Following the success of the first event in 2015, the NE1 Motor Show was back in Newcastle-upon-Tyne at the weekend. ESM went along to see what was new.

New for this year was typical North East weather of grey skies and rain. Not perfect, but it did bring back memories of Goodwood from a fortnight previous at least. Seeing a Porsche 911 GT3 Rs and 718 Boxster S, both painted in Lava Orange, at the foot of Grey’s Monument did help brighten things up somewhat. Noticeable was the lack of representation from some marques seen at the 2015 event such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Nissan. As an event backed primarily by dealerships, recent restructuring in the North’s big dealer chains might be the reason why. But, regardless, there was still a decent selection of new metal on show:

Aston Martin DB11 – so new journalists can’t even tell you what they think until August

Still looking good with age!

Oh hello, Lava Orange!

Controversial four-cylinder turbocharged 718 Boxster S.

There might be a new one on the horizon, but here’s a gratuitous Panamera engine shot anyway.

Bentley Bentayga + roof box = maximum lifestyle

Not the weather to go topless in.

A lot of time was spent near this one…

Particular M2 featured near-perfect spec of black kidney grilles and carbon wing mirrors. If only it were manual.

Built locally… for now. It’s the Infiniti Q30.

Jaguar F-Pace: hottest SUV of the moment

Big, and new, it’s the Volvo S90.

it might have been driven by the Tame Geek a few days before, but it survived!

Further down Grey Street was an array of modern and classic cars which, if we were being lazy, we could probably have just substituted our photos from last year for. Suffice to say lots seemed familiar, even down to the place and order in which they were parked. What did stand out this year was the love for the Ford Mustang. Both new and old, almost every shape of Blue Oval-wearing pony car appeared to be represented.

Mach 1 Mustang looked a dramatic as it did huge

Manages to make modern ‘Stang look relatively compact.

Family heritage obvious from back here.

First generation Mustang Convertible looked cool.

A trio of fourth-generation Mustangs.

An imposter – Dodge Challenger representing Mopar amongst a sea of Fords.

Yes, it’s that Focus RS. Big crowd around this one, unsurprisingly.

Original Mk1 Focus RS with a very clean engine bay.

VW Golf R featured a substantial carbon fibre air intake.

Keeping it retro with the Lancia Delta Integrale – the original 4WD hot hatch?

French chic with a low Renault 5 GT Turbo

Highly-modified Porsche 911 with impressive BBS split rims.

Flushed number plate recess at the front.

Badging says Carrera RS, trust us.

Ultra-rare facelifted Honda NSX

TVR Sagaris, featuring some interesting repairs to the front splitter.

A row of Lotuses. Or Loti? Colourful, either way.

Ferrari California nestled next to a 458 Italia. In case you’re wondering, they’re promoting a Japanese restaurant.

Lamborghini Diablo plus huge wing. Yes!

It’s worth remembering that the NE1 Motor Show is free, and designed to get people into the centre of Newcastle. Given the crowds present, despite the inclement weather on Saturday, it seems to have certainly succeeded again this year. We’ll look forward to 2017 – just surprise us by mixing the order up a little!