Sitting here typing this rather overdue entry when it’s -2°c and close to snowing outside makes the scorching temperatures of Ford Fair seem like a lifetime away. One thing common to both then and now would be the desirability of the “T1G” pass the car above sports.

An indoor space in searing heat, driving rain or icy temperatures is the holy grail for the displaying car owner, being the equivalent of courtside seats at an NBA game or front row for Led Zeppelin at the 02. Such enviable positions are not bought but earned, and usually reserved for magazine feature cars, either previous or upcoming.

Another position of envy would be the Auto Finesse stand, with their cherry-picked spotless cars. Cost of entry here is more time than money based although I’d expect there may be compensation in the form of free or heavily discounted product. I wonder if rolling up with a noticeable Meguiars fragrance would get you immediately ejected?