The Top Gear Live show was held at the NEC in Birmingham, England. The show took place from 11-13th November. As part of the experience visitors also had access to the Footman James Classic Car and Motorcycle shows.
Visitors had one hall dedicated to everything Top Gear, two to Classic Motorbikes and seven halls dedicated to Classic Cars. Included in the price of the ticket was access to the indoor track designed by Lotus and the Live Action Arena where visitors could see Jeremy, James and Richard.
Attractions in the Top Gear live exhibition included the Cool Wall, a chance to have your photo taken in a replica of the Top Gear studio and various car which have featured in their challenges. Such as James May’s Lexus LS400 Police car and the Vietnam Scooters. There were various simulators and racing games to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
There were a number of amazing cars on display which included Ferrari 458 Italia, Noble M12 GTO and Mercedes CLK GTR. The Live Action Arena comprised of various races including Generation Drag Racing, Stig Power laps, Group B Rally special stage, Challenge Sabine Schmitz (Queen of the Nürburgring) and Star in a reasonably priced car.
Stars in a reasonably priced car were Amy Williams – Saturday 12th Nov, Carl Fogarty – Saturday 12th Nov, James Martin – Sunday 13th Nov and Gethin Jones – Sunday 13th Nov.
The Generation Drag Racing featured a Jaguar XJ220 against Jaguar XJR-5, Ferrari 308 against Ferrari 599 GTO and Mercedes W107 SL500 against Mercedes SL63 AMG. Group B Rally special stage including Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 to the formidable Lancia Stratos. The Group B Rally Finale saw the Stig performing power laps in the infamous Caterham R500, this was the highlight of the show.
The Classic Car Motor Show had over 1,400 different cars on display which varied from a Bugatti Veyron to a Delorean DMC12 which starred in the Back to the Future film series. The show saw Superbike legends Carl Fogerty and Frankie Chilli make an appearance over the weekend.
The show consisted of various car enthusiasts who wanted to show their pride and joys off to the public, as well as various car clubs from Audi to Volkswagen. Considering the show is dedicated to everything classic there were numerous modern cars with up-to-date technology and contemporary twists on old classics.
Andy Rouse, Classic Show Manager, said:
2011 has surpassed all our expectations and once again the bar has been raised in terms of the cars, the bikes, and the overall presentation. From seeing the traders in action and business being done at the show, it proves the UK classic motoring movement continues to be buoyant in the current economic climate.
For the fifth year running, TV’s Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Edd China worked tirelessly to entertain the crowds, with the live stage offering standing room only, all day, everyday. We were also delighted with the visitor’s response to the appearance of Carl Fogarty and Frankie Chili in the Classic Motorbike Show, as it continues to develop and grow.
We’d like to thank visitors, exhibitors, motoring clubs and all involved for their tremendous support and look forward to welcoming everyone back from 16th to 18th November 2012.
