I'm not a 'club' person and don't really understand why people get pleasure out of driving their old (or oldish) cars around in convoys at weekends and then awarding each other commemorative plaques for achieving 60 miles or whatever, followed by five hours in a field polishing wheelnuts. Or, as I once saw at a Yeovil Festival of Transport 'concours' competition, painting their tyre treads. Or why people with the same make of obsolete car have to congregate at every opportunity. Is it to say 'look, we've got something you haven't'?
Anyway, as a sociologist, I have long been intrigued that owners of, shall we say, more 'up-market' marques seem to have a desire to park their vehicles in front of stately homes and take photographs of them - even if there are 50 examples of the same sort of car parked alongside.
Is it just because Britain's historic hice owners are keen to encourage a few more paying customers each weekend, on whatever pretext, so they provide an easily accessible picturesque backdrop?
Or do owners of up-market marques like to pretend they have all the trappings of the toff lifestyle and not just the long cast off wheels?
Incidentally, a couple of weeks ago I came across the owner of a truly gigantic chateau in the Dordogne. He was driving an ancient Pug 205.
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Same here Mike. I can equate to this. I bought my first BMW GS in 2006 - they were a rare sight on the roads in those days - They are two a penny now and I now feel like a fashion victim ! I love the bike and everything it can do...that's why I've got one !
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My lad joined NPOC. (Nissan Primera Owners Club). They go off on lots of meetings, weekend BBQs, swop spares and advice and generally insult and make fun of owners of the last Renault inspired Primera
It all sounds like a good crack.
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Fair question, Mike. I'll ask my brother and sister-in-law, who regularly take her obsolete car (although of a more proletarian type) to an event at Blenheim Palace. It was supposed to have been bringing them to us this weekend, but the fuel pump failed 400m from home and the RAC ordered it off for an early bath. Useless.
Perhaps there are similarities to the veterans' reunion, whose main cause for celebration is 'look, we're still alive!' I'm not averse to looking at a bit of old machinery myself, but not to the point of owning it - or taking mine to look at a lot of others just like it.
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>> Same here Mike. I can equate to this. I bought my first BMW GS in
>> 2006 - they were a rare sight on the roads in those days - They
>> are two a penny now and I now feel like a fashion victim ! I
>> love the bike and everything it can do...that's why I've got one !
>>
I have exactly the same feelings about Harley-Davidsons. I wasn't interested in being exclusive when I bought my first one in 1989, it was a bike I'd wanted since I was ten years old so one of the ticks of my "bucket list" was complete; little did I know that I'd still be hooked over 20 years later!
The downside nowadays though is that the Harley scene is now swamped by people who've bought the bike as a lifestyle thing rather than anything else and know absolutely damn all about the bikes themselves other than the price of the latest shiny chrome bit they've had bolted on at the dealership. It's one of the reasons why mine tend to look rusty and ill-kempt; it annoys the hell out of them! ;-)
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Maybe some who couldn't dream of affording the vehicle when new simply appreciate the quality style and individuality of their chosen steed, and the soon to be lost history of the particular model, and maybe enjoy living even for a short while in a better period of time in the company of others who feel the same.
Similarly many of those who can easily afford such things when new maybe don't appreciate the design and care that went into building such things, so have no qualms about letting them decompose.
As for congregating in better surroundings, one can hardly blame them for not meeting in some sink estate resembling a third world slum, dumped cars, litter, graffiti, groups of vandals druggies winos and other aimless/useless types hanging about.
Thank goodness for these eccentrics, and they comprise all social classes, a refreshing change from the clones found at McD's the pub or football, without them our motoring history would only be in print and grainy pictures.
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Tue 8 May 12 at 13:32
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I'm a member of two car clubs and been on the committee of one of them.
I have only once been in a convoy situation and as a group leader from the assembly area, had the delicious police instruction to get a move on... Oh we did!
Both my cars have been rebuilt by me, and when I promise to arrive in one - I keep that promise, my cars are not fair weather only ones, unlike some.
Both however are defined period cars, one vintage and both historic (DVLA speak for pre 1973) and have been used to travel to spectate at events where some exhibited cars are newer.
