Our Journey to the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026
Our journey to the Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026 began on 14 July 2025, when our Chairman submitted an application for the Commonwealth Car Club to host its very own stand. What started as an ambitious idea quickly became a shared goal for the club. Months later, on 10 December 2025, we received the fantastic news that our application had been successful, securing our place at one of the UK’s most prestigious classic car events.
With confirmation in hand, the real work began. The race was on to carefully select four standout vehicles that would represent the club, its heritage, and its passion for British and Commonwealth motoring. One key feature was decided early on, we wanted to deliver something truly engaging for visitors. A live restoration on the stand would not only showcase hands-on skills but also bring the spirit of the show to life.
We reached out to our growing community, and the response was incredible. After much consideration, we finalised a diverse and exciting lineup: a Jaguar MKII, an MG ZT 260 V8 SE, an Austin Metro, and a Rover Metro. The Rover Metro was chosen as the centrepiece for our live restoration, drawing attention throughout the weekend as work progressed in front of visitors.
What followed was an unforgettable experience. From planning and preparation to execution, the journey reflected everything the Commonwealth Car Club stands for - passion, community, and a shared love of classic cars. Below is a highlight of our stand, what we achieved, and the memories we created along the way.
Our First Ever Vlog at the Classic Car & Restoration Show
The Classic Car & Restoration Show marked an exciting milestone for the Commonwealth Car Club, as we filmed our very first vlog from the stand. Hosted by Catherine Vichare and Simon McRoy, the vlog captured a brilliant mix of personal stories, club insight and show highlights across the weekend.
Catherine and Simon spoke about how they first joined the club and shared the stories behind their own cars, giving viewers a real sense of the passion that drives our members. They also discussed some of their favourite cars at the show, highlighting just how diverse and inspiring the event was. Catherine reflected on her experience being part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, linking back to the very origins of the club, while both hosts chatted about what makes the Commonwealth Car Club so unique and the importance of events like the Restoration Show in bringing enthusiasts together.
Adding to the fun, Grosvenor Lucas made a brief appearance in the vlog, dropping in for a quick chat and bringing his usual enthusiasm to the conversation.
Overall, the vlog gave a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at our stand, our members, and the atmosphere of the show, marking the start of what we hope will be many more to come.
The Cars, The Stories, The Owners
Simon McRoy | Austin Metro
The 1985 Austin Metro is proudly owned by Simon McRoy, a true enthusiast of this iconic British classic. Affectionately known as “Bertie,” Simon’s Metro drew significant attention throughout the show, not only for the car itself but also for the fantastic display of 1980s memorabilia carefully arranged around it, creating a nostalgic experience that brought smiles to many visitors. Adding to its unique story, Bertie even has a touch of screen history, having been sat in by Gillian Anderson during filming for the Netflix series Sex Education.
David Holder | MG ZT 260 V8 SE
The MG ZT 260 V8 SE is proudly owned by David Holder and represents one of the most unique performance saloons ever produced by MG Rover. One of just 374 Mk2 Mustang-powered ZTs built, it was extensively re-engineered to house Ford’s impressive 4.6-litre modular V8, delivering around 256bhp through a five-speed Tremec TR-350 manual gearbox to the rear wheels. In SE specification, the car features a premium Harman Kardon audio system, factory subwoofer and distinctive X-Power rear exhausts, combining British styling with American muscle to create a truly standout and memorable car.
Jordan Barlow | Rover Metro
The 1991 Rover Metro, owned by Jordan Barlow, gained international recognition after appearing in the televised opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where it stood out as the only clearly identifiable black car when viewed from ground level. The car continued its story at the Classic Car & Restoration Show, becoming the centrepiece of our stand with a live restoration that drew strong interest from visitors throughout the weekend, all made possible with parts supplied by our valued sponsor, Best of British MG Rover Spares.
Craig Archer | Jaguar MKII
Craig Archer is the proud owner of the Jaguar MK II, a true icon of British motoring elegance, renowned for its timeless design and commanding presence on the road. This stunning example holds a special place in the club’s story, having been one of just 72 vehicles selected to feature in the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Its inclusion in such a globally celebrated event adds to the car’s significance, making it not only a beautiful classic but also a memorable part of modern British automotive heritage.
The Stories Behind the Cars
These posters were displayed alongside each vehicle on our stand at the Classic Car & Restoration Show, giving visitors the chance to read and learn more about the cars on show. Each one was carefully created to highlight the vehicle’s history, unique features, restoration journey and the passion of its owner, helping bring the cars’ stories to life. They proved to be a great way to engage visitors, with many taking the time to read them and spark conversations with our members, sharing memories and gaining a deeper appreciation for the vehicles on display.
Relive the Show – Our 2026 Photo Gallery
Take a look through our full collection of photos from the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026, where we’ve captured the very best moments from an unforgettable weekend. From the build-up of our club stand to the live restoration in action, every stage of the experience is brought to life through our gallery.
You’ll find highlights of each of the cars on display, close-up details, and the incredible craftsmanship that drew so much attention across the show. We’ve also included plenty of candid moments, from conversations with visitors and shared memories, to behind the scenes glimpses of the team hard at work throughout the weekend.
Whether you joined us at the NEC or couldn’t make it this time, this gallery gives you a true feel for the atmosphere, passion, and community spirit that made the event such a success.
Where It All Began: The Cars Behind the Commonwealth Car Club
This video shows cars that proudly took part in creating the spectacular UK flag formation during the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Each vehicle was driven by a volunteer, coming together in perfect coordination to represent unity, pride and the spirit of the Games. This unforgettable display became one of the most iconic moments of the ceremony, a powerful tribute to British motoring heritage and community collaboration. These cars, and their owners, are the very reason the Commonwealth Car Club exists today, forming a lasting legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. This video was proudly shown on screen on our club stand at the Classic Car & Restoration Show, held from 20–22 March 2026.
More Than Just Cars – The Stories Behind the Restorations
The ethos of the Classic Car & Restoration Show is not just about how the cars look today, but the journeys they’ve taken to get there, the restorations, the challenges, and the stories behind them. On the Commonwealth Car Club stand, we embraced this fully by featuring four display boards, two of which were dedicated entirely to our members’ restoration projects. These posters showcased the passion, time and craftsmanship involved in bringing these vehicles back to life, and they were incredibly well received throughout the weekend, with many visitors taking the time to stop, read and truly appreciate the stories behind each project.
A Great Moment at the NEC – Meeting Mike Brewer & Will Trickett
Members of the Commonwealth Car Club had the fantastic opportunity to have a photo taken with Mike Brewer and Will Trickett. Many will recognise Mike from the popular TV show Wheeler Dealers, and it was a real pleasure to meet him and share a moment together. This memorable opportunity was made possible thanks to our friends at Coleshill Auto Breakfast Meet, who we were once again fortunate to be positioned alongside at the NEC, making the whole experience very special.
Watch Now – Simon McRoy’s Austin Metro Story
In this YouTube video, Simon McRoy shares the story behind his cherished Austin Metro, a car that represents an important chapter in British motoring history and holds plenty of personal memories along the way. From its design and everyday practicality to the unique character that made the Metro such a familiar sight on our roads, Simon explains what makes his example so special. Be sure to watch the video and subscribe to Simon’s YouTube channel, They Think It’s All Rover, for more brilliant content celebrating classic British cars.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Classic Car Enthusiasts
On our club stand, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of classic car enthusiasts, ensuring these cars continue to be loved, appreciated, and preserved for many years to come. We actively encourage children, whether that’s by taking a seat in one of the cars, asking questions, or getting creative with our Arrow colouring sheets.
Arrow is the Commonwealth Car Club’s mascot, proudly representing Birmingham and our origins. His name is inspired by the Red Arrows flypast during the flag formation segment of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Dressed in his Red Arrows uniform, Arrow has become a bit of a cheeky character on our stand and a big hit with visitors of all ages.
We received some fantastic colouring entries over the weekend (including one from a very enthusiastic “big kid”!), and we’re delighted to announce that our competition winner is Baylee. A huge well done, Baylee will be receiving a Commonwealth Car Club goody bag filled with Arrow-themed goodies!
Bringing Classics to Life: An Interactive Experience for All Ages
One of the key lessons we took from the Classic Motor Show 2025 was the importance of making our club stand interactive and truly family friendly. We wanted visitors to do more than just look at the cars, we wanted them to experience them. That’s why we actively encourage people to take a seat in one of our display vehicles.
At the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, that role was proudly taken on by Simon’s Austin Metro. Visitors loved the opportunity to step inside and experience a genuine slice of 1980s motoring, with its distinctive brown interior sparking plenty of nostalgia and conversation. It proved to be a real highlight, helping bring the era to life in a way that photos alone simply can’t capture.
Our Club Hero: Jonathan Cotterill’s Well-Deserved Recognition
Jonathan Cotterill was proudly nominated for the People’s Choice Award – Club Hero at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, a reflection of the incredible dedication he has shown to the Commonwealth Car Club since day one.
As one of our founding members, Jonathan has been a constant presence throughout our journey. He has attended every event we’ve organised, continually supported the club through promotion and regular donations, and has always gone above and beyond to help us grow. His commitment, enthusiasm, and reliability truly embody the spirit of the club.
Jonathan was also one of just four members selected to display their car at our debut at the Classic Motor Show 2025, representing the club at a key milestone moment. Alongside him, his family has played a huge role too, showcasing the togetherness and community that sit at the heart of the Commonwealth Car Club.
We’re incredibly proud to say Jonathan was shortlisted to the final 12 nominees. While he didn’t take home the award, being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement in itself.
To us, there’s no doubt - Jonathan, you are our Club Hero!
Original Artwork on Display
On our stand, we proudly showcased original hand-painted artwork by AutoKrafts by Emma. If you’d like to commission your very own bespoke piece, simply use the contact us link below.
Thank You for an Incredible Weekend
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show such a fantastic success for the Commonwealth Car Club.
To our dedicated team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the stand, your hard work, commitment, and passion made everything possible. To our car owners who proudly displayed their vehicles and shared their stories with visitors, thank you for bringing the stand to life.
A special thank you to our sponsor, Best of British MG Rover Spares, for their continued support and for supplying parts for our live restoration, an absolute highlight of the weekend.
And finally, to everyone who visited our stand, took the time to chat, shared memories, and supported the club, thank you. Your enthusiasm and kind words mean the world to us.
We couldn’t have done it without you all.