Shetland Classic Motor Show will be the biggest yet

Britain’s most northerly classic motor show takes place this weekend at the Clickimin Leisure Complex and expectations are higher than ever as the organisers hope to build on the success of previous events by gathering together an even greater range of exhibits and features.

The Shetland Classic Motor Show is held every two years with growing numbers of cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles of all kinds, tractors, stationary engines, bicycles, collections and memorabilia. Exhibits are always impressive and are shown to full effect at Clickimin where display facilities are excellent in the three indoor halls and the outdoor areas. Visitor attendance from Shetland and the UK has grown substantially as the reputation of this remarkable event has become widespread.

Interest in the event from outwith the islands is tremendous and bookings already received have stretched the capacity of NorthLink cabin spaces and deck space, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs as well as the significant resources of the Clickimin Complex in accommodating the expanding event.

For the first time, two tour groups will be visiting Shetland with classic vehicle and coach enthusiasts to take in the show. One is a double decker which will also be used to take people between the town centre and Clickimin during the afternoons and give them a historic trip in a 1955 AEC Regent 3 restored vehicle.

Over 170 motorcars and 150 motorcycles of all types, spanning more than 80 years of motoring history will be on show plus 20 commercial vehicles, 100 bicycles, 40 tractors, 14 Land Rovers and agricultural vehicles and 10 stationary engines plus literally hundred of models create a colourful visual and aural display. Scale model and archive photograph displays are particularly popular with local enthusiasts.

For the first time, and potentially the highlight of this year’s event, is the arrival of eight fully operational steam engines from the Bon Accord Steam Club plus three miniature engines, thanks to the sponsorship from NorthLink Ferries and Hay & Company Buildbase.

The full size steam engines will be located at the north side of the running track in full operational mode and the miniatures can be seen running along the track by the lochside. This will be the first time that this type of engine has been seen in Shetland in such numbers and should not be missed. The amazing sounds and smells of the engines is equally as impressive as the sight of the magnificent machines.

Sixteen historic cars from the Sunbeam, Talbot and Darracq club will honour the show by visiting on Sunday before touring the islands until Wednesday evening. Sunbeams held the world land speed record in the 1920s and the car which featured in the film <i>Genevieve</i> was a 1904 Darracq. The oldest car at this years event is in fact a 1903 Darracq.

“Cruise in Company” tours for the classic vehicles have been arranged for participants from outwith the islands to enable them to view the spectacular scenery and to enjoy the natural history and visitor attractions. These take place immediately before and after the show so that visitors can make the most of their time in the islands.

The Classic Foy of Shetland music and dancing has been arranged to let visitors appreciate a little of Shetland’s culture on Saturday evening and a relaxing guided coach tour to Yell and Unst takes place on Sunday.

Maurice Mullay said: “The 2010 Shetland Classic Motor Show is again breaking new ground with new features and a hugely impressive collection of all types of vehicle which have travelled from all over the country to Shetland for this very popular event.

“The diversity and quality of vehicles is ever increasing, quite amazing and there is something to delight everyone. Come and enjoy this weekend in the company of enthusiasts, take a trip down memory lane with some of the historic vehicles on show or be amazed at the  range and quality of the local and visiting exhibits on display. Clickimin is the place to spend this very special and enjoyable weekend.”