A chacun son gout (roughly translated, each to his own).
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I like to see the old cars and the events.Usual nice people to talk to about the history of their vehicle.
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Indeed, yes. Thanks for the views.
It's just something that niggles at me from time to time and (being a bank holiday here) it's raining outside so with little else to do I thought I'd air it.
I'm afraid mine's a fair weather only motor but only because if I can't have the top down I can't see the point in taking it out. Mind, if they'd ever made a weatherproof tonneau for them I'd consider it - it's not me that minds getting wet. I was once a biker...
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The rain didn't stop a handful of enthusiasts exhibit their cars yesterday at our village May fair. Two old Chevvies, a beautiful jewel blue Mustang (the added beading raindrops made the paint work stand out), a white Austin 1300 and an orange mark 1 Escort. Non of them were being fettled to the nth degree by obsessive owners mind.
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Lovely car the Mustang seen a few in the States.
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>> Lovely car the Mustang seen a few in the States.
Thought they looked great in the States; seem to look a bit out of place over here.
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I was in the Skoda owner's club when daughter had an Estelle. It was invaluable for hints and tips on keeping the damn thing going. Went to a couple of meets, one gave us cheap entry to Gaydon and the other was memorable for 27 of us holding up the A1 while crossing East to West at a round-a-bout. Just imagine being near the front of the traffic heading North.
I look into the Festiva owner's club website, again purely for information for the KIA.
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>> why people get pleasure out of driving their old (or oldish) cars around in convoys at weekends
Why not? Far better than causing riots after getting drunk.
Everyone's definition of fun is different. As long as it is legal and not disturbing anyone, people should be allowed to do whatever they love to do.
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I have three classic vehicles (Triumph, LandRover, Tractor) and a classic boat, but I don't particularly want to go to club meetings or meet other owners, I just like using them.
My wife once got mixed up by accident in a local classic parade while driving the Triumph. Marshals kept trying to direct her past the crowds lining the main street, she had to explain she just wanted to get to Tesco to do the shopping.
A classic tractor run once came along the lane past our house - dozens of old tractors nose to tail. I was trying to go the opposite way carrying a box full of manure.
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She wanted to go to Tesco >:) Classic boat is nice to have Cliff.Cousin has a small yacht be about thirty years old now.It's like new he is thinking of selling in the future age is catching up with him over 70.He sails on his own out of Delfzijl.
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When I had a Westfield, have I mentioned that here before? I joined the Westfield owners club. It had a regular magazine etc in those days and was very useful for maintenance tips and so on. Never did get to any of their "meets". I can't get on with that word either by the way. Why can't they just say meetings eh? It's not like English isn't their first language is it? Just didn't fancy standing around with a bunch of others as sad as I was comparing our exhaust pipes and leaky bits.
Cue adenoidal beardy type, "well, of course if you fit the Vauxford 2.0 blueprinted lump mated to the short throw 4 speeder you can get a sub-5 second 0-60 if you run slicks in the dry with the lightweight sidescreens you know..."
:-)
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Why not? Far better than causing riots after getting drunk.
Where I live those aren't the only entertainment options.
}:---)
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I'm a member of two car clubs as well, like SP. One is the one-make club and t'other the local historic lot. I haven't been to a Jowett meeting since summer 1978 but I take it to local shows, maybe 6 a year. I'll do some of the big shows because it means I can get in for free and park near the autojumble, which is one of the main reasons I go. Others are very local and often for charity.
I've got a fair few pals with Jowetts around the country and I get spares through the club. They aren't available to non-members. ( I think they should be ).
I wouldn't see much fun in a club that only catered for one model, like the Morris Minor, but at least my chosen make has numerous different models dating from 1910 to 1954. I'd use it more on a daily basis but it's easier to jump in the car that's in the drive or the road than juggle everything round. Anyway, the engines sat waiting to go in atm...maybe next week...ten minute job !
Using an old car daily does mean people are always coming up and talking to you, which is quite nice although you do have to put up with those who's dad had one and can remember the twin cylinder, two stroke engine in the boot and how the car was designed by VW !
