Riviera Classic Car Show

About Us

TOWC organises the Riviera Classic Car Show in late July every year on the first Sunday of the Paignton Festival, which lasts for 9 days.  The Festival was formerly called Torbay Carnival and has been held since 1908.  The show is an important part of the Festival week and was first held by us in 1994. It raises funds for the Festival, which are used entirely to support local charities and community organisations.  In 2018 we were proud to donate a record sum of £6,250 bringing the running total raised to over £50,000.   Amazingly, almost a third of this has been in just the last 3 years.

The Show takes place on the north section of Paignton Green, alongside the beach and Paignton Pier. 

With the current layout the show is more a part of the Festival than ever.  The display of fabulous vehicles is complemented by stage entertainment through the day, food outlets, a craft marquee and licensed bar.  We’re still able to accommodate well over 300 vehicles and the result is a unique event which has developed its own very special relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Such is its popularity that we now have exhibitors bringing their vehicles from over much of England, and bookings for spaces are full some months in advance.  Some of our entries are individuals, whilst we also have clubs taking their own stand spaces. The range of vehicles is something to behold.  There are a few rare examples from the early part of the 1900s, lots of classics from the 50s to 70s or even a bit later.  There’s also a sprinkling of modern customs and supercars, commercial vehicles, scooters and motorbikes.

The show site is right at the heart of one of the most popular and busiest parts of Torbay and is always enjoyed by families on holiday as well as locals who make a point of visiting us every year. With so much to see and do, it’s a great day out for all the family.