Bristol booms!

The classic bike show season kicked off to an almighty start at the 31st Carole Nash Classic MotorCycle Show with over 19,000 visitors through the gates – a record-breaking result! With ticket sales at an all time high – over 15% - traders had a fantastic weekend and the ever popular event certainly did not disappoint crowds, all lapping up the classic atmosphere and glorious weather conditions.

As usual, the clubs went all out, all eager to win the highly coveted prize money. Although there were many fantastic club displays to choose from, this year saw the New Imperial Owners Association walking away with the £750 award with The Royal Enfield Owners Club and The Wells Classic Motorcycle Club following closely behind with a respective second and third.

Best in Show, this year, was awarded to a delighted Eric Coombs for his 1958 pre-production Triumph Bonneville. Based on a Tiger 110, it was originally constructed in June 1958, some months before the Bonneville went into production. It was eventually dispatched from the works in December 1958, as a full Bonneville though the specification Eric has restored it to is its ‘prototype’ guise.

Speaking after the show, Exhibition Manager Nick Mowbray said. “I am utterly over-the-moon with the record crowds we have had here this weekend. Although we knew we were greatly up on advanced ticket sales we have been bowled over by the sheer amount of visitors here at Shepton Mallet. Traders, as expected, are thrilled with the response and we are already starting work on next years show due to the early demand for stand space – Bristol Show certainly beat the credit crunch!”