This show is a favourite with those searching for that elusive part! With cars and motorcycles on display and a large autojumble, this is one to go to and its just a hop across the Channel. For further information: www.bce-reims.com/bce.htm
This was my third visit to the Reims autojumble in four years and it started with a leisurely drive from Liverpool to Dover on the Thursday morning arriving in Reims at 7.30pm. I was lucky enough to have a trade band which allowed me “access all areas” on the Friday, Saturday & Sunday. I walked from my hotel to the exhibition centre to be greeted by the glorious French chaotic organisation which we all know and love and actually makes the NEC look like they know what they are doing. Having met our friend Guy Masmonteil from Les Amis De Lion at the site I helped him to set up their stand which took about four hours. I get a real buzz watching a show being built and seeing the many wonderful items emerging from the back of vans and off trailers. I had a walk around (a few times) to see what was about and immediately fell in love with a lovely little Peugeot 5cv which the guy wanted €6500 for. If I had my trailer with me I do not think I could have resisted it! Back at the hotel I met up with Alastair Inglis and Mike Gunasekara who had arrived from the UK and after a really pleasant meal I retired to the hotel. I arrived at the venue at 8am on Saturday before the public opening at 9.30. During the day I did buy quite a few parts for J7 and J9 but I do have to say that in general prices were quite expensive. I met up with Xavier Crespin from L`Aventure Peugeot Citroen DS, Klaas Kostelijk from Holland, Brian Whiteside and the guys from the Renault Club ( we had dinner with them on Saturday night), Guy Mowlem from the UK Talbot/Simca club and Daniel Raman and Marijke De Visscher from Belgium. Later in the day I looked around the hundreds of Classic cars parked in a special area outside the venue which was incredible. On the final day I arrived around 8.30am for a 9.30 public opening. Sunday morning is very much less busy than Saturday and gives a good chance to have that final “rummage” in relative peace. I said my goodbyes to Alastair and Mike and at the end of the day I helped Guy to pack up leaving the show at around 8pm. Reims really is a treasure trove of parts and indeed many other eclectic items (a fairground ride!) and also a very social place to meet old friends and make new ones. A great weekend, great buys, great City (not such a brilliant venue as it’s a bit tired and worn out!) and above all a must for all French vehicle enthusiasts. All this and no mention of Brexit! I shall return!
