The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 20–22 March 2026, bringing together over 1,300 classic cars, 160+ car clubs, and 250 specialist traders under one roof. Whether you’re restoring a project car, hunting rare parts, or simply love classic motoring, this guide covers everything you need to see at the show.
What is the Practical Classics Restoration Show?
The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show brings together hundreds of classic car clubs, restoration experts, and thousands of enthusiasts for an incredible weekend celebrating the preservation of classic vehicles.
Visitors can look around project cars on display, watch live restoration demonstrations, shop for parts and tools, and speak directly with experts who restore classic vehicles every day. The show is perfect whether you’re:
- Restoring your own classic car
- Looking for advice from specialists
- Searching for parts
- Discovering classic car clubs to join
- Simply enjoying a day surrounded by iconic vehicles
Top Highlights at the NEC Restoration Show 2026
Classic Car Club Displays
Over 160 classic car clubs attend the show, displaying vehicles in every stage of restoration, from barn finds to concours-ready classics. These displays are often the highlight of the show, giving visitors the chance to see rare vehicles and talk with owners about their restoration journeys.
Live Restoration Workshops
Catch experts demonstrating techniques such as:
- Panel repairs
- Paint correction
- Engine rebuilds
- Interior restoration
- Rust repair
These demonstrations provide valuable tips for anyone restoring a classic vehicle.
Restoration Tools and Parts Suppliers
There is an entire hall dedicated to parts suppliers. It’s a great place to shop with many exhibitors bringing specialist products such as:
- Classic car parts
- Restoration tools
- Detailing equipment
- Paint systems
- Workshop equipment
Project Cars
The show features vehicles at different stages of restoration, including some incredible before and after transformations. Seeing these projects up close can be hugely inspiring if you’re thinking about starting your own classic car restoration.
Sporting Bears Dream Rides
Experience the thrills of being a passenger in your dream car whilst going for a 10 mile/20-minute spin on the open roads surrounding the Birmingham’s NEC. This is an exciting experience where you can choose a dream ride for a minimum donation to The Sporting Bears Motor Club charity.
No need to pre-book, you can just turn up and make a book on the day at the show.
Classic Car Auctions
Iconic Auctioneers will be there if you’re looking to buy or sell a classic, modern or retro cars. Don’t forget to pop over to Abbeyfields Insurance to get a quote for your insurance if you’re treating yourself 😉.
Catch Celebrities Live at the Your Shout Stage
This year’s line up features Derek Matthewson, Richard Hammon, Mike Brewer, Paul Cowland, Dominic Chinea, Sheldon Nichols, Will Trickett and Steph Hoy. Hear how the pros tackle workshop mishaps and listen to their advice as they share plenty of practical tips to help motivate you to start your own project.
Unlike modern cars with sealed units, classic wheel bearings like a bit of hands-on attention. Whenever you’re doing the brakes, give them a clean and a fresh pack of grease. It’s a simple job that stops overheating and avoids costly hub damage when you’re out for a weekend blast.
Visit Abbeyfields Insurance at the Show
We’ll be attending the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026 and would love to meet fellow enthusiasts, our valued clients, and anyone interested in getting a quote for their own restoration project or specialist vehicle.
Stop by our stand to:
- Get advice about insuring a laid up or SORN vehicle
- Speak to our experienced team for a quote
- Meet fellow enthusiasts
- See our very own Ford Escort RS 2000 Mk5
Find us in Hall 5, stand 331.
Practical Classics Restoration Show Visitor Tips
If you’re planning to visit this year here are our tips for making the most of the show:
Arrive early: The busiest day is always the Saturday, so make sure you arrive early to make the most of the day starting early to beat the mid-morning crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes: The NEC halls are huge and you’ll likely be walking a lot. There’s very limited space (if any) to sit down inside the halls.
Bring a shopping list: With so many suppliers, it’s easy to forget what you came for!
Talk to club members: Classic car clubs are incredibly welcoming and a great source of knowledge.
Plan Your Visit
Travelling by Train
The easiest way to reach the NEC is by train.
The venue is directly connected to Birmingham International Railway Station, which sits next to the NEC complex. Once you arrive, it’s just a short walk via the covered walkway or a quick ride on the free Air-Rail Link.
From Birmingham New Street, the journey takes around 10–15 minutes.
Once at Birmingham International Station, follow signs for the NEC and exhibition halls.
Travelling by Bus or Coach
Several bus services run to Birmingham International Station and the NEC complex, making it easy to reach the event without a car.
Regional bus routes connect the NEC with surrounding areas including:
- Birmingham City centre
- Solihull
- Coventry
National coach services such as National Express also run routes to Birmingham Airport or Birmingham city centre, where you can connect to the train for a short journey to the NEC.
Travelling by Air
If you’re travelling from further away, Birmingham Airport is located directly next to the NEC.
The airport is connected to the NEC via the free Air-Rail Link monorail, which takes just a couple of minutes and runs frequently throughout the day.
Parking at the NEC Practical Classics Restoration Show
If you’re travelling by car, the NEC Birmingham offers extensive on-site parking for visitors attending the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show.
The NEC has over 16,000 parking spaces, with clearly signposted car parks. When you arrive, electronic signs will direct you to the most suitable car park for the halls hosting the show. From there its usually just a 10-15 minute walk to the exhibition entrances or there are shuttle buses you can catch from the bus stops located just outside the car park entrances.
Hotels Near the NEC for the Restoration Show
If you’re travelling a long distance or planning to spend the full weekend at the event, staying near the NEC can make your visit much easier.
Several hotels are located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the exhibition centre.
Hotels Within Walking Distance of the NEC
Popular options close to the venue include:
These hotels are only a few minutes’ walk from the exhibition halls, making them ideal for early access to the show.
Get your tickets:
You can buy tickets for the show here
We Hope to See You There
The NEC Restoration Show is always one of the highlights of the classic car calendar, and we can’t wait to be part of it again in 2026.
If you’re attending, make sure to drop by and say hello!
We look forward to seeing you at the show.
FAQS
When is the Practical Classics Restoration Show 2026?
The show is held over three days Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd March 2026.
Where is the NEC Restoration Show held?
The event is held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, one of the UK’s largest indoor exhibition venues. NEC, Birmingham: North Ave, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Can you get to the NEC by train?
Yes. The NEC is directly connected to Birmingham International Railway Station, which is just a short walk from the exhibition halls. Regular trains run from Birmingham New Street, London, Manchester, and other major cities.
Is parking available at the NEC?
Yes, the NEC has over 16,000 on-site parking spaces. Visitors are directed to the nearest available car park when they arrive.
What’s new at the practical classics Restoration Show 2026?
Expect to see fresh barn finds and restoration projects on display and live demonstrations.
What can you see at the Practical Classics Restoration Show?
Visitors can see a wide range of attractions including:
- Classic car club displays
- Live restoration demonstrations
- Project cars and barn finds
- Parts suppliers and restoration tools
- Automotive specialists and experts
