their histories. We’re pleased to report the proven recipe has remained largely unchanged for 2019’s affair, which takes place on 14–17 February. 

This year, there will be special exhibitions dedicated to Ian Callum, whose résumé as a car designer ranges from the Ford RS200 through the Aston Martin DB9 to the Jaguar I-Pace, The Italian Job, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, and a superb assembly of aero-engined cars curated by the eccentric engineer-cum-inventor Edd China. The legendary Issigonis-designed Mini will also take centre stage in this, its 60th year.  

A raucous cavalcade

We imagine the Grand Avenue is where the London Classic Car Show will really make a lasting impression, offering visitors the chance to see and hear some 60 of the special cars present in action, including a 2.5-litre Ferguson Formula 1 car and an exquisite Touring-bodied Ferrari 166 Inter. And trust us when we say, the acoustics of the ExCel only serve to amplify the cacophony of engines – earplugs may well be necessary! 

There will also be a raft of special guests in attendance and on stage in The Supagard Theatre throughout the weekend discussing a variety of automotive and motorsport topics, entire areas dedicated to historic motorsport and car clubs, and a plethora of traders offering everything from automobilia and spare parts to exotic classic cars. The latter include Classic Driver dealers Aston Martin Works and Alfaholics, both of which will no doubt have your chequebook twitching.   

Photos: Tom Horna for Classic Driver © 2019