IW Classic Car Extravaganza

Motor Show · June

The Isle of Wight Classic Car Extravaganza is an annual gathering of classic and vintage vehicles held at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway station at Havenstreet. The event brings together hundreds of classic cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and military vehicles in the grounds of the heritage railway, combining two of the island's strongest enthusiast traditions.

The display ranges from pre-war vintage cars to 1990s classics, with American muscle cars, British sports cars, Italian exotics and workaday classics all represented. Owners display their vehicles alongside the steam railway's own heritage rolling stock, and train rides are available throughout the day. There are trade stands, auto jumbles, food stalls, and live music.

The Isle of Wight has a strong classic car culture, partly because the island's slower pace of life and shorter journeys have historically meant that older vehicles survive longer here than on the mainland. The island's roads are also well suited to classic motoring, with quiet lanes, scenic routes, and manageable distances. Several classic car hire companies operate on the island, allowing visitors to experience the island's roads in period style.

The Havenstreet setting is attractive, with the Victorian station buildings and the surrounding countryside providing a fitting backdrop for the vehicles. The event is well attended by islanders and visitors and runs alongside normal steam railway operations.