Latest News l Campaign Updates l Press Releases

Newsletter Archive

Latest news from  the HCVA

The latest news from the HCVA, including campaign policy developments, news about the future of the classic car industry and more.

Dan, Mark Guy & Henry with the award

Keynote by Rowan Atkinson, who praised the work of the HCVA

The Peninsula London - the Awards venue

The Peninsula London - the Awards venue

The Peninsula London - the Awards venue

Mark Roper accepting the Industry Supporter of the Year award of behalf of the HCVA

  • HCVA wins at the International Historic Motoring Awards

    We’ve delighted to announce that we won the ‘Industry Supporter of the Year’ award at the International Historic Motoring Awards held on Friday 22nd November at The Peninsula London. Our busy year with the introduction of a number of important new industry initiatives and tireless work with the government and DVLA throughout the call for evidence process has been recognised with this prestigious award.

    The Winners

We’re delighted to have been chosen as the winners of the Innovation category of the 2024 Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards for our campaign Action on Parts.

Action on Parts

Designed to reduce the negative impact of low quality or faulty parts in the historic and classic vehicle supply chain, we initially opened submissions to HCVA Trade Members for their input. We are pleased to announce that as of today we are widening the scope of our campaign so that our whole sector can contribute as we build a wider picture of the state of the market and quality issues that affect all of us who work in, or enjoy the historic and classic car world.

This award we feel validates our efforts to protect and enhance the future of our sector and we would urge non-members to join to help us continue our work. This year has seen considerable success with issues around the DVLA and classic vehicle registrations and our Heritage Matters events have had an enthusiastic response from all.

You can find more about Action on Parts here and you can discover more about membership here.

We are very pleased to have had such an excellent year - and very much look forward to working hard on behalf of our members and the industry as we move forward into 2025.

The list of 2024 winners

Join the HCVA

  • HCVA shortlisted for the International Historic Motoring Awards

    We’ve been shortlisted for the ‘Industry Supporter of the Year’ award at the International Historic Motoring Awards. We have had an extremely busy year with the introduction of a number of important new industry initiatives and tireless work with the government and DVLA throughout the call for evidence process.

    We are proud to see this work being recognised on an international scale.

    The Awards

  • HCVA shortlisted for the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards

    We are proud to have been selected as finalists for the Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards for 2024.

    We are finalists in the Innovation Class for our Action on Parts initiative, designed to reduce the negative impact of low quality or faulty parts in the historic and classic vehicle supply chain.

    The Awards

  • Heritage Matters Podcast #4 - Richard West

    Richard West is full of fascinating stories and in this episode we focus on his motorsport days covering the World Rally Championship, Formula One and World Sportscar Championship throughout the 1980s and 90s. He has been fortunate enough to work with some of the greatest drivers of all time including Lauda, Prost, Senna and Schumacher.

    Read More

  • Emily Writes...

    Emily Grace, 15 years old and passionate about old cars, became an ambassador for the charity StarterMotor in September 2023, which aims to introduce the next generation to the historic car world. Since entering the classic car community Emily has been keen to challenge the growing issue surrounding the lack of young people.

    Read Her Column

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were delighted to attend the third and final sold-out Scramble of 2024 which took place on Sunday 6th October. Hundreds of cars lined the picturesque avenues of Bicester Heritage and we grateful to HCVA members who brought along thirteen fabulous classics for display on our stand. It's also the first Scramble attended by Dale Keller in his new role as HCVA CEO.

The next Scramble takes place on January 5th 2025 with the central display celebrating 'Class of the Field' along with usual variety of classics, supercars and all things automotive - so if you are thinking of attending this amazing automotive event you can get your tickets here.

  • HCVA entries for the 2nd Rally for the Ages

    The HCVA are proud to have entered 5 cars with 10 young competitors into the 2nd annual Hero ERA Rally for the Ages. The rally is free to enter providing that the driver and navigator combined are below the age of 70. It's a brilliant event to introduce the next generation to classic motorsport and the enjoyment of classic cars in a fun, challenging environment.

    Read More

  • View at Motorsport UK

    Inside Revolution: Igniting a passion for classic motoring

    Meet the StarterMotor Ambassadors – a growing team of young people inspiring change. 

    StarterMotor was dreamt up in 2013 to help inspire and engage with young people in the Oxfordshire area that were keen to explore what it meant to experience and work with vintage vehicles...

  • View at This is Money

    I'm in my 20s and own a Triumph Spitfire, writes Freda Lewis-Stempel

    A shift toward female classic car ownership has been quietly happening across Britain.

