CLUB STAR OF THE FUTURE

CONNOR ELLIS DRIVEN ESCAPE

Highly commended STEPH HOLLOWAY

idriveaclassic STEVEN HAIGH

Volvo Owners’ Club

In a hobby that is often perceived as being stuffy and old hat by the wider community, it’s great to see younger enthusiasts making their mark. In this category we pay tribute to those tipped for greatness in the classic world.

Our first shortlisted nominee has built a community single-handedly through her charismatic and enthusiastic persona on film, and her egalitarian attitude to what constitutes a classic. Steph Holloway’s vibrant Youtube channel, idriveaclassic, has garnered more than 20,000 subscribers as she shares her passion for (mainly British) cars of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, and challenges the stereotype of the kind of people who drive and enjoy old cars.

Our second shortlisted contender, Steven Haigh, fell in love with Volvos at the age of 11, when his grandfather bequeathed him a ‘Thor’ 244 saloon. The club has since seen Haigh propose to girlfriend Jess at a National Rally, and the couple named their son Jakob after Volvo’s first ever car. Now that’s commitment.

Our winner has channelled his passion for cars into helping others. Driven Escape is an online group created to support classic enthusiasts who suffer from mental health challenges, by showing them that they are not alone. The group has raised more than £1200 for Mental Health Research UK, but more importantly founder and award winner Connor Ellis has raised awareness of a key issue and given vital support to numerous young fans of classics.