It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month since the 2025 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show opened the curtain on this year’s show season here in the UK—and what a start it was!
Among the 160 clubs proudly in attendance, ado16.info was right in the thick of it, with our stand drawing a steady stream of enthusiasts, curious passersby, and long-time supporters. With three standout ADO16s proudly on display, our area became an unofficial “brake system special.” Two of the three cars had brake work carried out live during the weekend—brave, considering the drive home on Sunday loomed! But rest assured: all three left the NEC under their own power, stopping just fine, and looking every bit as good as they should.
On the stand, we had a wonderful trio of ADO16s representing different corners of the range:
- Maggie, a charming 1966 Wolseley 1100
- A beautifully presented 1965 Morris 1100
- A sturdy and stylish 1971 Morris 1300
The footfall was fantastic, and once again, the stories shared by visitors stole the show. One that really stuck with us came from a now-retired driving instructor reminiscing about his very first instructor car: an Austin 1100. Despite being a self-confessed mechanical novice, he attempted to install dual controls himself. With the first lesson looming and the job unfinished, he took the bold step of conducting it without them. “It was the most memorable lesson of my career,” he laughed. Unsurprisingly, the dual controls were installed shortly after, and the 1100 became the first of many ADO16s in his fleet—38 cars over his career, no less!
The weekend also gave us a moment to pause and reflect on someone truly special—Rosie Hamilton, a well-known and much-loved stalwart of the Morris Minor Owners Club, who had sadly passed away recently. Rosie was a regular fixture on the show scene and a familiar face to us at ado16.info. Over the years, we were delighted to cross paths with her time and again—usually while she was on the lookout for someone (who shall remain nameless!). Rosie had a warmth and spirit that lit up every room—or marquee—she entered. It was only fitting that some of our team joined in the minute’s applause to celebrate her life. A fine tribute to an extraordinary lady, and a moment we were honoured to be part of.
And if you weren’t with us in person, chances are you still caught the action—because our Instagram account was absolutely on fire throughout the weekend! From behind-the-scenes brake work to close-ups of our stunning cars and a few surprise moments in between, the feed was buzzing. The likes, comments, and shares were flying in, and it was brilliant to see the online ADO16 community so engaged. It truly felt like we had a foot in both camps—the show floor and the digital world. If you’re not following us yet, now’s the time to fix that!
The stand wasn’t just about cars and conversation, though. Our Fruit of the Loom Premium Cotton Piqué Polo Shirts were a hit once again—and with good reason. If you haven’t grabbed yours yet, here’s why you should, and where you can get one from:
Why You Need One:
- High-Octane Comfort: Made from premium cotton piqué for all-day comfort and rugged wear.
- Timeless Style: Available in classic Black, bold Red, and vibrant Royal Blue.
- Signature Branding: Each shirt is embroidered with the iconic ado16.info logo—perfect for any true fan.
- A Brilliant Gift: Ideal for fellow enthusiasts who live and breathe ADO16.
They didn’t just sell well—they got rave reviews, too! One customer emailed us by Sunday morning, thrilled with the quality and fit. We put real effort into sourcing a shirt that would hold up for years, complete with detailed stitching to keep the logo looking sharp. We’re glad it shows.
Of course, being the Restoration Show, there was plenty of garage talk too. Visitors were more than happy to share the progress on their own projects—each story a testament to the passion and perseverance that keeps this community alive. Whether you were a long-time subscriber or a first-time visitor (where have you been the last 30(ish) years?), we loved meeting you. Thank you for stopping by, sharing your stories, and making the weekend what it was.
And just in case you were wondering—yes, we’re still going strong online! Weekly traffic averages between 1,400 and 1,700 human visits, and we’re thrilled to see subscriber numbers climbing too. Your clicks, comments, and continued support mean the world.
We say thank you a lot—and we truly mean it. Without you, there’s no ado16.info. It’s your passion that fuels our efforts, keeps us digging into the archives, wrenching on old motors, and spending our own time and money to help keep the ADO16 legacy alive.
So once more: thank you.
Here’s to a fantastic season ahead.
