A Special first

Car shows- The Special’s been to more than most people have had hot dinners. From small to large, local or international, we’ve trod the hard floors of venues throughout Europe.

Classic shows or, up to the early 2000s, motor shows as well, The Special’s collected the brochures, bought the books, bought the autojumble parts and ephemera. But we’d never been to a modified car show – well, not since the Racing Car Show back in the late-1960s/early-1970s.

We went with expectations of something like a Max Power show – modern cars with body kits and sound systems pumping out a volume akin to The Who’s ‘Live at Leeds’ album.

But we were in for a pleasant surprise – the Gravity Car Show, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, was an eye-opening, mind-expanding dip into the modified car scene, where cars are clearly built up to a standard, and often one that would put many restorers to shame. The plethora of Japanese cars was pleasing and some proper classics – in modified guise – pleased The Special no end.

We also visited the Hot Wheels stand for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour with the final three UK contenders on display. The stand offered a tempting array of Hot Wheels cars too, allowing visitors to add to their collection.

The Gravity crowd was big, but not so big it was difficult to walk around, but it’s clear that Youtube bloggers rather than old school, notebook-wielding journalists are the way ahead with event coverage.

In all, a great event. We’re looking forward to next year’s!