You can always rely on the Footman James Classic Motor Show to have a wide range of vehicles on display – but for followers of classic vans, this year’s event will be a particular treat, with several clubs pulling out the stops to make sure the commercial side of classic life is well represented.

The Birmingham Mini Owners’ Club will have at least one Mini Van on show, while the Commer Van Fan gang is putting on a display of the once commonplace Commer commercial – including a fully restored TV detector van that once prowled the streets looking for licence evaders. Meanwhile, the DKW Club Ireland is serving up a treat in the shape of a rare Schellaster combi van that was sold during the Fifties.

Throughout the 1950s and Sixties, many British businesses relied on Ford’s 300E and Morris’ Minor van to get the job done – and to celebrate each model, the Ford 100E Club is showing a modified 300E (complete with V6 engine), while the Minor LCV Club has a selection of models on display – including an ex-GPO van, a brewery pick-up and a rare Austin-badged van. And staying with Morris, there’ll be a modified Marina pick-up on the Morris Marina Owners’ Club stand.

No commercial theme would be complete without the iconic Volkswagen Type 2, and this year’s NEC event sees a selection of ‘splitties’ on show thanks to the efforts of the Split Screen Van Club.

Whether it’s cars or commercials you’re most interested in, not to mention a huge indoor autojumble and large array of trade stands, don’t miss this year’s Footman James Classic Motor Show – taking place at the NEC, Birmingham over the long weekend of November 12-14. Ticket prices start at £17.50 when purchased in advance.

For further details, go to www.necclassicmotorshow.com.