NEC Classic Car Show 2012 
Another season came to a close after a busy weekend at the Footman James Classic Motor Show at the NEC. This is the final 'car showing' event of CPUK's calendar just leaving the AGM with which to close the year. But, while the NEC is one of the final meetings of the year, it's one that takes Ian Kirkwood a long time to plan. The NEC broadly groups similar clubs together meaning that the CPUK stand was situated in a hall with other exhibiting French car clubs. Thanks to PMC kindly supporting us once again, CPUK's stand drew much attention with the specialised lighting and informative, attractive backdrop making quite a statement. This year, the cars bore the digits '20-', giving the stand a flow through much of Peugeot's history. Bill Day's immaculate 202 was the oldest car on display and received plenty of admiration with its Fuseau Sochaux lines. I personally love the Art Deco detailing, especially on the rear wheel arches. Standing alongside and bringing the stand a little more up to date, was the Editor's 203 Commerciale, Sacre Bleu. Resplendent with gleaming paintwork, Alastair's car also caught the eyes of many passers-by. Coming right up to date, a concept 208XY generously brought over from France by PMC for us, took centre stage – literally, as it sat proudly on a raised platform. Giving visitors a peek at Peugeot's future offerings, this 208 holds the clues for 2013's new 208 GTI. Many stopped to take a closer look, perhaps surprising considering this is a classic car show, but recent years have proved that unusual current production cars attract plenty of attention. The RCZ had exactly the same effect when it appeared on our stands in 2010 and 2011. After the bang-up-to-date centrepiece, the stand continued to showcase Peugeots of earlier decades. Len D'Cruz's 204 estate in shiny dark green livery added a touch of 70s nostalgia and appealed to many visitors who commented that they remember seeing these when they were younger and how few are around these days. Ian's 205 T16 completed the CPUK display and, as always, drew much interest from rally fans who recalled watching these flying around in the mid-80s and couldn't quite believe their luck that they could now drool over the rear-engined star close-up. The stand was manned over the weekend by a team of members who were kept busy, fielding various questions from members of the public while also taking the opportunity to sell membership and regalia. Before any of us knew it, it was Sunday evening and the lights dimmed as the show closed to the public. Exhibitors across the many halls celebrated another successful year and the NEC resounded as the sound of horns blared out in celebration before many of the cars were driven out. We look forward to next year – bring it on! 
