The Lancashire and Cumbria Region (R18) decided to make the Cumbria International Motor Show their regional show of the year again in 20th May 2018, together with many other prestige car clubs and attractions at the Westmorland Showground near Kendal. The show is organised and run by David Robinsion of the Elite Performance Car Club (www.espcarclub.co.uk). David is a long-time supporter of R18 and has allowed a lesser attendance of the region over the previous six years at this event. This year we were given the same pitch as last year for our display and an opportunity to make it even bigger and better for our members and the large public crowds.
Providing excellent support at the show this year were the teams from Porsche Centre Kendal, Road and Race Restoration (Porsche Approved Bodyshop), 9Apart Ltd and Reep Group- Swissvax UK. an excellent team backed by the Club office with the popup shop. The icing on the cake was the attendance of the Mobile Exhibition Unit (MEU) provided by Porsche Cars GB at Reading.
The Cumbria International Motor Show showcases some of the very best cars from Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Mercedes, Audi and other marques. Some brands were displayed by dealers along with a large number of national and Independent car clubs.
To keep everyone entertained there was live music, local food and drink, and the children’s Entertainment Zone. There was also our very own Jamie Wilson lead singer with his band ‘Monster Rock’ keeping us all entertained with some great music throughout the day. Many R18 members brought friends, family and partners to the event and it was a great chance to meet up and catch up with friends old and new. We also had fantastic support from our Porsche friends from the North East Region (R3), where Regional Organiser Greg Harm and his wife Debbie brought with them many members on the day. It was also fabulous to see so many members from R7 Yorkshire and R5 North West Region.
The show was an ideal location for most of the Northern Porsche Club Regions to travel to and enjoy the Cumbrian scenery on what turned out to be a very hot early summer’s day.
Once again, R18 definably put on a show to be remembered for the members and the paying public alike and we had over 80 Porsches on display including cars from Porsche Centre Kendal.
The Mobile Exhibition Unit from Porsche Cars GB kindly supporting Porsche Centre Kendal provided a focal point and an excellent display of 10 Porsches including a Black GT3 and also a GT2RS Plus a 911R.
Since Region 18 was formed in 1994, Porsche Kendal have been great supporters and with Roy and Margaret Parker have always been very active in the Club. Dealer Principle Ian Parker and Simon Parker (Sales Manager) certainly put on a great display with their staff keen to assist and advise Club members and the general public on the new model range answering any queries or questions they may have had.
Many members took advantage to look and sit in the new cars and then avail themselves to the light refreshments in the Mobile Exhibition unit, courtesy Porsche Centre Kendal. Extra seating was available and enjoyed by members to overlook the entire showground providing an excellent focal point alongside the Club marquee which certainly drew the crowds from all over the Showground.
The Club’s popup shop provided an extensive range of clothing and Club merchandise for Club members and the general public to purchase. Club members volunteered to keep out thirsty members constantly topped up with tea, coffee and biscuits too. The Club Shop proved very popular on the day selling a large number of items as well as signing up some new R18 members . Very well done Chris Seaward and Jess Sutch for all their fantastic efforts over the weekend.
Road and Race Restorations Ltd from Manchester are the Porsche Centre Kendal Approved Body shop. Managing Director John Bradshaw Tom Bradshaw and his team put on a fabulous display with a 986s Boxster from the Porsche Restoracing Competition used by PC Bolton, Also on display a rare Maritime Blue Cayman GT4.
They had three cars on display a White GT3 Touring with a front end protection package and prone areas also. Plus two Macan GTS on display with front end PPf and prone to stone chip areas also protected.
Long standing Regional member and Club supporter Simon Butterworth and his team from 9Apart Ltd (genuine Porsche parts) brought along an extensive range of products to purchase from small parts, badges and wheel crests to Porsche Design clothing. Simon has been coming to the Elite Performance Car Club Show for the last 7 years and his support helped R18 win the Car Club Stand of the Show at the 2016 and 2017 event. In attendance was the 9Apart Orange 986 Racing Boxster that has always attracted the crowds and it certainly didn’t disappoint at the show this time, Also present was the 9Apart Rally Cross Boxster.
It will be even better next year!