Sporting Bears' Dream Rides Get the 'Nod' From Supercars to Super Classic at the Classic Motor Show

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – October 13, 2009: Fundraising extraordinaires The Sporting Bears Motor Club will be bringing their popular ‘Dream Rides’ feature to the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC (13-15 November) offering the public the chance of a passenger ride in their dream car in exchange for a charitable donation.

Visitors can make an agreed minimum donation to the Sporting Bears and in exchange will be able to experience an 8-10 mile ride in a variety of cars. As in previous years, marques such as rare Lamborghinis, Ferraris, TVRs, Jaguars, and Morgans are expected to be on offer. Classics from yesteryear will mix with modern supercars and those destined to be icons of motoring history to provide a mouth watering choice.

Each day between 60-80 cars are expected on display in the Sporting Bears Dream Rides garage in Hall 2. A 1930 eight litre Bentley will rub shoulders with a stunning Jaguar XJ220 whilst a ferocious Lola T70 will try to outdo a 1934 Lagonda with its exhaust sounds.

Those whose bedroom walls have been adorned with posters of an Italian supercar stand a good chance of finding their Dream Ride ready and waiting as do those who crave the more British feel of a Morgan or Jaguar E-Type. With over around 100 cars expected for the duration of the show, there should be something for everyone with donations starting at a very affordable £10.

And whilst legally the Bears are unable to offer rides for anyone under six-years-old, there is even the opportunity for some lucky people to go for a ride with ‘Just NOD’ in his bright red and yellow car reminiscent of Toy Town and the lovable children’s story book characters. Purchased by Just NOD around a year ago the Acrea Zest, with its 505cc Lambardini engine has a top speed of around 60 mph and has provoked amazing interest from people aged eight to eighty and the road legal car has the appropriate registration JU57 NOD.

The Bears, as they are affectionately known, are a dedicated group of classic car and sports car enthusiasts with one primary aim - to raise money for children's charities through its own social and touring events, and to support other charitable events. It is to the club's credit that annual subscriptions support the club overheads thus allowing all monies raised from events to be directed towards the selected charities. Since the Club was formed in 1989, the Bears have raised over £700,000 for children's charities in the UK and Dream Rides at the Classic Motor Show have generated over £250,000 to date since it was formed in 1989.

Last year the Bears raised £32,000 over the three days of the Classic Motor Show. With their proud boast that every penny donated goes to the charities named, with members giving their time, cars and fuel for nothing, they are hoping this year to beat last year’s total. As all the drivers cover all their costs, all that is needed is a queue of passengers for the Dream Rides to raise money for this year’s chosen charities which include Midlands based Thomas’s Fund, Derian House Children’s Hospice in Lancashire, and Julia’s House, Dorset.

Make sure you don’t miss the Classic Motor Show at the NEC between the 13th and 15th November 2009. The show is packed with over 1,400 of Britain’s best classic cars and motorcycles as well as many other live events and attractions, including the Live Stage, Restoration Theatre and hundreds of trade stands selling more parts, spares and motoring paraphernalia than you could imagine.

For more information, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.