There’s a new live element in store for visitors heading to the world’s largest classic bike show next month with TV personality Pete Thorne, a regular on ITV’s The Motorbike Show with Henry Cole, set to deliver five daily sessions of essential restoration advice.
The Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, taking place at Staffordshire County Showground on April 25-26, will see Pete guide showgoers through a range of topics offering practical and down-to-earth advice with accompanying demonstrations.
Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager at event organiser Classic Bike Shows, said: “We’re all really excited about our new Restoration Theatre and we know we’ve got the right man in Pete Thorne who’ll bring plenty of enthusiasm and passion to proceedings, along with a wealth of technical knowledge.
“Perhaps the best news for showgoers is we’ve been able to incorporate the sessions into the overall ticket price meaning there is no additional charge to attend any of the ten presentations taking place across the weekend.”
Four different topics will be covered: putting cylinders on a twin, dry gear assembly and disassembly, electrical fault finding and the do’s and don’ts of restoration.
Pete will pitch the information so it’s accessible to every level of restorer with the theatre retaining a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. He will also be on hand following each presentation to answer questions.
He said: “The prospect of the Restoration Theatre is one that appealed to me and I’m delighted to have been asked to take part. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the world of motorcycle repair and restoration for the past 41 years and I look forward to sharing my experiences with crowds at the Stafford show.”
The rest of the event will be marked with its usual excellent blend of bikes and bargains with stunning display machines filling the halls alongside a full range of trade and jumble plots selling everything from whole machines through to rare spares and parts.
Guests of honour are traditional at the Stafford events and 2015 sees the star quality doubled with both Nick and Tony Jefferies, former motorcycling sporting stars and leading industry figures, in attendance, presenting show awards, signing autographs and chatting on stage with Steve Plater.
Auction house Bonhams will host their annual Spring sale once again also with a pre-war 1939 Vincent HRD Series-A Rapide, which was rescued from scrap, estimated to reach in the region of £250,000.
Ben Walker, international director for Bonhams’ motorcycle division, said: “Seven years of restoration have resulted in a magnificent motorcycle completed to concours standard.
“Owned by the same family for the past fifty years, Bonhams Stafford sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire this highly desirable machine – one of the holy grails of the motorcycle world and a must for any major collection.”
Back at the event by popular demand is the Cavalcade, taking place in the showground’s main ring, which will see several wonderful examples of classic British and European machinery paraded for spectators and new for this year is live music in the venue’s bandstand.
The Classic Racer GP Paddock – showcasing some incredible track and road-racing machines – and the Classic Dirt Bike Experience – celebrating all that’s best about off-road – complete the most action-packed Stafford line up ever.
Nick added: “Our Stafford weekends are incredible as tens of thousands of motorcyclists take over the showground for two days and bring an incredible collection of bikes along with them. With the chance to catch up with biking friends and the opportunity to pick up unrivalled bargains, it is a must-not-miss for all two wheel enthusiasts.”
Tickets for the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show are now on sale with a one day adult ticket costing just £10 when bought in advance, a £3 saving on the gate price. Passes can be purchased online from classicbikeshows.com or over the phone on 01507 529529.
Henry Cole (left) and Restoration Theatre host Pete Thorne (right) filming for ITV’s The Motorbike Show.
