Are you getting ready to take your classic car to a show? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, there are a few things you need to know in order to make the most of the experience. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from what to take with you to how to prepare your car for the journey. We’ll also give you tips on making sure your classic looks its best when it’s on display!

The sunshine has finally arrived, and classic car shows are back after the last two years of cancellations and uncertainties due to covid. Although we may not be able to enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie of yesteryear just yet, it’s great to see that things are getting back to some semblance of normality.

If you’re planning on taking your classic car out to a show this year, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Preparing the car

Prior to the show, the car should be washed and detailed. We have a dedicated blog post for that here. The main points are listed below.

Wash the car

First, you need to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. This means giving it a thorough wash. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies, removing dirt and debris. This includes the wheel arches, wheels themselves and inside the door openings, engine bay and boot.

Polish and wax the car

After you’ve washed the car, it’s time to give it a good polish and waxing. This will help protect the paint and make the car shine. Again, if you’re unsure how to do this, we have a blog post that can help.

Check the fluids and tyre pressure

Before setting off on any journey, it’s important to check the levels of all the fluids in your car. This includes oil, water and brake fluid. It’s also a good idea to check the tyre pressure. Not only will this help improve fuel economy, but it will also make the car handle better.

Check for any leaks

It’s essential to check for any leaks before taking your car out on the road. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination only to find oil or water dripping from your vehicle.

Prepare the history

People visiting car shows enjoy seeing the history of a vehicle. Do you have an interesting story to tell, photos of a restoration or interesting facts about the car? You can prepare these on a large board to display by your vehicle at the show.

What to pack for a car show

Once you’ve gotten your car ready, it’s time to prepare for the show. Car shows are usually a long day out that involves travelling. Ensure you are ready for the journey and the day at the show by packing all the essentials.

Here’s a list of things you should take with you:

  • A map or sat nav – To find your way to the event.
  • Sunscreen – In case it’s sunny, you don’t warn to burn.
  • Hat and sunglasses – Again, prepare for the good weather.
  • Folding Chairs – Take something to sit on. As we mentioned earlier, it will be a long day. You don’t want to be confined inside the car all day.
  • Money – You may need to make purchases en route or at the show.
  • Food and drinks – You won’t want to eat out all day. Pack some snacks and beverages. A cool box is ideal for keeping your drinks cool.
  • Comfortable shoes – You will probably want to walk around the show and view the other cars.
  • Torch – In case you break down at night
  • A first aid kit – In case of an accident, fall, burn or sting. Make sure there are some painkillers and antihistamines in there.
  • A large bottle of water – This is just in case the car overheats
  • A fire extinguisher – Again, just in case there is a fire.
  • Tools and spare parts – Just in case anything happens during the journey.

We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you and your classic car for the upcoming show season. If you have any other tips or advice, please share them with us in the comments below!