British Motor Show 2023: An A-Z of the star cars 

From quirky classics to exclusive exotica, there was something for everyone at this year’s show.

Since 1903 the British Motor Show (BMS) has been a mecca for petrol heads far and wide, and it’s easy to see why. Hosting an eclectic mix of concours condition historic machines and the latest supercar debuts, it was business as usual last week at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre.

Drawing a record 70,000 visitors over the course of four days, the 2023 event also starred numerous motoring TV and YouTube personalities, including Mike Brewer, Fuzz Townsend, and Alex Kersten.

Fear not if you missed the action though, here’s our A-Z roundup of the hottest metal to tide you over until next year.

A: Aston Martin

Aston's recently revealed DB12 kicks things off. This twin turbo V8 powered ‘super tourer’ is billed as the sharpest DB model ever and sports bespoke Michelin rubber as standard. For many, this was the first opportunity to catch Gaydon’s latest beauty in the metal.

B: BYD

Short for “Build Your Dreams”, this Chinese manufacturer of innovative electric vehicles is soon to go on sale in the UK. The brand marked its arrival at the show with a British debut of the Seal sports saloon.

C: Citroen

Of the 750 cars on display, many of the classic offerings were 2CVs. Our favourite was a replica of the model which starred in James Bond’s For Your Eyes Only.

D: Drifters rejoice

Those looking for an adrenaline rush could indulge in some sideways antics courtesy of the Crewsade drift team. Top tyre shredders included a highly modified E92 BMW M3 and a Toyota Chaser.

F: Ferrari

Ferrari's somewhat unimaginatively titled La Ferrari made a guest appearance. With a scintillating 6.3-litre V12 hybrid powertrain, this 950 bhp beast is one of the wildest machines to leave Maranello’s gates.

G: Golden Gallardo

Fans of the Fast and Furious movie franchise were in luck, as one of the hero cars from the latest Fast X film was on display. With a 500 bhp V10 and a gold wrapped exterior, this lavish Lambo has featured in some truly high-octane chases.

H: Herbie!

Another big screen star. The famous 1963 Love Bug spawned several Disney pictures and is surely the most iconic VW Beetle of all time.

I: INEOS Grenadier

The French built Land Rover Defender replacement received a warm reception from those who lament the passing of basic, agricultural off-roaders. Fun fact: the rugged 4x4 was named after the pub where it was dreamt up.

J: Jaguar 420 owner’s club

Just one of over 30 enthusiast groups who made the occasion so special. Other honourable mentions include the TVR Club, the MGF Register, the Classic Corvette Club UK, and NASCAR UK.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini’s answer to the 911 Dakar, the Sterrato, was seen being pushed to the absolute limit on track alongside other runout models like the Aventador SV.

M: McMurtry Speirling

From one car show to another. McMurtry’s Goodwood-record-breaking EV missile turned heads as it exhibited at the BMS. The flyweight electric supercar will no doubt claim further titles with a 1.5 second 0-60 mph dash and ground effect fan to its name.

N: Nissan

Nissan’s all-electric car of the year winner, the Ariya, was also spotted. The futuristic SUV boasts an impressive 329-mile range and a commendable turn of speed.

P: Porsche

Porsche enthusiasts were spoilt for choice as some of the brand’s most revered models attended in abundance. Highlights included the Carrera GT, classic 959, and the 918 Spyder hypercar.

R: R34 GTR

Perhaps the most popular of all the Nissan GTR generations, the R34 destroyed the competition when it launched in 1998. Some 25 years later, its twin turbo RB26 engine still knows how to rev up a crowd.

S: Sunbeam Land Speed Car

Back in 1927 the best-selling car, the Ford Model T, could hit just 45 mph with all 20 bhp working their very hardest. In the same year, Sunbeam created a machine with 1000 bhp that managed to crack the land speed record of 200 mph. Incredible.

T: Touring cars

The 1990s and early 2000s were among the most exciting years ever for the British Touring Car Championship. And, this year, the BMS hosted two highly decorated machines from that heyday period: Volvo's 850 and Seat's Leon.

V: VW ID.Buzz

This retro reimagining of VW's iconic camper has to be one of the coolest looking EVs on sale. Plus, thanks to energy efficient Continental EcoContact 6 Q tyres, it even features a useful 258-mile range.

X: XM BMW

Hot Wheels styling, a hybrid V8 powertrain producing 653 hp, and driving sounds by Hans Zimmer, what’s not to like about this gargantuan Bimmer? Onlookers certainly got an eyefull of the XM’s distinctive design cues at the BMS.

Let us know which car you think stole the week at this year’s British Motor Show.

Hero image credit:The British Motor Show