Michael Taylor’s First NEC Restoration Show as a New Member of the Cortina MK3 Club

Joining the club for the first time in November 2025, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I saw the call out for cars for the Restoration Show in March. The stand needed a restored car, a rolling restoration, and one awaiting its turn — and with my tawny facelift Mk3 having been off the road for 25 years, it certainly qualified for the latter.

After getting into the hall at the NEC, I found the stand where the team were already fitting up. I introduced myself, offered a hand, and was immediately made to feel welcome. For someone attending their first club event, that meant a lot.

The line up looked fantastic: a beautifully restored Cologne Blue 3 litre South African import, an early 2 door finished in what I believe was graphite grey, and my decidedly rusty example completing the trio. Together they told the full story of Mk3 ownership — from pristine to mid project to “one day soon”.

Across the weekend the stand drew a huge amount of attention. Visitors stopped to chat, members dropped by to collect spares, and plenty of us ended up comparing photos of our cars on our phones. The conversations flowed easily, and the atmosphere was friendly, busy, and full of enthusiasm.

For a first event as a new member, I couldn’t have asked for more. I left feeling far less like a newbie and genuinely part of the club. A huge thank you to the committee for the time and effort that went into making the stand look so good — it was a brilliant weekend from start to finish.

Michael Taylor