How to prepare your car for a classic car show

Classic car shows are a real treat for spectators but much more fun if you’re actually exhibiting! You’ve spent many long hours working on your car under cover, and now it’s time to (carefully) manoeuvre it out of the garage for all to admire!

When you’ve gone to the effort of arranging classic auto insurance, made the ultimate modifications to your dream car and conducted maintenance to the nth degree you’ll want to have something to show for it.

While classic car shows are relaxed family friendly weekends, they can get pretty serious. Events such as the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show attract huge numbers every year who appreciate the stunning automobiles on display.

If you’re thinking of taking the step up and attending your very first show as an exhibitor how can you prepare your car to get an advantage over its ‘rivals’ – to flaunt its perfect credentials to the motoring world? Whether you’re just flashing the car for fun or hoping to take home a trophy, here’s how to get it looking its best.

Pre-show storage

Classic cars should be stored in a garage away from direct sunlight and under a car cover. If you’re not driving the car for long periods, leave the windows down to keep the air circulating.

Take it out for a drive once a month to keep the engine in good shape and prevent corrosion.

Also, be sure to use a good wax or paint sealant on it. Sealants are a little more expensive, but they’ll keep your car’s paint job looking good for longer.

Not only will this help keep the rust off but it’ll also keep it in tip-top condition for any upcoming show.

Pre-show bodywork preparation

The first thing judges, spectators and other enthusiasts will see is the body work. To create the best impression, make sure you’ve done the following:

• Check for dents, scratches and rust – the bodywork must be perfect. However, no matter how many hours you’ve spent together it’s all too easy to miss something. Have a fellow enthusiast look the bodywork over – a fresh pair of eyes is invaluable.
• Missing parts – recheck that everything is where it should be. Just as it was when it left the production line.
• Don’t overdo it – it can be possible to go overboard. Remember a sympathetically restored classic will attract more admiration than flashy decals ever will.

Pre-show exterior preparation

You’ll want your hard work to shine. A key principle is to make your car look even better than the day it first rolled off the production line. This is a high bar to reach and one that’ll attract the obsessives!

• Use specialist cleaning supplies – house cleaning products were not designed for cleaning cars. So why use them on your beloved classic? Ask other enthusiasts what they use – it’ll pay off in the end.
• Clean hard-to-reach places – enthusiasts and judges can get everywhere, including under your vehicle! They also love looking under the hood so start by giving your engine some cleaning attention.
• Work methodically – working from top to bottom means you won’t get dirty water over recently cleaned areas. Once you’ve washed then dry with a microfibre towel to stop streaks. And make sure those windows really sparkle.
• Don’t forget the wheels – there’s nothing that ruins the look of an impeccably presented classic car than dirty tyres or mud-splattered sidewalls. Your tyres must be spotless and looking new – no worn rubber here please!
• Wax and polish last – once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your car, this is the finishing touch. But take your time if you want to achieve that perfect finish.

Pre-show interior preparation

Once you’ve drawn a crowd in with the sparkling exterior you won’t want to disappoint them with a lacklustre interior. Here’s how to keep them smiling.

• Search for the best supplies – research the best cleaning products for your car’s interior. And use them!
• Top to bottom and front to back – you don’t want to ruin your hard work so make sure to clean in a sensible order.
• Wash the carpet – thoroughly brush and vacuum the carpet. Then use a foaming upholstery cleaner to really get those carpets clean. A handy trick is to fluff up the carpet pile using compressed air.
• Don’t forget the boot – yes, people will want to look in every nook and cranny. Yes, you need to lavish as much care and attention cleaning here as any other area. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right!

At the show

With your car looking at its best, here are some final display tips:

1. Do a final spot check – take an emergency cleaning kit with you. You never know when a little accident might happen.
2. Don’t forget the wheels (again!) – give them a little tidy up especially if you’ve driven the car to the show. Use a spray-on tyre conditioner to keep the tyres looking their best.
3. Tell the car’s story – create a display which details the story of your car. Log books, old photos, advertising brochures, user manuals and, of course, photos of the restoration project all adds interest and context. A display is a great talking point – you never know who you might meet at a car show, perhaps even a previous owner!
4. Display to the car’s best advantage – hood up or down, wheels straight or turned, doors open or closed – the list is endless.
5. Have fun – the point is to have a great day or weekend out. You’ll see some amazing cars and will meet many people just as enthusiastic as you about your favourite model.

Who knows, you could be tempted to buy a new restoration project to get started on! If you do then Lancaster Insurance will help you find a classic car insurance policy to suit.

Classic car insurance with Lancaster Insurance

Whatever classic car you’ve set your heart on, a motor show is the perfect place for you to meet fellow enthusiasts.

Here at Lancaster Insurance, we’ve been arranging specialist cover for all types of vintage cars for over 35 years.

Phone 01480 484826 for a quote today and find the right classic car insurance for your cherished vehicle.

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.