British Motor Show

[Mike Wattam <MikeWattam@domain.elided>]

Went there this week, a few comments

Stars of show were Rover 75 and Jaguar 'S' type.  Both were only at the
early pilot production stage, so the general public is kept well away from
them

The Jag is beautifully styled, has many echo's of the 'S' Type - somebody
at Jaguar forgot the 'S' Type was not a good car in its day though!  Nobody
got near the car, one of the press said it probably had no interior.

Rover also very good.  Notable was some retro styling particularly in
lavish use of chrome and wood, exterior styling reminiscent of current
Rolls/Bentley and old Rover P5, in all very luxurious.  The prices seem
very attractive indeed, it is interesting that the car seems to have been
positioned below the 3 series in price, but above it in quality - that's
what brand image does for you.  BMW chairman shot himslef several times in
both feet at the press launch when he mentioned in passing that he is
considering closing Longbridge - Rovers biggest factory as Rover is making
huge losses.  What a way to dampen off a car launch, he should resign for
that.

Citroen had a prototype small minivan called Picasso, wonderful curves and
double opening doors it looked as though it belonged in Toon Town.

Renault had a lot of prototypes, including a 'thing' called Vel Satis. 
This caused a sensation, nobody could work out which was the front and for
all the world it looked like a Space Shuttle from Star Trek (first series).

The Highways Agency was there with the crap about "Speed Kills" with no
evidence in support, so they got a bit of verbal from me and a number of
other car enthusiasts (surely you have to be an enthusiast to endure going
to the NEC?).

You must visit the stand 'Planet Bike' run by the Motor Cycle Industry
Association, simply brilliant.  A stand full of bikes from enduro to
scooter, BMW and Harley, and able to sit on them all including a Triumph -
and friendly staff.  They were giving away a nice little book all about
bikes from accessories to Biker haunts, thru clubs, bike tests and
bike-related occupations - all in 132 pages, nice.

But not a classic car to be seen, this is reserved for one day only on
Thursday 29 October, apparently no Stag to be present.  Shame.

Ford have a huge stand, a show itself within the show, majoring on the
Focus.  Amazinlgy only one Cougar on show and largely ignored.

Seat have the usual cars including a new Toledo (wasn't that a Triumph?)
that looks just like a BMW from the front - poetic justice!

Not much in the way of accessories or parts, except many stands selling
radar detectors now they are legal (in the UK at least), one vendor was
saying this year they have quadrupled volume over 1997, they're laughing
all the way to the bank.  Nobody had the nerve to turn up with any wonder
'fuel conditioner' to eliminate the need for leaded petrol, thank goodness.

Lastly, the show area is at least double the previous time, this is mainly
due to increased gangways so the distances to walk are much bigger than
previously.  Which makes you hungry, and there were more pig roasts than
ever.

I think I'll stick with classics.

Mike Wattam
Triumph Stag Register