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It has long seemed that classic cars, clubs and shows tend to attract a largely older demographic but clubs and show organisers are working hard to attract the next generation. And it appears to be working…
With classic cars and the events organised around them appealing largely to an older demographic, the big fear is that the classic scene could well die out within a generation or two unless a younger audience takes the baton up.
With the average age of a classic owner being 62 and the average age of classic mechanic currently standing at 57, organisations such as the Starter Motor Charity, Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance have said more needs to be done to encourage younger enthusiasts to take up an active interest in vehicle heritage.
However, a CCW investigation has found that there’s plenty of appetite, with show organisers noting an increasing number of younger enthusiasts attending events. This is no doubt aided by thriving young members branches of long-established clubs that offer concessions to make classic ownership more enticing.
The Morris Minor Owners’ Club young member’s representative, Becca Treston, said: ‘I've been going to car shows and events since I was very, very young, and while the classic car landscape has changed, not a huge amount has changed in the style of events put on; where often ideas and styles that have been passed down from one year to the next. I think car clubs need to get innovative in what they offer as events. For a long time, I think the formula has been "come to here, display your car, look at what else is on display, head home". But some trends I'm noticing in the young people who own classic cars is that they want to use them and enjoy them with like-minded people and have an opportunity to socialise with other owners, perhaps meet up in person with some people that they have "met virtually".’
This is a sentiment shared by Alex Gleed, the young members representative at the Midget and Sprite Club, who said: ‘The young members group exists to offer the sort of activities that we want to do, which doesn't necessarily match with what most of the club fancies. We’ve enjoyed nights out and camping adventures to name a few.
