N.E.C. 2005
into the equation and eventually these were sorted out and we set of at around 9:45 am.
In an effort to tidy up the bulkhead cables I moved the wiper operating cable why? It began to
rain on the way down so there I was 60 mph, middle lane of the M6 with no wipers, miles later
and onto the services, reroute cable and everything was OK again. There were no more dramas
and we arrived at the hotel at 12:45.
Alison and Paul,Eddie and Sandra had already arrived and once we checked into our rooms we
went in search of Sandra as she had all the paperwork needed to get into the show. With all the
passes sorted out we headed down to the NEC in convoy with the support cars bringing up the
rear. I was last in line and the three cars looked great going down the road.
This was the first time that the club had shown cars here and the next hour ended up like
something out of the wacky races. Granted it was not our fault really as there is a total lack of
any signs that let you know where the exhibitors entrances are. After going in just about every
security gate we were finally directed to the right one, and so was every other exhibitor. I
couldn't believe that there was only one gate being used, surely a separate entrance gate could be
utilized for each exhibition hall but maybe that is too easy. But hopefully next year we will
know better ( They will probably change it ).
(From L to R)
Chris Walker and Lisa Revill
58 Pacer 4 - Door Sedan
Eddie and Sandra Clarkson
60 2 - Door Ranger
Paul and Alison Organ
59 2 - Door Ranger
problems and Mark Audemas sold) we were down to just 3,with a representative from each
year that they were in production.
Eventually we managed to get to our allocated stand and to tell you the truth if all 5 cars had
been available it would have been a struggle to get them all on, as in the middle of one side
there was a ruddy great support post, but as it was they were parked up in place and the
cleaning began.
They were spaced out so as to let the public have a good look round them as no doubt not many
will have seen an Edsel up close.
There was my 58 then Alison's 59 and Eddie's 60 ( A strange fact emerged whilst talking about
the cars was that all three cars were made at the Louisville plant coincidence or what?
to eat, so Lisa and myself went of to get a bite to eat and a drink. It was whilst we were gone
that the only " Bad Event " of the whole weekend happened, Some light fingered S******** took a
shine to my digital camera that was on the front seat under my jacket. It was not the fact that
they had took it just that they had to reach into the car to get and in the 30 years that I have
been going to shows I have never had anything taken before. Anyway I hope you enjoy your
new camera a****hole.
But one good thing did come out of it my fantastic better half took pity on me and bought me a
new camera (Early Christmas present). It does everything but make a cup of tea and includes a
DVD video recorder so if I can suss out how to use it properly there might be movies from the
shows added to the site next season? Thanks Sweetheart XXXX
So now there was a problem a major show no camera and a show report to be written with no
pics, Alison to the rescue, in the shape of a digital camera and new capture card thanks Alison I
am really grateful. Information Boards were placed in front of each car giving details about it
and "The Edsel Spotters Guide Posters" attached to the post on the stand. This was to allow the
public to see the variations that were made for each year and how to identify them.
Once all the cleaning had been finished we packed up and headed back to the hotel. I love the
atmosphere of outdoor shows but it is great to pamper yourselves once in a while by staying at a
hotel and the Tristar was brilliant with en-suite,full English breakfast, restaurant and bar and
will definitely be coming back again next year. After a good feed and a few drinks time to hit
the sack as a long day was forecast for tomorrow.
Alison and Paul's 59 ranger
Eddie and Sandra's 60 Ranger
We all met in the dining room for breakfast and
at 9:00 am set off for the show.We presumed
that we would be able to park near hall 5 but
no! We were directed to the public car park and
although we had passes still had to get a bus to
the show entrance
Paul Kennedy. Sorry about the shoulder )
The stand was constantly busy with a steady flow of visitors who seemed genuinely interested in the
cars and although decidedly bare can and will be improved upon for next year.
One of the highlights for me was when a father trying to explain to his son (approx 8-10 years old)
about the classic styling of old cars stated that " Your grandfather had one of these when he lived in
America and I can remember feeling like a prince when we went out in it. New cars just don't
have any souls these days and all look the same" to which the little boy replied " yeah right dad
can we go and look at the Ferrari's now" Kids bless them!
Sunday evening came round and time to pack up, Farewells were said and it was time to head home,
and get ready for the 2006 season Myself I cant wait, with a few more members maybe the club will be
up there with the other one make clubs. I know I will be doing my best to promote the Edsel as I am
sure that everybody else will.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. May all your hopes and wishes
come to fruition during the coming year.