Best car shows of 2021

For classic car owners and enthusiasts, nothing beats the excitement of a classic car show.

This is especially true in the UK, which is home to a glittering array of world-leading classic car events. These shows provide the opportunity to see some of the best and rarest vehicles in the world up close, maybe even purchasing one of your own.

If you’re thinking of checking out a classic car show in the UK, we have listed some of the best ones below. Find out what to expect, how to get the best out of your trip and if you’re planning on driving your own classic car, why classic car insurance is a no-brainer.

Please note - check the dates and times of shows on their websites before you travel due to ongoing COVID restrictions and delays throughout 2021.

What makes a great classic car show?

Classic car shows are defined by their legendary vehicles, taking you on a special journey over the course of a day or a weekend.

You want to be transported back to a bygone era through these iconic cars, whether it’s the supercars of the 1980s, the stunning vehicles of the 1920s and 30s, or even right back to the origins of the motorcar. You’ll be able to find certain genres depending on what you love most, including classic British motors or American muscle cars.

However, classic car events are becoming much more than a place to view the cars themselves. The biggest and best shows now offer variety throughout so that you can mix it up and get a well-rounded, immersive experience that you’re always going to remember. This might include thrilling races, showcases from legendary car brands, classic car auctions, expert panel discussions, or Q&As with legendary racing drivers and celebrity classic car lovers.

Some events will also go the extra mile to ensure it’s fun for the whole family. There might be vintage funfairs, stages filled with talented performers, or even special concerts associated with the event. Much like at music festivals, you’re likely to find lots of delicious food and beverage stalls peppered around a good classic car show.

Let’s look at some of the best classic car events the UK has to offer.

• The Silverstone Classic

On the site of the iconic Silverstone race track – the host of Formula 1’s British Grand Prix and regarded as the home of British motor racing – The Silverstone Classic offers an epic day out, or you can make a weekend of it with camping and motorhomes for hire.

As you’d expect from the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, it truly delivers the absolute best in historic racing. Witness iconic cars from F1, GT and more from throughout history. You can even head to the paddocks to get up close to the cars, chat with the drivers, and find out insider information from the experts.

In between the racing, you can check out the ‘Car Clinic’, featuring TV personality and motoring expert Mike Brewer. He explores a host of classic cars, while giving exclusive tips on restoration projects.

The Classic also welcomes over 100 car clubs to the event, with some 10,000 cars on display.

Another huge draw of the Silverstone Classic is the variety of entertainment on offer, making it ideal for the whole family. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy a fun run, or browse the shopping village for some retail therapy. The food and drink selection on-site is usually hard to beat with street food vendors dishing up artisan pizzas, burritos, burgers and more. Meanwhile, there is an impressive lineup of live music each year, featuring chart-toppers, legendary bands, and some of the most entertaining acts around.

• NEC Classic Motor Show

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show welcomes a dazzling array of iconic cars and motorcycles to the NEC in Birmingham to the classic car community’s season finale, making it a key date in the calendar for petrol heads.

This event prides itself in its selection of cars, with a range spanning more than 120 years and over 3,000 vehicles. This includes vintage and modern classics, European exotica, American muscle cars and the classics of the future. Go on a journey right from the beginning, with steam-powered cars that were started with a crank lever, right through to the impressive Lamborghinis and Porsches of the 1980s and 90s. Alongside the stunning classics on display across the weekend, you can visit the autojumble to shop for rare parts, and you’ll find an impressive gathering of specialist traders if you’re on the lookout for tools for your own maintenance or restoration jobs. In the market for a classic car? There are plenty for sale throughout the weekend, including a high-profile car auction.

Visit the Restoration Theatre to meet a team of renovation experts who put on exciting shows throughout the day. They also answer audience questions, and even give one-to-one advice about classic car repairs and maintenance.The live stage is always a place of wild entertainment that any motoring fanatic would hate to miss, packed with unrivalled industry expertise and lots of laughs along the way. The live Q&As have, in the past included racing legends like Sir Stirling Moss, and celebrity car lovers such as Steve Coogan and Jools Holland.

And with Lancaster Insurance a key partner of the event, you can come to find our stall to learn about our industry-leading classic car insurance.

• The London Classic Car Show

Set in the beautiful grounds of Syon Park, the London Classic Car Show is ideal for enthusiasts who love getting down into the details and celebrating big moments in motor history.

The 2021 show will mark a series of anniversaries with special events that classic car lovers won’t want to miss. The ‘evolution of design’ theme will mark 135 years of automotives, taking you on a journey that begins with the era of horseless carriages and the first very first cars. It promises to be an all-encompassing treat for the eyes, from the 1893 Salvesen Steam Car to the very latest Lamborghini hyper-car.

