There has been an annual car show at Raven Wood School since 1981, when a group of 6th formers had the idea to show their own cars off to the school. A majority of the vehicles on display were Volkswagen Beetles, which later lead to the Beetle being adopted as the shows emblem. As local interest grew in the event, the Parent Staff Association saw the opportunity to make it a major fund raiser for the School. From a simple display of cars, more facets were gradually added over the years to the show, arena events, a Craft Fayre, Auto Jumble stands, Trade stands, Live Music, Fun Fair, BBQ, bar and refreshment tent. As the PSA grew more confident in the event they advertised the show in popular Classic Car publications, this has resulted an increase not only in public visitors, but car exhibitors as well varying from a 1912 Delage to a 2002 customised Ford Focus worth over £25,000.

From being a local show, Ravens Wood now regularly attracts exhibitors from Essex, Portsmouth, and Dover. In 2004 the show received its first overseas visitor from Switzerland. Not only has there been an increase in quantity but also quality, which lead to Ravens Wood making a long standing association with some of the best judges in the UK. Melvyn Dunster, founder of the Bromley Pageant of Motoring, Clive Bragwin, principal of the Pageant, Tony Tonkin, Maurice Takoor, Brian Dempsey and John Heagren all bringing their many years of experience to the judging which has always been much appreciated by the competitors.

The show has always endeavoured to bring new/different exhibits to the show these have included The Barmy Army with their large military vehicles, The Kent Air Ambulance helicopter, a Wild West riding group, Navy Cadet display teams and many major car suppliers such as Bristol Street Motors and Honda Elite.

History dictates that visitors enjoy a great family day out with lots to see and do, and usually in great weather. Even in 2004 when most car shows in the South East were rained off, Ravens Wood managed to relocate all their 420 exhibitors onto firm standing after finding 3 ducks swimming across our exhibition field. The "show must go on attitude" has always kept the event as the schools major fund raiser and has raised over £150,000 to date supplying much needed equipment and resources for the school.