Federation Skills Interactive Zone added to Classic Car and Restoration Show – ATV Today

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has teamed up with the Federation Skills Trust (FST) and training partner In-Comm to create the new Federation Skills Zone.

In a bid to encourage more enthusiasts in the historic vehicle industry, three of the greatest learning ambassadors are bringing an exciting interactive feature to this year’s show Classic Car and Restoration Showwith discovery+

David Whale, FBHVC President:

“The aim is to allow enthusiasts who visit the show to learn from professionals who train apprentices and other young people. In addition to meeting and speaking with In-Comm training lecturers, they can learn how to measure bore size and check valve clearance on an MG Magnette cylinder block and cylinder head. They can examine examples of fundamental engineering skills, such as turned and milled components, or examples of welds in three types of materials.

“It will also be possible to discover the JAP and Villiers stationary engines built by the students as well as to study cutaway components such as a Fiat Topolino rear axle produced between 1936 and 1955.”

While the FBHVC has been in operation since 1988, looking after all historic vehicles over 30 years old and the interests of their owners, the FST is a charity established in 2020 and has a broad mandate representing aviation, heritage navy and steam in addition to historic vehicles.

The Federation stand will also ask visitors to comment on the future of Betsy, a 1931 Alvis TJ 12/50. They can examine the car and decide whether it should be kept, returned to road service or fully restored in competition condition.

Betsy is part of the last series of 12/50 models, registered as a saloon on February 27, 1931. A very sporty vehicle at the time, it had Rotax lights still fitted, 12-volt coil ignition and wire wheels. Ballots will be available at the stand. While the Federation stand focuses on cars, a new Hudson motorcycle will also be on display for two-wheeler enthusiasts.

David Whale, FBHVC President:

“If you have a youngster in your family who is considering taking a heritage engineering apprenticeship, then come meet the teachers and talk to some of the apprentices.”

the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with discovery+, will take place from March 18-20, 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham and tickets are now on sale. For more information as well as ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com