Ted
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Just remembered I joined the club for Princess/Ambassadors (got a few parts cheap). They were very snotty about the original landcrabs, which had a separate club and I could never understand why, they shared many components.
>>can remember the twin cylinder, two stroke engine in the boot
I'll have to remember that one Ted, there's usually a few at Harpenden. ;>)
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Yeah, you go and wind 'em up, Tommy !
Ted
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Aren't we all members of a virtual car club??? :-)
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Agree GB.
Last edited by: Martin Devon on Wed 9 May 12 at 07:08
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Mike, I think you're looking for something that isn't there.
I've done quite a few of these events, usually with somebody else's car as I'm lucky enough to have a friend with a garage full of interesting hardware! If you like old cars or own one, you want to drive them, and just like an evening in the pub it's less fun on your own. About the best weekend I had last year was with a kindly lent 1953 XK120 on one of these events.
There's a social dimension as well, and cars aside I've never understood people who don't want to get out and socialise in some way, and in that respect the cars are incidental.
I don't polish wheelnuts, and I wouldn't personally be interested in owning a vehicle that I would be frightened to take out in the rain - but much the same applies, it's just a different taste.
What do you do when you're not working or at home doing DIY or listening to the wireless? Are you a solitary type?
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I think Mike answered his own question in the first few words of his OP.
"I'm not a 'club' person."
Nor am I.
On t'other hand, my brother is a member of two sports clubs, a school governor, freemason and trustee of a heritage railway.
Just the thought of participating in that little lot makes me weary.
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>>
>> Just the thought of participating in that little lot makes me weary.
>>
Same here. Groucho was right.
Sociability is one thing. But just because I'm a super oaf it doesn't mean I want to meet other owners of Boggs Super Oafs (wonderful name from the DT Peter Simple column)
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À propos: in London yesterday for a hospital appointment (they say I'm fine) and called briefly to see my mechanic because the car's cooling fan had stopped working and the coolant had briefly boiled. While he was working his juju on the car electrics, stuff I couldn't begin to do, I was admiring an early 3 litre Le Mans Bentley outside the next garage getting an MoT or something. The Bentley looked quite simply brand new, in a sort of dark pea-green, lighter than proper BRG, but shiny and flawless, with new racing tyres. Its owner was there too, a shy guy in dapper tweeds. While I was talking to him he stalled it and had to go inside for the battery pack to restart it. It was reluctant - some tune problem perhaps - but sounded splendid when running.
Personally I prefer a slightly tatty look with all sporting machinery. It's more authentic and practical. But that Bentley, 90 years old near enough, looked absolutely beautiful.
My mechanic tinkered for half an hour or more but didn't want any money. Another bottle of decent malt will be going his way soon. Anyone who wants a real ace in West London should ask me where he is.
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>>What do you do when you're not working or at home doing DIY or listening to the wireless? Are you a solitary type?<<
I'm a reluctant DIYer and gardener but I have an old house and a very large garden - two common expat errors - but I do listen to the wireless a lot.
I'm the opposite of solitary. I enjoy entertaining and do quite a lot, some involving several friends who are into old cars and have some remarkable stuff (did I ever tell you about the 30km 2CV?) but - apart from one - we just use our old motors for personal enjoyment.
I was once a member of the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club, which was helpful and informative but certainly not intrusive. Their magazine was (is?) called 'The Driving Member'! You weren't pushed to take part in the 'noggin and natter' stuff.
But years ago I had a remarkable Wolseley 16/60, one previous owner, very low mileage, etc, exceptional nick. It's not everyone's cup of tea but I did my time on my Old Man's A55 and A60s so I had a sentimental attachment. We did a lot of touring with it when we weren't in a hurry.
Anyway, I was once spotted and traced by someone from the Cambridge/Oxford Owners Club, who got in touch and asked if a club representative could come and look at the car - and, not being a solitary type, I said yes of course.
It was a nightmare - he was plainly disbelieving of its condition and probably jealous and spent ages figuratively tearing it apart. That was the last I ever had anything to do with a club.
My pal sometimes passes on the glossy magazine of a club associated with the motors we both now own and it always seems to have reams of stuff about committees falling out and similar back-biting, let alone the inferred sneering from some model sections about others. No thanks.
