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We’re getting our kit on for Stoneleigh

We’re getting our kit on for Stoneleigh

Posted on Apr 26, 2016

This weekend sees the Principal specialist car team heading down the M6 to stunning Stoneleigh, host to the National Kit Car Motor Show. When it comes to kit and replica motors, this is the biggy. With some 4,000 cars, 100 clubs and hundreds of trade stands, it’s proudly billed as the world’s largest kit car show. Whilst our team is returning to the Warwickshire event, this will be their first time participating  under the Principal name. But whilst the name may be new to show visitors, the faces won’t be, especially that of Kat Blayden-Byrne, boss of our kit, replica, high performance, high value and classic car insurance office. Whilst we hesitate to use the term ‘veteran’ it has to be said Kat has been on the specialist motor insurance scene a good while – 15 years to be more or less precise! In fact she’s been with our Kendal-based operation from the days when traded as Peart Insurance Brokers, then under the Marsh moniker and, finally, following our acquisition of the business last year as Principal. That deal saw the team reunited with our chairman Damian Keeling who previously owned Peart. You can catch up on that story here. So, a new name but a bootload of experience and expertise from which show visitors can benefit. “It’s a great show in a wonderful setting,” says Kat. “It’s a pleasure to attend with some genuinely jaw-dropping cars on display and thousands of like-minded people admiring them and chatting the breeze. “For us it’s a great opportunity to meet enthusiasts, answer questions and offer advice on replica and kit car insurance. We get great feedback too on what owners want from the cover and brokers which we can use to further improve our service.” But let’s face it, whilst having insurance whizzes on hand, it’s not cover notes and green cards that are first on show-goers’ minds. It’s the cars. Stoneleigh Kat car show National Kit Car Motor Show StoneleighStoneleigh Kit Car Shhow National Kit Car Show   It's all about the cars.   This year, visitors are, as in previous, going to be spoilt for choice. Stoneleigh’s lush grounds will be decorated with thousands of magnificent motors whilst the Warwickshire venues will harbour a veritable A-Z of manufacturers. Well, A-W at least, opening with Cobra replica specialists AK Sportscars and running through to leaders of the Brit Pack, Westfield. There’s plenty to see along the alphabetical way. Dax, a brand which has very much made its mark and indeed marque, on the scene with the Dax 427 sports classic firmly established through to the ever-evolving standard model and deluxe De Dion variant. Dutch outfit Faroux is bringing its curvaceous Boxster-based 917K to the show, a car which, whilst still a work in progress, nonetheless looks a salivating prospect. Fully formed and flying the British flag though are Gardner Douglas’s GD427 Cobra replica and ’66 Spyder Lola inspired GD T70. The Newark manufacturer certainly turns out particularly classy motors which are incredibly easy on the eye.  Stoneleigh Kit Car ShowWestfield kit carSlalom Experience         Getting down with the skids.       Meanwhile their compatriots from a little further down the A1, Peterborough’s Healy Designs, will be unveiling for the first time at a kit car show the company’s new Lexus V8-powered Enigma. Whilst the Enigma variations may have split opinions, the new model has received an early thumbs up from Total Kit Car (TKC) which has described it as “clearly very good.” Decide for yourself when you see the 280bhp model nestling amongst the outdoor trade stands. Also making its kit car debut will be the Sport 250, the latest head-turner to emerge from the Westfield workshop. Powered by a relatively humble 2 litre Ford Focus ST Eco Boost engine negotiated via MX5 transmission the 250 looks the proverbial business, a fantastic marriage of retro style and modern performance. National Kit Car Motor ShowDigging the dirt, Dakar style. Important as they are the show is about much more than the manufacturers. It’s about the enthusiasts, hence the organisers canny inducement of free entry to the driver of any kit car.  Having brought owners together, much is done to keep the chat and adrenaline going, from the opportunity to ride shotgun on the tyre-squealing Slalom Experience, dishing the off-road dirt on a Dakar 4x4 to tapping toes to live music in the Warwick Hall. In short, it’s a holiday treat kit car fans can bank on!   Stoenleigh Kit Car Show
  • The National Kit Car Motor Show takes places on Sunday May 1st through Monday May 2nd at the National Agricultural & Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh. If you’re using sat nav the best postcode is CV8 2LG. Daily adult entry on the gate costs £15, with kids aged 8-16 years getting in for a fiver. Adult it car passengers benefit from a £5 discount. For more details visit www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk.
                       
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