The London Classic Car show took place at Excel last weekend and the TR Register followed up on our debut last year, with a display of four TRs. The line-up celebrated not only the anniversary of TR6@50 but more generally, TRs that are used regularly and over long distances and on great adventures.

The effort didn't go un-noticed by Show Director Bas Bungish and Display Manager, Deborah Brereton who awarded the TR Register the accolade of 'Best Car Club Display' to the team on Friday afternoon.

Sue Bell, Events Admin for the TR Register received the award and said, "We are tremendously proud of this award, not least because it is only our second year attending the show. It has been a true team effort and particular thanks goes to all the volunteers from the TR Register London Group who came out to support us and manage the stand each day."

Wayne Scott, PR and Editorial Consultant added, "The judges particularly liked the brightly lit, eye-catching displays and the fact that every car had a story to tell. But even more than that, how welcoming and fun all our members were whilst volunteering on the stand – everyone should be proud of their club for the great impression we have made on this year's show."

TRs on display included the TR Register London Group leader's TR4A which has taken part in many long-distance 'reliability runs' for charity not to mention a regular at local events and outings in the London region.

The TR Register's very own car, the early pre-production Triumph TR2 known as 'TS2' owing to its chassis number was also on display and attracted a huge amount of interest from visitors who stopped to have their photo taken with the car. Children were invited to sit in the driving seat throughout the weekend and every single one went away with big smiles and photographs of their moment with this significant TR. One of those smiles came from Alex Riley, TV presenter and commentator on the show's grand avenue (not to mention proud TR7 owner) who popped over on the Sunday to the stand.

It was also an opportunity for the club to launch the first of its TR6@50 anniversary displays and this one featured two very different examples of the marque.

The first, owned by local member Barry Rowe had a truly fascinating story. At first glance it was obvious to see that the car was wearing the patina, scars and corrosion of a life well lived. This is because this TR6 is completely unrestored but in regular use and still with its original owner who bought the car form new. The purchase though, back in 1973, has a unique story to it; Barry used to be the manager for the White Helmets motorcycle display team, who were sponsored by Triumph during the early 1970s. As a result of this sponsorship, a GT6 was regularly used for the riders to jump over in stunts. The trouble was, Barry much preferred the TR6 but was offered one by the factory, at very favourable rates, which we took up and thus began a love affair with the car that has lasted ever since.

The second TR6 is a highly restored, uprated and modified left-hand drive TR6 that is no stranger to long European journeys. Owned by Dave Burgess, TR Register Vice Chairman the car was restored by him in 2010 and demonstrates a TR6 tastefully upgraded for modern roads and long-distance touring. Although the engine has been tuned, it retains its carburettors as per its original USA specification.

Elsewhere at the show, the public were treated to a celebration of Jaguar designer Ian Callum, including an interview with the man himself on Friday and a display of his greatest work, including the Ford RS200 of his early career. There were anniversary celebrations for the Mini's 60^th birthday and the centenary of Citroën on the grand avenue. The Coys of Kensington Auction offered a variety of lots spread across two sales one on Saturday and the other on Sunday.

Overall the show was down on numbers attracting 36,500 through the doors from the 38,500 of last year and it was noticeable that the vast majority of lots going through the Coys auction struggled to make the expected guide prices. Perhaps an indication of the uncertainty that permeates through every aspect of British life at present.

A stunning TR7 V8 was the only Triumph in the auction and confused buyers by being wrongly listed as a Grinnall when it in fact the car was adorned with a rather handsome Rimmer Bros body kit. The TR7 V8 was a lovely example and the guide price was a fair one but due to the uncertainty around its listing only managed £5,750 under the hammer.

However, despite criticisms of the event from some quarters, the TR Register enjoyed a successful London Classic Car Show in terms of public engagement and new member signups.

In addition to the cars and friendly conversation, TR Register Insurance were also on-hand all day on Saturday to offer advice and there was free tea and coffee for all members throughout the weekend which was warmly received as ever, so we will be back next year.

To conclude, the TR Register would like to thank the following people for making such a successful and award-winning weekend possible:

• Mark Bulford
• Nigel Cluley
• Barry Rowe
• David Boucher
• John Gothard
• Jonathan Knight
• John Headden
• Richard Claydon
• Ron Thorn
• Peter Keefe
• Keith Parkinson
• Jean Parkinson
• Dave Solomon
• Dave Burgess
• Sue Bell
• Wayne Scott