Car enthusiasts are flocking to the ExCel this weekend for the London Classic Car Show, showcasing some of the most iconic vehicles from years gone by.

Newham Recorder: James May and the Corgi Aston Martin DB5 toy – his choice as 'The Car That Changed The World' (picture: LCCS)James May and the Corgi Aston Martin DB5 toy – his choice as 'The Car That Changed The World' (picture: LCCS) (Image: London Classic Car Show)

Whether you prefer the fast and furious world of Formula 1 or the iconic and innovative cars from years gone by, petrol heads of all ages haveplenty to look at.

Displays celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Maserati brand, the history of the 24 hours of Le Mans race and legendary racers such as Ayrton Senna, while there is also the chance to see some of the cars in action along the Grand Avenue runway.

Thursday’s opening night saw stars from both the track and the television screen discuss motor vehicles past and present.

Top Gear presenter James May made a somewhat controversial decision when asked to name the car that changed the world - selecting the toy Corgi model of James Bond’s famous Aston Martin.

Newham Recorder: Adrian Newey with Chris Evans in his dad's old Elan (picture: LCCS)Adrian Newey with Chris Evans in his dad's old Elan (picture: LCCS) (Image: London Classic Car Show)

He said: “The thing about the Corgi DB5 is that it was a great toy at the time. If you’ve got an iPod now you’ll probably think it’s rubbish, but at the time it was absolutely amazing.

“Of course it is a personal and emotive choice and a lot of people will disagree with me. But that’s the point of this display. It’s about starting a debate rather than concluding one.”

Show curator and chief technical officer of Formula 1’s Red Bull team, Adrian Newey, was reunited with his father’s yellow Lotus Elan, which he last saw in 1980.

“Chris Evans called me up on to the stage to say a few words, then right at the end he asked me what was the first car I modified,” he said.

Newham Recorder: The Classic car show at Excel in NewhamThe Classic car show at Excel in Newham (Image: Archant)

“Luckily I got it right. It was a genuine surprise and to see the Elan once again was just fantastic.”

The radio presenter also quizzed Newey and former Formula 1 drivers David Coulthard and Martin Brundle on stage about the upcoming season as part of the launch evening.

Tickets cost £25 on the door or £22 from www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk

Newham Recorder: The Classic car show at Excel in NewhamThe Classic car show at Excel in Newham (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: The Classic car show at Excel in NewhamThe Classic car show at Excel in Newham (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: The Classic car show at Excel in NewhamThe Classic car show at Excel in Newham (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Classic car show at Excel in Newham Picture by Victoria OkunevicClassic car show at Excel in Newham Picture by Victoria Okunevic (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Classic car show at Excel in Newham Picture by Victoria OkunevicClassic car show at Excel in Newham Picture by Victoria Okunevic (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: The Classic car show at Excel in NewhamThe Classic car show at Excel in Newham (Image: Archant)

Newham Recorder: Classic car show at Excel in Newham Picture by Victoria OkunevicClassic car show at Excel in Newham Picture by Victoria Okunevic (Image: Archant)