Firing up the young guns
Clubs inspire the upcoming generation of enthusiasts
There’s good news for the future of the classic car movement thanks to a raft of club initiatives to bring younger enthusiasts into the fold. The Morris Minor Owners’ Club is well known for setting up a separate section for younger members, but it’s far from alone.
The MG Car Club’s Adam Sloman says: ‘We’re engaging with young people and have formed the MGCC Young Members’ Group
(mgcc.co.uk) that enjoys reduced membership rates.’
The TR Register’s Wayne Scott adds: ‘Our Youth Group was founded 11 years ago. We grew online via Facebook, then got official status within the club. Over that time we campaigned to bring club insurance from 30 down to 21, ran very successful annual Youth Weekenders and we’ve even built a dual-control TR7 for those not yet old enough to have a licence. Members don’t have to own a car; they can get involved before they’re in a position to buy one.’
Other clubs working with young fans include the Allegro Club International (no joining fee and reduced membership rates), the Imp Club (a separate register), and the Reliant Scimitar & Sabre Owners’ Club (reduced rates for under-21s plus lots of concessions for motorsport events).
The Eastern Counties Motor Club also focuses on getting youngsters into motorsport (see ecmc.co.uk).
Younger classic car fans can also join Young Guns Classics
(facebook.com/ ygclassics).
Founded by Stephen Mcevoy in 2007, he says: ‘The key is to make classics accessible for everyone; buddy schemes allow youngsters to restore
cars without having to spend a fortune on equipment. A strong social media presence and cheap or free membership are other useful ways of attracting members.’
‘The key is to make classics accessible for everyone’