NEC Classic Motor Show 2024! Full Review Posted!

[ChrisHolmes]

The "linked" MRC and RX-8 OC stands worked really well. A timeline display of Mazda models from the 1972 era RX-3, through 40 years to the last Mazda rotary, the R3.

We had a full size single rotor display on a table linking the two stands, which allowed the public to turn an eccentric shaft with a handle to see the rotor in operation. It was in almost constant use throughout the 3 day show. A few of us had very croaky voices at the end of each day after explaining how the rotary works!

A very tiring 3 days, but very rewarding to speak to so many people and educate them about Mazda rotaries.

I'll leave Dan to provide more details and his perspective tomorrow.

[ChrisHolmes]

We are planning to attend so it's great news that the club has a discount. Sadly my PZ doesn't fit the "exemplary" category!

Only just saw this post so it was a nice surprise today when you and Lisa appeared out of the crowd.

[ChrisHolmes]

I went to the show as a visitor but finished up spending some time “on duty” at the engine display talking to people about how the rotary engine works, it’s a great conversation piece and certainly caused people to stop and ask questions.

[Dr. FrankenRex]

I went to the show as a visitor but finished up spending some time “on duty” at the engine display talking to people about how the rotary engine works, it’s a great conversation piece and certainly caused people to stop and ask questions.

Made sure we hid all the blue roll before you arrived, Chris

[ChrisHolmes]

I went to the show as a visitor but finished up spending some time “on duty” at the engine display talking to people about how the rotary engine works, it’s a great conversation piece and certainly caused people to stop and ask questions.

Made sure we hid all the blue roll before you arrived, Chris

Along with the sails advertising the stands location I presume

[HarSc]

didn't know it was a classic boat show

[ChrisHolmes]

didn't know it was a classic boat show

AKA Feather Flags

[Red & Black]

Given the huge amount of foot traffic and the lack of volunteers to manage the stand, it seems we got the publicity right

Still surprised so few people jumped at the chance for free tickets to the show

Tbh I was quite proud of what I managed to pull together all by myself.

[willberry70]

Nice work Dan. Glad I could help out on the Saturday.

[350matt]

For me it goes to show what a bargain these cars are, whenever I was asked what it cost to get into one nearly all were pleasently surprised

Who knows maybe this is the start of a groundswell of new memberships and interest in the car

in the modern sea of mediocrity anything different sticks out like a sore thumb

[nightfire10]

Given the huge amount of foot traffic and the lack of volunteers to manage the stand, it seems we got the publicity right

Still surprised so few people jumped at the chance for free tickets to the show

Tbh I was quite proud of what I managed to pull together all by myself.

I would have but a bit too far from dorset

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk

[nightfire10]

Apparently, the total number of visitors over the 3 public days was 71,520

The MRC want to do this again next year, and will look to some extra space to include (at least) a Mazda R100 and 1967 Cosmo Sport (the owners of which have already said they are up for it). They even have the offer of an immaculate NSU Ro80 for historical comparison - there were no Ro80's at this year's show and loads of people asking about them. As the "ancestor" of all Mazda rotarys, it would fit well on a timeline.

[350matt]

As discussed with Malcolm and Lynne at the show, I'll be applying for an OC slot again for next year's show.

The plan remains to request a 6 car pitch each with a plan to put on a joint display as we had this year as we had a great display of cars which told a great story to those visiting the stand.

A Cosmo and R100 would be legendary additions to the display if we can get the spaces!

[Dr. FrankenRex]

Entries are open for CMS25! I'll be putting ours in tomorrow :-)

Of those who attended, we are invited to provide feedback. If anyone has any they'd like me to submit in addition to my own around the organisational side of things then let me know here and I'll submit the feedback by the end of the week.

[Dr. FrankenRex]

A bit later than planned, but here's my full review of the show from build up to break down! (of the set, not of the cars!)

Build up day! Thursday 7th!

The set up process was fantastic. The process allowing us to set up and park the cars was really smooth - only thing was finding where we were supposed to go was a bit of a challenge!

Show days! Friday, Saturday, Sunday!

Having never attended the NEC Classic before I was unsure what to expect. Our location, according to the floorplans etc., seemed somewhat out of the way and as such was wary that we wouldn't get that much foot traffic.

Well, I was incredibly wrong on that count. We were on the thoroughfare between Hall 4 and Hall 8, but even so the number of people flowing around all stands at all times was phenomenal. There was almost always someone at our stand all day, even though the Friday was the lowest attendance of the whole weekend.

So much interest in the rotary engine display provided by MRC, and an incredible amount of interest. Yes, we got lots of the usual "Apex seals!" "Unreliable" etc. but the overwhelming responses when we chatted to people was positive.

The main feedback was always "Oh, you don't see these any more!" and various comments. My car was on the end of the stand with the doors open and the number of people who asked to have a seat and were genuinely interested in the fun nature of the car's design was fantastic.

The Saturday and Sunday days were a step up from the Friday, with the foot traffic stepping up hugely. This meant MORE TALKING! lol. But when people are so interested in what we have to say it's hard not to keep chatting to people.

Such is the nature of the show, it was also possible to go for a wander at various points to see what else the show had to offer - and the answer to that was A LOT! I've included a few snaps of various things of interest, but with 6 halls full wall-to-wall with cars of all shapes and sizes there was always something interesting to see!

[AMH]

Looks like it was a great show. Sorry we couldn't make it, hopefully next year.

Quick question though. Someone on Facebook said it was a shame we didn't get a better spot, one of the responses was 'They got the spot they paid for'. Is that true?

[Dr. FrankenRex]

We didn't pay for the stand. None of the clubs pay for stands.

Ultimately it was our first year there, and the stands are allocated based on the perceived draw I believe.

[350matt]

Where the stand was located was fine, when I was manning it , about 1 in 10 walking past stop and look and about 1 in 20 wanted to ask questions even if briefly

Honestly a 'better' location might be too good if you know what I mean

[Dr. FrankenRex]

Honestly a 'better' location might be too good if you know what I mean

I'd hope we have more volunteers next year ;-)

Just to add: we had enough tickets for 10 people per day...

[willberry70]

Magnificent effort there Dan!

[ChrisHolmes]

Just a suggestion but having "worked" stands at several shows at the NEC and other venues it is all to easy, not saying that standing talking all day is easy, to not actually see anything of a show except the view from the stand. For last few shows I was involved in we set up a rota when people could "take a break" and go off to explore the show for a couple of one hour periods each day and that worked well as the stand was always manned AND people got to explore the rest of the show.
You just need enough volunteers!
Final point, I avoided the exorbitant NEC parking charges by parking at Berkswell station which is 10 minutes away and a return ticket cost £3 with trains every 45 minutes. Also a potential overnight accommodation location for those serving for the duration of the show.

[Dr. FrankenRex]

Final point, I avoided the exorbitant NEC parking charges by parking at Berkswell station which is 10 minutes away and a return ticket cost £3 with trains every 45 minutes.

If you'd volunteered at the show you could have gotten yourself free ticket and parking ;-)

[ChrisHolmes]

Chris had a free MRC band and helped out with the engine display

[ChrisHolmes]

Some good tips there Chris

[ChrisHolmes]

Final point, I avoided the exorbitant NEC parking charges by parking at Berkswell station which is 10 minutes away and a return ticket cost £3 with trains every 45 minutes. Also a potential overnight accommodation location for those serving for the duration of the show.

Neil parked in the BP charging car park today for just the cost of a charge. It's over the road from the main car park and has 150 nice big spaces.