Being a member of a classic car club is not only advantageous for your sanity and wallet, but it also holds further benefits. CCFS explain why.
The view most people take over classic car clubs is one of sheer undying monotony. Bearded ale-enthusiasts who preach about originality, gearbox ratios and the colour beige; simultaneously casting a conceited slur in the direction of a fellow member’s pride and joy. However, while this may describe a select few clubs out in the ever-expanding classic car world, the majority of these organisations are politics free, laid back and oozing with a family friendly atmosphere.
Being social creatures, finding a group of like-minded enthusiasts not only provides a welcoming environment in which to discuss all things car, but can also offer discounts at certain parts suppliers with advice and assistance offered in droves - from individuals who have a particular hankering for the same car as you.
Looking for motives to join your local classic car club? Here we have our top reasons, not that you really need any to join in the first place…
You Don’t Need a Car to Join
While this isn’t strictly true for some of the more hoity-toity car clubs, 99% will welcome anyone in with open arms - even if they don’t personally own that particular vehicle. Clubs such as the Land Rover Series One Owners Club are keen to support and encourage anyone with a love of the original Landy, but do warn that it won’t be long until the urge to own a piece of Land Rover Genesis is an itch in dire need of scratching. On the bright side, the club can locate you a Series I in whichever condition you wish - usually cost effective if a member is selling one…
Classic Car Clubs Make You More Sociable
Alongside the ideal that, if owning an MGB and joining the MG Owners Club, you’ll find yourself within a crowd who share your fascination with Abingdon’s finest, the opportunities to take your cherished classic out for the day will brim your calendar with banter-filled, tarmac-chewing days out. From a simple meet at the pub for a pint to tackling a track day set-up purely for your club, you’ll have newfound companions over to help out with that leaky coolant pipe that’s been driving you berserk for the past two weeks. You may even find love - although that could be another MGB...
Discounts Galore!
With the collective buying power of a small country, members are able to negotiate a wide range of discounts from parts suppliers and even some big-name insurance companies. Being an active member of a car club shows dedication and love for your vehicle, helping the insurance company to relax slightly in the knowledge that you aren’t hell bent on taking every junction in a side-ways manner or leaving a £10k classic on the street for all to nick.
There is usually an annual fee to pay, but it makes for a wise investment when running your beloved classic becomes cheaper.
Help Is Always At Hand.
We all know how it goes. You’ve got what you think is an easy job to do yet you end up making everything worse, nothing fits where it did, the house is on fire and you’ve inadvertently caused the end of the world. Don’t despair, however, as there will always be someone to ask for help within a classic car club.
From forums thronged with information to someone being on call when you eventually break down in tears trying to get that wheel hub back in place, your new classic car club offers round-the-clock godsends with expertise and experience on tap. The best part? Unlike the over-worked AA man turning up merely to inform you that your classic is truly beyond redemption, you’ll have someone so keen to help that despite mechanical failure, your enthusiasm won’t be dampened.
An Added Incentive And Expanded Knowledge.
Join a club and you’ll not only learn a shedload of extra information and trivia, but the compulsion to look after your own vehicle will become an unblemished craving - improving your skills and understanding. The reward is delicious, too - with sharpened enthusiasts gazing over your classic car and appreciating all the work you’ve undertaken to keep it going, unlike your partner who understands and cares very little and is purely annoyed that the gearbox keeps ending up in the bath.
So, what are you waiting for? Club life is just around the corner, and won’t send you off to the ale festival with Beardy McBeardface to discuss Austin Montegos and their impartial ability to use the same suspension struts as an Egyptian Lada’s ball joint mountings.
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