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Not so bleak after all...

It was all the more intriguing then just a few weeks ago to find that the Classic Motor Show (held every November at Birmingham’s NEC) was teeming with people and busy, busy, busy!

Maybe classic car owners are immune to the recession, or maybe it’s just a bit of escapism to get away from the relentless doom-mongering of the media; however, there was no denying that this event proved the classic car hobby, and all its associated businesses are booming. “Well,” said one friend, “just look at them all; they’re all older people... they’re the only ones with money these days”.

“Nah, nah...” explained another, “there’s no point in putting your money in a bank these days; at least with a car you get some enjoyment from it and choose the right one and it’ll go up in price...”

Well, whichever one is right makes no difference, as the end result is the same: people are still enjoying their old cars and have no intention of giving them up. In fact many are realising they could be an appreciating asset – just look at the rocketing values of Mustangs and Mopars over the past 15 years.

Once again Classic American was centre stage in the Classic Motor Show’s American section, with the UK’s finest American cars all competing for the coveted Footman James Car of the Year award (you can read a full report starting on page 61,) which this year was won by Gavin Shaw’s 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

We’ll be showcasing this marvellous machine next month as part of our special 250th issue; but in the meantime, I’d just like to wish all our readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and I hope you like your free calendar, we had a lot of fun putting it together!

Ben Klemenzson,
Editor
email@classic-american.com