A Brilliant Weekend at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show

Mk1 Ford Cortina barn find display NEC 2026

Last month we were at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show 2026 — and what a weekend it turned out to be.

We had four cars on display on the Footman James Barn Find stand, alongside a fantastic mix of projects, survivors and long-forgotten classics. Our line-up included a Series 1 Austin Allegro and a Mk1 Ford Cortina, plus a pair of proper 80s machines in the shape of a Porsche 924 and a Datsun New Cherry. A real mix, and exactly what barn finds are all about.

Series 1 Austin Allegro barn find at NEC Restoration Show 2026
A Series 1 Austin Allegro drawing plenty of attention over the weekend

On top of that, our Jaguar S-Type also made an appearance on the Jaguar Drivers’ Club stand, which was great to see.

All weekend, the cars drew a steady crowd. There’s something about genuine barn finds that people really connect with — the stories, the originality, and the potential. We spent a lot of time chatting to visitors, hearing about their own projects, and seeing the reaction to the cars up close. It’s always good to get them out in front of people rather than tucked away.

The show itself was excellent as always — a great atmosphere, loads to see, and a real mix of enthusiasts from across the scene.

We’re already thinking about what we might take along next year.

And if you’ve got something tucked away that you think deserves to be part of a display like this… we’re always on the lookout. We buy classic cars and barn finds, so your car could even end up on a stand next time round.

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