News & events
The historic movement is collectively looking to the future, as a series of programmes across the industry aim to inspire the next generation – even on to the concours lawns.
With museums now allowed to open their doors once again in the UK, they have an important part to play in both preserving the history but also passing it on to the youth. Which makes the new initiative at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, all the more appealing. As part of the popular Young Driver programme, which puts children as young as 10 behind the wheel of new Vauxhall Corsas up and down the country, the keys to three classics will now be available: an Austin Seven Ulster (above), Morris Minor convertible and Vauxhall Victor HB (top right). The latter is one of only 10 left, according to the DVLA.
“The mission of the museum as an educational charity is to inform and inspire future generations and the addition of these experiences helps to bring the history we share to life,” says Jeff Coope, the BMM’S managing director. “Anyone who books a session with Young Driver gets discounted admission to the museum on the day of their experience, so they can see for themselves how the car they were driving fits into the history of British motoring.”
The events will not run every day the BMM is open, but require booking in advance. Each session lasts 15 minutes and costs £25, and is open to anyone over the age of 10. The next is on 19 June.
When the VSCC’S race calendar begins on 19 June at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire, there could be a more youthful look to the grids because the club is doing more than perhaps any other to engage young drivers. Competitors under the age of 30 can take advantage of halfprice entry, subsidised by long-time supporter Longstone Tyres.
Similarly, rallyist HERO-ERA
“The museum’s mission as an educational charity is to inspire future generations; experiences such as these bring the history to life”
has revised its membership offering to lower any barriers to entry for younger enthusiasts. While its Novice Trial is the ideal starting point, to the extent that a 13-yearold navigator took part in May, its soon-to-relaunch membership scheme is expected to feature a separate package for under 25s.
Meanwhile at the Concours of
Elegance at Hampton Court Palace from 3-5 September, a special 30UNDER30 Concours will bring together classic owners under the age of 30. ‘Designed specifically for the next generation of motoring enthusiasts,’ organisers say, ‘it hopes to shine a light on the young classic car owners protecting and preserving precious pieces of automotive history.’ Cars built before 2000 will be eligible.
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), which since 2015 has put renewed emphasis on reaching a younger audience, has announced that it will mark International Youth Day on 12 August with a series of competitions. It says it invites you to: ‘Share a photograph, sketch, painting, illustration or video of how you “Restored the Passion” this year with your historic vehicle, interpreting the theme as creatively as you can.’ Curiously, an uncapped category for anyone over the age of 18 has also been created.
If the car-ownership world is ramping up its focus on the next generation, no doubt hoping to curb the growing average age of owners revealed in the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ survey, the engineering sector continues to show the way.
At the new Great British Car Journey museum (p20), Heritage Skills Academy apprentice Luke Henshaw will be maintaining the fleet, one of a long line of HSA success stories. “It’s like a dream come true,” says the 17-year-old, who owns an Opel Manta. “When I found the Heritage Skills Academy apprenticeship and saw what they specialised in, it was as though the course was tailored especially for me. Getting the apprenticeship with Great British Car Journey is absolutely amazing.
“I am now able to develop my skills and knowledge while also working. I’ve got lots of support from the team at Great British Car Journey and to be working with someone as skilled and knowledgeable about classic cars as Mark [Lawrence] is incredible.”
The Academy expanded to open a second base at Brooklands in April.
A wonderfully diverse 90 cars took part in the British Sports Car Club Luxembourg’s First of May Rally, taking in 130km of local roads. Highlights included a Sylva based on a 1972 chassis (above), a Bristol 401 and more.