The Stafford show, Car Craft,was the first I visited in 2002. This was the show season opener and what a cold and blustery day it was too! The car park was rather empty when I arrived and the layout appeared all over the place with no real club areas immediately apparent and no one around to direct - that could have been down to the cold weather!
Once inside the first vehicle that you saw was an immaculate and original RS200. OK it's not a kit car, but as near to a kit car that Ford will probably ever produce, plus it's such an awesome car it should be welcomed at any car show.
Inside the main hall was quite quiet, but there were a fair number of manufacturers, including Quantum Sports Cars with one and a half Xtremes (yes they do have half an Xtreme!) and a 2+2 demonstrator. As car that caught my eye was the Shelsey T2 from Needham Engineering an impressive looking car that uses Rover parts and looks like a convincing sports car.
Another of my faverouite cars it the Ford GT40 and there was a very nice looking replica on display, but like Clarkson I don't believe I will ever get to drive one being 6"2' and well built - at least I can dream.
Otherwise there was a good selection of the usual Cobras and Lotus Seven style cars. Not a bad start to the show season!