This year’s show was spread over seven enormous halls which were crammed to the gunwales with over 1400 delectable and unusual cars and motorcycles, trade stalls and pretty promo girls. TV’s Wheeler Dealers, Mike Brewer and Edd China performed a makeover on a Triumph Spitfire while Leeds City College gave informative demonstrations on car restoration techniques, such as the black art of “leading” joints,  which were very well attended. A Wall of Death, a motorcycle trials area, Sporting Bears charity rides and an interview stage meant that there was something interesting happening all the time.

Special guests included Sir Stirling Moss, four time World Superbike Champion and Isle of Man TT winner, Carl Fogarty and Superbike ace Frankie Chili.

Sitting in pride of place on the Octane stand and generating considerable interest was Ernie Nagamatsu’s battle scarred Old Yeller II sports car racer. It was built on a shoe string from junkyard parts in 1959 by Max Balchowsky to take on and in many instances beat the exotic European sportscars of the day. This “nailhead” Buick engined special was raced mainly by Max himself but he also persuaded Dan Gurney, Bob Bondurant and Carroll Shelby behind the wheel, who were all very impressed.

This show is predominantly made up of car and bike clubs. The majority of the exhibitors are enthusiasts with nothing to sell. Their only motivation is the pride of showing off their machinery and the hopes of attracting new members. Most of the mainstream clubs were represented including impressive displays by Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, BMW and Ford, who are celebrating their centenary. But many of the smaller clubs were just as interesting, such as the Heinkel Trojan Club, the Borgward Drivers Club and the Wartburg Trabant IFA Club.

Many of the club stands seemed smaller than in previous years but there appeared to be more of them, including newcomers such as the South Coast American Car Club which formed less than a year ago but already boasts close to fifty members with some rather lovely cars.

All in all, a great day out but as daylight faded, so did the lighting levels in the halls. A few more bulbs wouldn’t go amiss Mr. NEC.