Le Mans Auto Moto Retro - April 2017
EVENT REPORT.
On Sunday April 2nd we arranged a visit to the Le Mans auto retro show that is held in the exhibition centre opposite the famous racing circuit. After much discussion it was decided that we would attend as a club event with little in the way of organisation relating to meals and a possible stop as nobody had attended this event before and weren't quite sure what to expect.
We met at Super U in Gorron at about 8:45 and set off at about 9am, we elected to go cross country rather than use the autoroute as it is a much more pleasant drive, some twenty miles shorter and doesn't involve tolls.
On arrival at the event the first thing you notice compared to similar events in the UK is how easy it is to get in no queuing and parking is free. Given that the entry fee was only €2:50 we weren't quite sure how good or otherwise the show was going to be. What a surprise a large show with several hundred good quality exhibits, over 100 trade stands selling very thing from model cars and memorobelia to radios and car polish, there was also a large auto jumble and a few cars for sale. There was also a large parking/display area for those who had arrived in a classic or interesting car. There was also a large hall for traders of non car related things.
The on site catering is reasonably priced, tea and coffee €1 pastries, crepes at less than €2 and baguettes at €3 so unless you particularly want to there is no need to take your own food.
I think given the size and quality of the show it is excellent value for money when you consider that I went to a show at the NEC in Birmingham last November and it was £15 to park, £18 entry to the show and the cheapest way to to buy lunch was a meal deal (sandwich, drink and a small bag of crisps) £14. Angie and I had a thoroughly good day out for less than €35 including fuel.
I think we should make this an annual outing for the club and that next year we should maybe leave a bit later and arrange a meal on the way back but whatever happens I will certainly attend this event again and can thoroughly recommend it as a great day out and good value too!
Phil Newstead (Chairman).
On Sunday April 2nd we arranged a visit to the Le Mans auto retro show that is held in the exhibition centre opposite the famous racing circuit. After much discussion it was decided that we would attend as a club event with little in the way of organisation relating to meals and a possible stop as nobody had attended this event before and weren't quite sure what to expect.
We met at Super U in Gorron at about 8:45 and set off at about 9am, we elected to go cross country rather than use the autoroute as it is a much more pleasant drive, some twenty miles shorter and doesn't involve tolls.
On arrival at the event the first thing you notice compared to similar events in the UK is how easy it is to get in no queuing and parking is free. Given that the entry fee was only €2:50 we weren't quite sure how good or otherwise the show was going to be. What a surprise a large show with several hundred good quality exhibits, over 100 trade stands selling very thing from model cars and memorobelia to radios and car polish, there was also a large auto jumble and a few cars for sale. There was also a large parking/display area for those who had arrived in a classic or interesting car. There was also a large hall for traders of non car related things.
The on site catering is reasonably priced, tea and coffee €1 pastries, crepes at less than €2 and baguettes at €3 so unless you particularly want to there is no need to take your own food.
I think given the size and quality of the show it is excellent value for money when you consider that I went to a show at the NEC in Birmingham last November and it was £15 to park, £18 entry to the show and the cheapest way to to buy lunch was a meal deal (sandwich, drink and a small bag of crisps) £14. Angie and I had a thoroughly good day out for less than €35 including fuel.
I think we should make this an annual outing for the club and that next year we should maybe leave a bit later and arrange a meal on the way back but whatever happens I will certainly attend this event again and can thoroughly recommend it as a great day out and good value too!
Phil Newstead (Chairman).
Photos below by Angie Newstead (scroll down for more)
Photos below by Nigel Wake (please scroll down for more)
Photos below by Pete Davis
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