The past 12 months have seen big changes for Britain’s classic car hobby. Editor David has been keeping his finger on the pulse of 2023’s big moments – and what they mean
1 JANUARY
The year’s barely a few hours old when one of its biggest events gets underway; Brooklands’ New Year bash is back after a three-year absence. With lockdowns and infection concerns no longer in the headlines more than 1000 classics pack into the grounds of the historic circuit, with the star for me being David Salisbury’s stunning 1943 Willys MB, one of only 12 woodie-bodied examples created by Willenhall Coachcraft, and the UK’s sole-surviving example. Marketing manager Samantha Hart told Classic Car Weekly: ‘The day was an overwhelming success. It’s been great to be back after a three-year break; the atmosphere was fantastic.’
21 JANUARY
I catch up with Patrick Rollet, the former president of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), who’s in the UK to support ClubExpo, a conference event organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. Hot topics on the day include whether younger classics should be given tax-exempt status – but one area that Patrick’s keen to see more of is younger enthusiasts getting involved with classics, with his suggestions including setting up more free-to-attend events and displaying historic vehicles in areas of high footfall, similar to the Classics In The Capital at the Washington Mall in the US. He tells me: ‘A lot of clubs look inward and stick together when they should be looking outward. We’re waiting for young people to come to us, when in fact we should be going to them.’
24 FEBRUARY
I’m in the capital because I’ve been invited to take part in the live stage panel sessions being held at this year’s London Classic Car Show.
There are some intriguing cars in Olympia’s breathtaking Grand Hall, including the TR Register ‘launching’ the Peerless GT 60 years after the manufacturer was denied a spot at Earls Court. However the official attendance of ‘more than 20,000’ is down on the 29,730 visitors that it attracted just before the Covid-19 pandemic, and reaction from CCW readers is mixed. The event’s organisers are now working on plans for a follow-up to mark the show’s tenth anniversary – but no dates have been announced as this issue goes to press.
24 MARCH
A day into the Practical Classics Restoration Show and already my feet are feeling worse for wear, as part of my duties for helping to judge the National Car Club Awards. The Jowett Car Club’s centenary celebrations earn it not one but two prizes – but what strikes me about this year’s event is how many younger enthusiasts are get
