Despite the gloomy weather 24,500 invaded the showground. The report from
traders was excellent, with some deciding to book for the 12th show in 2005!


It was the first time at a Stafford show for Paul Brown, of Brownies
Motorcycles, and he was sceptical of how successful he would be, after
failing at various other shows. However, by the end of the weekend he had
sold the majority of his stock and had already booked for the April show.

Great news was also received from DH Autos, L&L Imports and Great Barr
Motorcycles, all of whom commented on what a great success the show was and
confirmed that they were all looking forward to attend the forthcoming
shows. Marcia, from Classic Transfers, said: "It was a fantastic show. I
can't believe how much British stuff I sold. I really look forward to seeing
you at the next show. Thanks."

And, if the event was good for the traders, it was undoubtedly so for the
thousands of visitors who packed the showground. There was so much to see
and do, it would have been almost impossible to have seen the whole event in
a single day. There were the fantastic club stands - and the quality of the
exhibits was enough to keep anyone's jaw hanging for the duration of the
show. The machines on display were absolutely stunning.

The top six machines from the show are entered into Carole Nash's Classic
Motorcycle of the Year competition, to be held at the NEC, for a £1000
prize. They are: Stephen Phillips' 1979 Yamaha RD400 (best 1970s); Richard
Young's 1972 Kawasaki S2 (third-best 1970s); Andy Baldwin's 1963 Suzuki
(best Japanese); Derek Gothard's 1970 BSA Thunderbolt (best British); Dave
Frier's 1972 MV Agusta (best Continental); and Heidi Cockerton's 1964 Suzuki
(best in show.

Barry Milner's wooden replica of a Manx Norton was also a show-stopper on
the Mortons mains stand. Appropriately named The Planx, it took Barry 664
hours of spare time to recreate each component to full scale. It was on the
stand for the duration of the show and many people stopped to comment on
just how superb it truly was.

There was also a £1000 prize being awarded to the best club stand. The great
thing about this award is that all the clubs attending vote for their
favorite, so the winner is indeed a worthy one. And the standard at this
show was outstanding. However, one of the clubs had to win the prize and
that was the Thumper Club. Second place went to the Suzuki Owners Club and
third to the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club.

The special guest of honour, Chris 'the Stalker' Walker, was the attraction
for many at the show. He was on the Mortons stage at various points during
the weekend and kept the crowds enthralled with tales from his exceptional
career as a Superbike rider. Chris is also a man who clearly values the
support from his multitude of avid followers as, after each interview, he
sat on the edge of the stage signing autographs for the fans and chatting to
them. Chris also signed a helmet which was then later auctioned off in
Bonhams auction and the £450 that was made went to the Macmillan Cancer
Relief Fund. It was bought by Phil Morris, a well-known collector and
classic race sponsor.

As expected, the atmosphere was tense inside the walls of the Bonhams
auction as people from far and wide gathered in the hall. Items that went
under the hammer included some of Carl Fogarty's clothing, three ex-works
Kawasaki France race bikes (including the ZXR-7 on which Fogarty and Rymer
won the world endurance championship) and George Fogarty's collection of his
son's racing memorabilia. There was also the 1961 Senior TT trophy won by
Mike Hailwood (later presented to Bill Lacey in recognition of his work on
the Norton).

For more details for stand space for our future shows, contact our show
team, Nick or Glynis on 01507 529430/1 or visit www.classicbikeshows.com
or email nmowbray@mortons.co.uk




Future Shows



The 25th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, at Bath & West
Showground, Shepton Mallet, 12th & 13th February 2005.



The 25th International Classic Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash
Insurance Consultants, at the County Showground, Stafford, 23rd & 24th
April 2005.



The Classic Bike Guide Summer Show & Autojumble, Bath & West Showground,
Shepton Mallet 11th & 12th June 2005



Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR