I went to a local autojumble quite a few years back now and they had a separate classic car parking area. You got in for a quid less, parked nearer the stalls and it was an interesting random mix of cars to look round too - a win win situation.
They had a sign on the gate saying 'Classic Cars Pre 1980 only, unless something special' I turned up in my 1982 Marina pickup, on a Y reg and was challenged. I showed the photo album showing how it had been completely stripped and restored and explained how it was probably one of the rarest vehicles on the field and probably just on the strength of boring the guy to tears about the merits of Marina commercials, he let me in...
Following time I went in the 1984 Opel Manta I had and wasn't questioned, despite it looking very travel stained from a road rally the previous night. It was on an Irish plate so the age wasn't obvious.
So slightly sporty ok, British Leyland not? hint of prejudice there maybe... I don't know if they still have the pre 80 rule or even have guidelines on whats special these days, I guess its been relaxed, but it shows how unworkable an arbitrary age cutoff can be.
I'm not in favour of what I call a modern car at a classic car show, no matter how loud or sporty. If I wouldn't look twice at it in a supermarket car park, I don't see why I should at a show, but I can appreciate enthusiasm for non mainstream cars, whatever title you call them. It's up to the show organisers to strike a balance of ages of cars to try and please as many folk as possible. I'm not a 100% sure the NEC classic car show organisers get it right, but that's just my view with my interests.
Incidentally a few years back again, I was with the Morris J van club rally at Tatton Park show in June and we were next to the Opel Manta club and we all got on fine with a good bit of friendly banter over a few drinks on the Sat evening. At the time Mantas were probably in the age and league that Subarus are now and certainly had little in common with Morris J type vans.
It occurred to me the other day that when I got my first Minor van when I was 18, it was 17 years old, being a late '72 registered one, and I happily started improving it and taking it to rallies -ideal first classic car scenario. Now I currently run what I regard as a cheap modern hatchback, a 1990 Renault 5. (Not a sporty one or anything, just one for getting about in!) And its 25 years old! It could be tax exempt if things hadn't changed... No matter how hard we try the world is changing and the old classic car of today can be very different from the old classic car 15 or 20 years ago. I could take the Renault to classic car shows if I felt like it, but it doesn't feel quite right to me. Though there was a very similar one on the Renault Owners Club stand at the NEC a couple of years ago. It might just be me getting old...
