Event: The International Classic Motorcycle Show

The International Classic MotorCycle Show, Staffordshire Showground
26-27 April 2025

Calling all classic bike enthusiasts! Where else can you enjoy so much in one place at one time? Several hundred trade stands and autojumble plots, numerous club stands and private entry displays, the Classic Racer GP Paddock, Competition Hall and classic motorcycle cavalcade…there’s lots to enjoy! On-stage interviews with racing legends and the famous Bonhams auction complete the picture.

The International Classic Motorcycle Show, established in 1981, is an annual event that celebrates classic and vintage motorcycles from around the world. The event is held at the Stafford County Showground and features a range of exhibitions, trade stands, and live demonstrations of classic bikes in action.

Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world attend the event to admire and appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of classic bikes. The event also features a range of competitions and awards for classic motorcycles, including the prestigious Best in Show award.

Overall, The International Classic Motorcycle Show is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in classic and vintage motorcycles, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most beautiful and historic bikes up close.

Guest of Honour

2025 guest to be announced soon…

Trade & Autojumble

The Stafford Classic Bike show is the KING of classic motorcycling events.

With more than 900 traders onsite, Stafford offers the biggest selection of spares, parts, paints, clothing, reg plates, oils, lubes, chains and carbs; just about everything you could possibly need to get the most out of our favourite hobby. Both inside the halls and outside you will also find the best motorcycle autojumblers from all over the UK. You just need to brush up on your negotiating skills!

From complete, mint classic bikes to battered garage finds, everything is for sale at Stafford.

Private Entries

Thousands of painstaking hours are spent by owners ensuring their exhibit is in its best possible condition ready for display and inspection by the packed crowds and award judges. As would be expected at the April show, there is a focus on British machines and marques such as Cotton, Norton, Sunbeam, BSA, Triumph and Ariel that all feature heavily. But the likes of Suzuki, Laverda, Indian and Harley-Davidson – among others – do provide an international flavour, too. Alongside the machines on the show’s club stands, the private entries will compete for a host of show awards including the coveted Best in Show.

Club Stands

Classic Brit bikes, exotic continentals, rare contraptions… the wonderful and expansive mix of club stands packed into the halls at Staffordshire County Showground has it all. A quick browse of the A-Z list and all the big-hitters are there from the likes of the multi-interest VMCC and VJMC through to the specialist owners’ clubs covering marques such as Francis-Barnett, Sunbeam, Velocette and Norton among others.

Bonhams Auction

The Bonhams motorcycle auction is a highly anticipated event at The International Classic MotorCycle Show, featuring a wide range of rare and historic motorcycles from around the world. The auction provides an exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire unique and valuable motorcycles, many of which are not often seen on the market.

Each year, Bonhams carefully curates a selection of motorcycles for the auction, with a focus on quality, rarity, and historical significance. Past auctions have included iconic motorcycles such as the 1938 Brough Superior SS100, the 1915 Harley-Davidson Model J, and the 1960 MV Agusta 500/3 Grand Prix racer.

The Bonhams motorcycle auction at The International Classic MotorCycle Show is not just a chance to acquire a rare and valuable motorcycle, but also a unique opportunity to be part of the rich and fascinating history of classic motorcycles. Whether you are a collector or simply a lover of vintage motorcycles, the Bonhams auction is an event not to be missed.

GP Paddock

The Grand Prix Paddock, also known as the ‘Live Start Up Area’, is famous for giving classic bike fans an up close and personal experience of the sounds of days gone by.

The Live Firing up area is one of the most exciting attractions at The International Classic MotorCycle Show, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to see classic motorcycles in action. The area features a range of vintage bikes, from early pioneers to more modern classics, which are fired up and run for visitors to see and hear.

The Live Firing up area is a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of classic motorcycles as they were intended to be used. Visitors can expect to see a range of bikes, from rare and exotic models to more everyday workhorses, with something to appeal to every taste and interest.

The area is staffed by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who are always happy to share their passion for classic motorcycles and answer any questions visitors may have. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about the world of classic motorcycles, the Live Firing up area at The International Classic MotorCycle Show is a must-see attraction that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Competition Hall

One of the many highlights has to be the Competition Hall located just next to the Live Start-up Area. This April sees the return of bike enthusiast, engineer, off-road nut, crowd favourite and thankfully our compere for the weekend, John McCrink.

Among a slew of classic racing machines crammed into the Competition Hall, we’ll have bikes spanning a hundred years of motorcycling. Classic bikes from the world of motocross, trials, road race, enduro and grass track will all be represented, most of which are still ridden in anger. Don’t worry, there are always a few trailer queens among these well-used machines, showing off the craftsmanship and care that we enthusiasts lavish on our bikes. Make no mistake, this hall is for proper racing fans!

Outside, McCrink will host a trials demonstration led by the Owd Codgers Trials Club. Old they are, codgers they may be, but these boys can still ride a bike!

Live Displays

Wall of Death

The Fox family have been touring and entertaining since the 1920s. With their vintage Indian Scouts and 20ft high vertical wall, it is a show that needs to be seen to be believed! All those who witness the spectacular performance will remember it for the rest of their life. The noise, the speed, the smell, the proximity of the bikes ridden to the top of the wall (barely six inches from the audience) it is an experience never to be forgotten!

*Entrance to the Wall of Death is chargeable.

Web: https://www.classicbikeshows.com/stafforda/
Tel: +441785258060

Submitted by: Matt