Having said all that, I wonder what the Princess/Ambassador Club is like? I saw a lovely looking 2000HL on the Bay of Evil yesterday. Twice bitten...
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>>>asked if a club representative could come and look at the car - and, not being a solitary type, I said yes of course. It was a nightmare - he was plainly disbelieving of its condition and probably jealous and spent ages figuratively tearing it apart.
Funnily enough I sold an old Saab 99 for Fenlander senior a while back. If was truly unmarked, had averaged 800mls/yr and looked more like 3yrs old than the 30+ it was at the time.
An Autotrader advert caused us to be visited by club types with disposable overalls, cardboard to lay on, torches and prodding things. Their sole aim appeared to be to prove it was a rebuild/respray and none of them even made an offer.
A few years back I put a lot of work into a one make club but the noggin & natter bits weren't my thing either.
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>
>> Having said all that, I wonder what the Princess/Ambassador Club is like? I saw a
>> lovely looking 2000HL on the Bay of Evil yesterday. Twice bitten...
>>
My FiL had Wolseley 16/60s. As a rep, he found the boot space ideal. I drove him on his rounds on my days off sometimes. When they stopped making the Farinas, he got crabs !!!
I have some photos of the blue Landcrab in the far North of Scotland on our holliers. They were nice to drive. After a couple he bought a Maxi in 1978, that was his last car.
Ted
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Yeah, my dad and I both got crabs eventually. He switched his allegiance to the Rootes Group but I suffered right up until the second Princess.
Here's a not very good pic of the Wolseley, taken, IIRC, in 1993 when it had just turned 30. It was actually very much nicer than it looks there.
tinyurl.com/8333qj8
At the time I had a Daimler V8 and a Rover P6 V8, as well as the knockabout twin-cam Prelude so the Wolseley didn't really get the attention it deserved. Happy days...
Last edited by: Mike Hannon on Wed 9 May 12 at 15:25
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I once spoke to a leading light of one of the Bentley owners' clubs.
He was in Durham City making arrangements for a meet on Palace Green.
"We will come and get a picture on the day, if you like," I ventured.
"I suppose we can't stop you," he replied. "But we don't seek publicity."
That was me told.
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>> "I suppose we can't stop you," he replied. "But we don't seek publicity."
Bit of humbug there I suspect. They don't mind photos of their beloved steeds being published at all, as long as the steeds are correctly described and the owners' names spelled correctly (two big ifs, Iffsky, as I'm sure you know). The gorgeous 3-litre I saw yesterday was clearly intended to be shown off. They even gave a discreet toot on the klaxon mounted on the skimpy o/s running board when they got it inside the garage... part of the MoT I suppose.
The newest-looking vintage Bentley I've ever seen.
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>> He switched his allegiance to the Rootes Group
brave move!
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>> Yeah, my dad and I both got crabs eventually.
>>
I would keep that quiet if I were you!!
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The late great Alan Clarke had the right idea. I remember him saying in his diaries that when he pranged his 911 he didn't bother to get the dent repaired. He wasn't one for cleaning cars either. I am very fastidious about mechanical maintenance but not too worried about the exterior. I don't like concours events. I like to see vehicles in action.
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Nice, that, Mike. My first proper car was a '58 Wuzzley 15/60...the Farina with the taller back lights, in two tone blue. JCW 18. Wish I had the number now. FiL's last one was GCW 64 E in a pleasant single tone mid-blue. He had various illnesses while he owned it and I used it a lot
Nice to get my hands on a brand new car as a 22ish yr old !
Ted
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>> I would keep that quiet if I were you!!
I don't see why Boxster. It's obvious they got crabs because without the wood-and-leather ambiance of the Farina Wolseleys they got a, cough, less classy sort of girfriend. Stands to reason. That was my first thought actually, before I realised they were talking about Austin 1800s.
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Went to a family funeral;my uncle who had an A55 as a company car asked me to drive his car afterwards so he could go in the limo behind the hearse.I told him later his car needed the steering and the gearchange sorted-his answer"that's a good one!".
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Delusions of grandeur? - R.P.
