The inaugural Northamptonshire Classic & Performance Motor Show made a fantastic debut at the stunning grounds of Deene Park, near Corby, on Sunday 7th June, welcoming hundreds of enthusiasts, families and exhibitors for a day packed with motoring heritage, rare vehicles and great company.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of one of Northamptonshire’s finest historic estates, the event brought together an impressive collection of classic, performance, specialist and modern enthusiast vehicles. Joining us were several enthusiastic clubs including the Central Region BMW Club, Jaguar E-Type Club, Whittlesea Historic Vehicle Club and Northants RS Owners Club, alongside more than 150 individual vehicle owners displaying everything from pre-war classics through to modern performance machinery.
One of the highlights of the day was the incredible variety of vehicles on display, with many visitors commenting on the number of rare and unusual exhibits they had never seen before. The show arena remained busy throughout the day as visitors and exhibitors took part in the popular judging competitions and vehicle showcases.
Award Winners
The standard of vehicles was exceptionally high, making judging particularly difficult across all categories.
Commercial, Military & 4×4 Vehicles
Winner: 1979 Citroën 2CV Pickup
Owner: Mr Ward
Kit, Custom & Modified Vehicles
Winner: 2003 Dax Rush Coupe
Owner: RCJ Howlett
Special Interest Award
Winner: 2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Owner: Mr S Wilson
Pre-1960 Classic Vehicles
Winner: 1948 Triumph Roadster 2000
1960-1969 Vehicles
Winner: 1965 Jaguar E-Type
Owner: Mr Palmer
1970-1979 Vehicles
Winner: 1972 Volkswagen Camper Van
Owner: Mrs B Rae
1980-1989 Vehicles
Winner: 1985 Vauxhall Nova Cabriolet
Owner: Mr Carr
One of the true rarities of the show, this remarkable Nova Cabriolet is believed to be just one of six examples ever created, making it one of the most talked-about vehicles of the day.
1990-1999 Vehicles
Winner: 1997 Renault Sport Spider
Owner: Mr J Bishop
2000-2010 Modern Classics
Winner: 2006 Lotus Europa S
Owner: Mr R Freeman
Motorcycles
Winner: 2003 Harley-Davidson
Owner: Sandy
Vehicle of the Show
After receiving the Special Interest Award earlier in the day, the stunning 2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, owned by Mr S Wilson, went on to secure the ultimate accolade of Vehicle of the Show, as voted for by visitors and exhibitors.
The Mustang proved hugely popular throughout the event and was a worthy winner of the public vote.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As the first Northamptonshire Classic & Performance Motor Show came to a close, the feedback from exhibitors, clubs, visitors and traders was overwhelmingly positive. The beautiful setting of Deene Park provided a fitting home for what we hope will become a firm favourite on the regional motoring calendar.
Great British Motor Shows would like to extend sincere thanks to the Deene Park family and estate team for their support, hospitality and assistance in helping make the event such a success. We would also like to thank every club member, individual exhibitor, trader and visitor who attended and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.
Following the success of the inaugural event, we are delighted to be planning a return to Deene Park on Sunday 6th June 2027, where we hope to welcome even more vehicles, clubs and visitors for an even bigger celebration of classic and performance motoring.
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