For the last 32 years – I know, I find it hard to believe too – The Bristol Show has traditionally signalled the start of a new classic season. This year, of course, Bristol was beaten to the punch by its sister show, The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic at Newark in January. But for the hardy enthusiasts from the South West their annual pilgrimage to the Bath and West showground will kick off the season.
However, there are a few changes in store at this year’s 32nd Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, and all aimed to make ‘the friendly show’ – as it’s been called on more than one occasion – even better.
The really big news is the first ever Bonhams auction at the Bristol Show.
Regular showgoers will know what an incredible job Bonhams does at the Stafford auctions and Bristol promises to be just as exciting. Although there may not be the huge number of lots that Stafford attracts, already a barn find collection of bikes just crying out to be in your workshop has been consigned. Viewing is on Friday February 17, with the sale taking place the following day.
To accommodate the demand for stand space the main hall will grow in size for this year, with the use of the retail units, which run around the outside of the hall, being used. All of these are already sold as we go to press and the additional space this has created is rapidly being snapped up.
I’ll be at the show with my usual shopping list and an eye for a bargain in the auction this time too, so I hope to see you over the weekend of February 18-19.
Malc Wheeler
