A 1987 MERCEDES owned by a Darlington man is one of 16 classic cars set to do battle at the UK’s biggest classic car show in the nationwide concours competition.

The Showcase forms part of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show – itself the biggest classic car show in the UK, held at Birmingham’s NEC this weekend (November 14 to 16).

Having owned the 420SL since 2004, David Briggs said: “It was pretty good when I got it – I spent a long time looking for one.”

Mr Briggs got his first Mercedes back in 2000, an A Class, which he still owns, but it is the SL that gets his full attention now.

He has been visiting the Classic Motor Show for years, but this is his first time exhibiting.

“I was shocked to make it to the final, but I’m thrilled to be there – you always think other people’s cars are better than yours,” he said.

The Mercedes faces competition from cars as varied as a 1949 Buick Roadmaster and a 1994 Mazda MX-5 and despite having made it to Birmingham, David is candid about his chances of winning the Showcase.

“If I win you’ll need to give me smelling salts!” says David. “I’m not even going with a view to win – I know the standard of the cars that are on the Meguiar’s Stand, it’s just great to be there.”

The Meguiar’s Club Showcase is one of the most popular features of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, the UK’s biggest indoor motoring event.

For more information on the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show as well as all the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.