As the time for the Classic Motor Show at the NEC draws ever nearer – the 14th to 16th November – it’s becoming crystal clear that local clubs and local classics will be featuring strongly at this year’s prestigious event. Exhibiting at what is commonly regarded as the grand finale of the classic car season, is a host of local people who really are immensely passionate about their classics.

Paul Cox from Flore in Northamptonshire will be showing his beautiful Jensen Healey on the Jensen Owners’ Club stand. This car has been patiently and carefully restored by Paul over a four year period and in 2007, he was rewarded for his hard work by winning a Gold award at the JOC’s international concours competition. Given the high standards demanded by concours, where everything on the car should be in perfect condition, Paul’s Jensen Healey must be one of the best examples of the Seventies roadster in existence.

Paul says: “Being asked to show the car at the NEC’s Classic Motor Show is a very proud moment. Now that I have achieved so much with the car, I will enjoy using it on the roads in the future during many classic car events.”

The Jensen Healey was the combined work of two of Britain’s greatest sporting marques – Healey and Jensen – however its early promise was not realised due to rust and engine problems. It could and should have been a world-beater yet despite these faults being rectified, the car had an unfair tarnished image. Understandably, Jensen Healey survivors are thin on the ground.

Want something a bit more exotic, well how about something with an American flavour? Walsall’s Richard Miller, CEO of the American Auto Club UK, explains how important local cars are to the club: “I have a 1959 Buick Electra, which was first displayed at the NEC five years ago. This low-line big-finned model was a top of the range car back in the 1959 and it’s always a good crowd puller and centre of attention.

“And from Leicester we have a custom Dodge Ram pickup with the new design for 2001, an eye catching truck painted in orange and black and coming from South Derbyshire a Pontiac Firebird. This model was only produced for 1991/’92 and it’s finished in a white background with an air-brushed stars and stripes design draped over the bonnet and front wings – it’s very eye-catching!

“The American Auto Club UK is an international American vehicle club formed in Birmingham in 1981, we now have over 2000 members, many owning more than one car. We hold four national rallies and shows each year in various locations around the country and are the recognised authority on American vehicles for the DVLA.”

Amid all the beautiful classics on the Lancia Motor Club stand, undoubtedly one of the show’s stars will be from Leicestershire, a genuine ex-Works rally Lancia Fulvia Sport Competizione.

This stunning little car was one of the first Lancias to help establish the Italian company’s huge rallying reputation – a legacy that would go onto to include the formidable Stratos, 037, S4 and the iconic HF Integrale Evo. Talking of Evos, a rare Abarth-prepared EvoMartini Evo will also be present on the LMC’s stand – a car which was built for a member of the mighty Agnelli family (the Agnellis owns FIAT, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Maserati).

Also present will be the Audi Owners’ Club, who are based in Tamworth. The club, which caters for all ages of Audis, predominantly has members who own Audis from the Eighties. “We've exhibited at the Classic Motor Show since the club was formed in 1997,” says Andy Bowskill from the Audi Owners Club. “I’m based in Tamworth and we have members based in Burton, Leicester, Stoke, Derby and Nottingham – we have members in all locations.”

So why not “fire up the Quattro!” say hello and give even more local support to the 2008 Classic Motor Show.

But that’s not all! In addition to the clubs, there will also be a flood of other great activities to experience as well as the vast array of fantastic classic cars, services, parts and products.

The Restoration Theatre is a live seminar held by a team of restoration experts from the Leeds College of Technology. The team isn’t just there to demonstrate a wide range of techniques – but they can actually physically show you what’s involved and how best to tackle a project.

Dream Rides will be an opportunity for visitors to go for a ten-mile ride in a classic exotic – so if you’re really lucky perhaps your dream car might be on hand to give you a rare taste of the real thing. All you have to do is make a donation to charity.

Meanwhile TV motoring presenter Mike Brewer, along with his trusty mechanic Edd China, will be hosting Wheeler Dealer Live on the Live Stage, providing visitors with professional hands-on demonstrations, advice, famous faces and plenty of entertainment.

Still want more? Well, this year’s show also has an exciting first, Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show, an area solely dedicated to classic machinery of the two-wheeled variety. Adjoining the main display halls, the Pavilion is a 5,000 square metre shrine to motorcycles and scooters which will be predominantly occupied by club displays. You name it and you’ll probably see it – from the humble Vespa to the mighty Vincent HRD.

The Classic Motor Show is open from 10am until 6.30pm on Friday, 9.30am until 6.30pm on Saturday, and 9.30am until 5.30pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from ￡15 when purchased in advance. For the latest updates or to book tickets, visit necclassicmotorshow.com