The classic motorcycling fraternity turned out in force at Stafford County Showground over the 
weekend of the 16-17th October for the 17th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show.  There 
was no sign of tough times in the economy as the classic market boomed with a record 33,410 people 
attending the show over the two days.

Guest of Honour for the show was four times Grand Prix World Champion and genuine legend Eddie 
Lawson. Lawson proved a massive hit with fans, with his tales of racing trials and tribulations from
his 
twenty years on the world stage. Eddie said, “Having not been in Europe for over 16 years, I cannot 
believe the passion the British have for classic motorcycling!”

Competing with Eddie for the record crowd’s attention was easily the best selection of classic 
motorcycles on show anywhere in the UK, reinforcing the reputation of the Carole Nash Classic 
Mechanics show as the biggest and best around. Over 1000 bikes were on display ranging from 
everyday runners and riders to immaculate concours restorations and some of the best engineered 
specials anywhere.
Coupled to this success, the famous Bonhams Auction held on the Sunday, grossed a colossal 
£1.264 million with the ex-Helmut Fath/Horst Owesle World Championship winning sidecar, a 1966 
URS 498cc outfit, selling well above the estimate of £70,000 at £92,000.
Traders the length and breadth of the showground were inundated with enthusiastic customers – 
spending anything from 50p for a fastener to £14,000 for a Honda RC30. One lucky customer bought a 
Yamaha FZR1000 only to discover that the previous owner was his road race hero Steve Plater.
At the other end of the show, crowds flocked to the Classic Racer GP paddock and stood open 
mouthed as the editor of Classic Dirt Bike magazine rode his old BSA over a car.
Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield who both attended with their exhibition units, gave the public the 
opportunity to test their latest bikes. They had non-stop queues all weekend and have already 
confirmed their attendance for next year.
Finally, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine, the title sponsor to the event, proved so popular 
with the crowds by the end of Sunday trading, the magazine had completely sold out!