Celebrities star at Practical Classics Restoration show this weekend
Vicki Butler-Henderson
What do a comedy actor, a former chart topping drummer, and a racing driver all have in common? They’ll all be at the inaugural Practical Classics Restoration Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April 2014.
British actor and keen classic car restorer Chris Barrie, best known as the star of Red Dwarf, will be joined by ex-Pop Will Eat Itself drummer and presenter of National Geographic’s Car SOS Fuzz Townshend, both appearing all weekend. Racing driver and presenter of TV’s Fifth Gear Vicki Butler-Henderson joins the fun on Sunday.
Chris Barrie
Car restoration aficionados Mike Brewer and Edd China will also be toping the bill and getting their hands dirty on the Practical Classics Live Stage as well as offering advice on buying cars for restoration and selling projects on – something they do week in and week out on the Discovery UK series Wheeler Dealers.
Motoring presenter and the man who fights the corner of the motoring enthusiast, Quentin Willson will also be on hand to offer advice on all motoring issues that affect drivers every day.
The all-star line-up will hit the Practical Classics Restoration Show Live Stage for interviews as well as taking part in a brand new game show called ‘Would I ‘Really’ Lie to You’ where we find out all about their own motoring misdemeanours.
Vicki has an ulterior motive for attending Sunday – she’ll be at the NEC with her fingers crossed because, along with some technically-savvy guests, the Practical Classics team will be restoring her first car, a 1979 Ford Fiesta L, on the Live Stage…in just 48 hours!
Throughout the show, all of the stars will be sharing their vehicle restoration stories and experience with the audience as well as visiting car club stands, signing autographs and taking plenty of pictures.
A couple of local classic car enthusiasts and their beautifully restored cars will also take centre stage as they make up two of the ten finalists who have been shortlisted for the coveted national title of ‘Restorer of the Year.’
Birmingham born Brian Rollins has restored the 1936 Austin Seven Opal Tourer that he’d once owned 58 years previously, while Kevin Price from Bewdley, Worcestershire, has restored the 1962 Volvo P1800 that stared in the very first episode of the 60’s mystery spy thriller ‘The Saint’.
The two locals face competition for eight other finalists with the winner of the award announced at the show on Sunday at 4pm in front of thousands of classic car fans.
Restoration challenges, the UK’s biggest display of barn finds, restoration projects for sale via Silverstone Auctions, task and marque specific master classes from leading experts, and great cars including the best classic restorations from all around the UK will make the PC Restoration Show a must attend event.
There will be an extensive trader village and autojumble alongside restoration service providers – everything from top marque restorers to rust prevention specialists.
The Practical Classics Restoration Show is open from 9.30 am to 6.30pm Saturday 12 April and 9.30am to 5.30pm Sunday 13th April. For more information on the show and how to book tickets please see our event page.
