I must admit I never take a camera with me now to shows like this - I did the Classic Car Show in November, and it's not even worth trying IMO - too many people standing in the way to get around, never mind get decent shots. I used to work in a business that had a trade stand at both the Motor Show (when it was in the NEC) and the Autosport Show, and it was nice to be able to get in before it was open to the public to get some shots, but even then the lighting is horrible.
First shot is kind of a metaphor for a lot of add-on alloys now - "You mean it's not made from melted-down £50 notes for that price?"