The Footman James Classic Motor Show is a fixture in the UK event calendar, which has once again grown to be bigger than ever – as well as attracting at least 58,000 visitors, up from 50,000 in 2011. The quality of the cars on display was also better than ever, with an amazing depth and variety.

There was a lot of love for British cars, as usual, with displays for pretty much every taste – Including MG, Triumph, Morgan, AC, Rover, Jaguar, Lotus and so on. It seemed that there was more French and Italian metal than usual too, with Alpines, Citroens and a large number Peugeots on display.

The inaugural Silverstone Auction sale saw a total sell-through rate of 60 percent, raising a total sale value £1.1m. Interesting sales included a pair of Fiat 500s, almost doubling their top estimate selling at £15,000. An Aston Martin DB4 reached £224,000.

Mike Brewer and his sidekick Edd China were busy once again taking on a 1960 Morris Minor pickup on the Wheeler Dealers live stage. Special guests included Sir Stirling Moss, TT Riders Guy Martin and Mick Grant, Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie, comedian Steve Coogan, actress Natalie J Robb, Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis and Motoring Journalists/presenters Quentin Wilson and Tiff Needell.

Andy Rouse, Show Manager commented: ‘We are totally blown away by the number of visitors for this year. It’s exceeded all our expectations and reflects the growth and strength of the classic motoring movement. Feedback from the clubs, traders and visitors has been fantastic. The new layout worked well and we’ll use any feedback to develop the show for 2013. With a show of this scale and with the number of visitors attending, its always our priority to improve the way visitors can move around the show to enjoy all the exhibits.’