Driving a classic car is a great experience, but showing it off can be just as satisfying. Classic car shows happen all over the UK, and it provides a wonderful opportunity for motor enthusiasts to come together and share their passion. There’s also the chance to bring your car with you and display it proudly. If you plan on displaying your classic car for the first time, then it could seem quite daunting. We’ve put together a guide on how to prepare your motor for a show.
It’s all in the details
Car shows are all about presentation, so you’ll want to make sure every detail is taken care of. This means washing the car yourself. Use a cloth soaked in a non-detergent cleaning product on the exterior. Start from the roof and work your way down until the car is spotless.
When the car has been thoroughly cleaned on the outside, it’s time to wax it. Work in the shade to avoid any wax drying too quickly on hot paint.
Remember to clean the interior, including the back of the doors and the hinges. Vacuum the carpets and use a cloth soaked in warm water to wipe down the seats and plastic surfaces. If the seats are made out of leather then use a specialised leather cleaner.
Think about the tyres
As with the rest of the car, it’s important to consider the tyres. Tyres with poor tread will damage the overall presentation of the vehicle. It’s worth investing in a separate set of tyres that you’ll use exclusively for shows. To get the best possible outcome for your car, clean the tyres with water and a standard cleaning product in a spray bottle. Then, let the tyres dry naturally.
Carry out a full check
After the car has been cleaned, it’s time to carry out a final check. Look at each part of the vehicle and consider if it matters to the show that you’ve entered. For example, you don’t want to lose points because you own a Ferrari that’s outfitted with incompatible parts.
Consider shipping the car
After putting in a lot of effort to prepare your car, you may not want to drive it all the way to the show if it’s miles away. It could be useful to invest in a transport service, as you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the car will be looked after and that it will arrive safely.