Nick Larkin
One simple idea could safeguard an overlooked classic
Lending youngsters classics could spark a new generation of fans.
Throughout history, it’s really the most simple ideas and discoveries that have transformed people’s lives. Slicing bread, fitting round wheels to make carts go faster, discovering that mould makes jolly nice penicillin; launching Practical Classics – just a few examples. You would have thought that after all these years every aspect of the classic car movement and its future has been debated and acted upon. But now a club has come up with seemingly the most obvious solution to a most worrying issue – how to persuade younger people to take on and love prewar classics.
It is true to say that the vast majority of enthusiasts don’t go for cars older than they can remember from their childhood or salad days.
I’ve always been an exception to this rule and loved classics made well before times I can recall. Yes, there really are some and a pox on everyone I have discussed this with who has nominated De Dion Boutons, Alldays and Onions and the earliest Model T Fords.
Who could not love a mid-thirties Wolseley with the quality of its engineering, Art Deco dashboard and sheer presence? And the sound!
Fantasy classics
Imagine jumping into such a magnificent beast, having donned a long mac and trilby to become a period Scotland Yard police detective, then tearing around apprehending miscreants and boxing the ears of wayward young ladies
Sorry, I digress somewhat. Finally it’s time to reveal That Big Idea, which has come from the Ford Model A Club of Great Britain, and as vice-chairman Bob Wilkinson says: ‘We feel it is a simple solution to a major problem.’
Lots of young people, though classic obsessives, have no real concept of what prewar vehicles, including the Model A, are. So the answer is, says the club, to loan them one!
A 1928 car has recently been made available, via a generous member and, if the scheme is successful, the club hopes to expand it.
Bob adds: ‘We are passionate about encouraging the next generation of classic owners and getting younger people to take an interest in older cars, and here is a way to actually do it.’
Not only would it hopefully convince the lucky recipient of the Model A’s joys, but they would also take it to different events and spread the word.’
It must be said that despite their age, the 2043cc and 3285cc engine Model A is surprising usable and just about every spare you need is available on virtually next day delivery. As Bob says, there is still difficulty in convincing people that Twenties cars are not merely dusty mobile relics but can be driven, enjoyed and even used to actually go somewhere. There is no better evidence of this than ‘Le Mans’ Bentleys that at 90 years-old are still regularly seen making mincemeat of the M25.
Not surprisingly there are various – shall we say – factors involving the deal. The new custodian will be, or was if they have been selected by the time you read that, nominated by a club, and for insurance reasons would be 25-years-old or over. That is still young in my book.
A nice garage and supportive network of friends and family are other criteria and it is not allowed to install a V8 in the Model A, convert it into a Fiftiesstyle hotrod and go around calling everyone ‘Daddy-o.’
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club has hailed the scheme as a ‘great and unique idea.’ It’s hoped that other clubs may follow suit. I need say no more, apart from asking the obvious question of why did no-one think of this before?
More information can be found on the Model A-club’s website at mafcgb.org.uk
‘Who could fail to love a mid-thirties Wolseley with its Art Deco dashboard’