It’s also the 60th anniversary of the legendary Jaguar E-Type synonymous with London, the swinging sixties and all the stars who drove one, including George Harrison and Frank Sinatra. Various special E-Type displays will feature at the show and the country’s leading Jaguar car clubs will be there to join in the celebrations.

Meanwhile, there will be special 100th anniversary displays for two Italian icons – the Lambda and the legendary Bugatti Brescia.

Over the weekend, you can enjoy a series of ‘audience with’ sessions featuring celebrated guest speakers, while the organisers promise a wide variety of food and drink options.

• Salon Privé

For classic car owners who enjoy a taste of luxury, look no further than Salon Privé.

Taking place at Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancestral home of Winston Churchill, this show hosts hundreds of the world’s rarest classic cars and motorcycles, amid a backdrop of Champagne and glamour.

Across the event you’ll encounter Edwardian-era treasures and incredibly rare grand tourers, sharing a platform with the best supercars of today. Meanwhile, the Salon Privé Concours are legendary and enjoy a world-class reputation. Each year, the show field is examined by some of the globe's most experienced concours experts.

Alongside the industry-leading classic car displays, this event really does go all out to provide a hospitality experience that you will struggle to find elsewhere. Take in displays from luxury brands that specialise in helicopters, private jets, and more. Meanwhile, the dining options available include a three-course luncheon, English afternoon tea, and exclusive tasting menus from award-winning chefs.

Also, anyone planning to drive their classic car to the event will be able to apply for preferential parking.

However, if you do decide to go to Salon Privé this year, then be sure to check the dress code. Fitting with the luxury surroundings, smart attire is expected. The organisers say dress should be ‘smart, stylish, and comfortable’, so arriving in shorts and a T-shirt will not be permitted.

• Goodwood Revival

On the site famous for the Festival of Speed and iconic horse racing events, the Goodwood Revival is a special one for many classic car enthusiasts given its wider embrace of nostalgia and vintage culture.

It’s home to hundreds of timeless vintage cars and motorbikes, a classic car auction, and a host of legendary motor racing drivers. Catch the likes of F1 legend David Coulthard, as well as celebrities such as Rowan Atkinson, competing in incredible classic car races that you can watch from the Goodwood grandstand.

But it’s also characterised by attendees getting into fancy dress to truly embody days gone by. On site, there’s the chance to stroll down memory lane at the Revival High Street, full of classic and retro shops. Lose yourself in fabulous musical performances around the site, where jiving is heavily encouraged. You can even drive your classic car to the event and park up to join the Revival Car Show. Given the fancy-dress vibe, guests love the opportunity to arrive in style in their beloved vintage vehicle.

Goodwood Revival is very much geared towards creating a great experience for families. Kids under 12 go free, and 13-21-year old’s go half-price. They’re spoilt for choice with incredible activities to keep them distracted, including a roller rink, a cinema, and a funfair.

How to get the best out of a classic car show

As we’ve learned, classic car shows are much more than lines of beautiful vintage vehicles. They’re huge sites, often featuring days of incredible events that overlap with each other. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared to make sure you get the most out of your experience. Have an itinerary of the races, cars, and events, which prioritises all the things that made you book the ticket. That way, you won’t be disappointed at the end.

Before you go, check out the rules and start getting your plans in place. For example, you may need to print an e-ticket and bring it to get in. Thinking of taking your dog? It could be a big mistake, as it’s likely no pets will be allowed (none of the events above are dog friendly except for guide dogs and assistance dogs), so make sure you have a sitter in place.

Check the requirements if you’re planning to bring children. While many classic car shows welcome children and, in some cases, even offer them free admission, there are some things to do beforehand to ensure their safety. For example, although they’re getting in free, they may still need a registered ticket and wristband.

Make sure you know the rules around food and drink beforehand to avoid any issues at the event. Some events, such as the NEC Classic Motor Show, have areas where you can go with your family to eat food you brought from home. However, at The London Classic Car Show, there’s a strict policy against bringing your own food

Meanwhile, although some weekend events include campsites, you may be prohibited from bringing a BBQ.

If you’re planning on driving your classic car, you’ll want to be extra prepared so there are no additional stresses. Check if you need to register in advance for any special classic-car parking to avoid arriving to find you have no space. You’ll also want to have classic car insurance in place that keeps you covered for the duration of the trip.

Protect your vehicle with classic car insurance

Whether you bring your classic car out for special events, or drive it regularly, you’re going to need classic car insurance.

Lancaster Insurance is trusted by classic car owners across the UK, where we take great pride in finding insurance that allows you to fully enjoy your dream of having a vintage car.

Choosing Lancaster means you get a range of benefits and discounts including up to 25% Classic Car Club member discounts, static show cover, and historic rally cover. You also have 24-hour access to our UK call centre and claims line, making claims as stress-free as possible.

Get a quote for classic car insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.