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
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