    Admiral says almost a quarter of classic cars in Britain are now owned by women, while insurance specialists Hagerty and Footman James have both reported significant increases in female policy holders in the last few years.

  • View at Motorsport UK

    Motorsport UK at the 2024 Labour Party Conference

    Motorsport UK attended the 2024 Labour Party Conference on 22 September and hosted a fringe event, welcoming MPs, Party members and the industry. 

    Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO, outlined how motorsport can accelerate the future of transport to attendees before being joined by Guy Lachlan from Motor Spirit and the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance.  

  • HCVA host sustainable liquid fuels round table

    The HCVA were very proud to host our first sustainable liquid fuels round table today (28th August) at Hagerty's Bicester Heritage HQ -  attended by all of the fuel creators, experts and thought leaders in the sector.

    We’re keen for our membership to work together to enhance the development in what is a proven and achievable solution for sustainable combustion motoring.

  • HCVA trade members work together to make history at the 1000 Miglia

    The Fast Lane Club has made a significant mark in automotive history by becoming the first team to complete the iconic 1000 Miglia race using sustainable biofuel. This remarkable achievement, in partnership with SUSTAIN by Coryton underscores the potential of environmentally friendly alternatives in high-performance motorsport.

    Read More

  • Sustainable liquid fuels round table

    The HCVA considers Sustainable Liquid Fuels - petrol and diesel made from waste, and/or via Carbon Capture, and using clean electricity in their manufacture - to be a vital piece of the puzzle to ensure that Historic motoring can continue indefinitely in a Net Zero world. As part of our thought-leadership role, HCVA is organising its first Sustainable Fuels Round Table at Bicester later this month (August 2024).

    Read More

  • Announcing the new HCVA Chief Executive Officer

    After a rigorous selection process we are delighted to announce that we have found our new Chief Executive Officer.

    Dale Keller will be joining us after a very successful twelve years as CEO for the trade association the Board of Airline Representatives, where he has worked closely with government and regulatory bodies as well as helping to build a thriving community. He has guided the association through periods of significant change and challenge, including the recent COVID pandemic.

For the HCVA Dale will be focusing on creating a strong relationship with the new government, building the membership and working closely with current members to ensure the HCVA is focused on the core areas that matter most. Dale will join us on October 1st and will be with us at the third Heritage Matters Insight Day at Jaguar Classic on October 3rd. He is very much looking forward to meeting many of you there.

We wish to thank Guy Lachlan who stepped up as interim CEO during this process and has done a marvellous job. He will continue in the role until the 1st of October.

The new Labour government's plans to overhaul Employment Law are becoming clearer, and include many areas of direct interest to HCVA members. They can be summarised as follows:

  • Employment status – single ‘worker’ status

    Expanding day one employee rights

    Banning zero-hour contracts

    Ending fire and rehire

    Fair pay – NMW and SSP

    Equal pay

  • Extending family-friendly rights

    Other equality measures

    Extend redundancy and TUPE rights

    Trade Union rights

We are planning a session focusing on these changes and what they mean for your business as part of the next Heritage Matters Day, scheduled for October 3rd 2024.

  • HCVA Political Asks

    The HCVA is campaigning in a number of key areas to protect the future of classic and historic motoring for all. Read about our platform and how we are addressing key areas of concern for our members across our four pillars - Environment and Sustainability, Education and Skills, Regulation and Policy and Community.

    Discover More

  • The King's Speech - announcements of interest to the HCVA

    We are pleased to see the following announcements in the King's Speech today (17/07/24):

    Introduce the Industrial Strategy Council, encourage investment in new technologies and skills, support sustainable fuel production and reform the apprenticeship levy.

    These tie in well with key areas in our Political Asks

  • Read the HCVA response to the DfT 'Call for Evidence'

    We're very grateful to all of those who have responded to the DfT 'Call for Evidence' and we have had plenty of positive feedback from those who have used our guidance to help in formulating their response.

    Now that the consultation process is entering the next phase you can see our official response here.

    The HCVA Response

  • Aston Martin Works has joined the HCVA

    "We are delighted to welcome Aston Martin Works into the membership" said HCVA Director, Guy Lachlan. "Our recent member conference underscored the need for OEMs to work in close cooperation with their independent counterparts, and we believe the HCVA provides the perfect organisational environment to do so."

    Read More

In The Know

Drivers who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 were automatically granted entitlement to drive medium size lorries and minibuses (C1/D1). Please be aware that if you renew your driving licence after your 70th birthday, the DVLA will remove these rights. This may affect members with car transporters etc. You will need to follow the process outlined here to ensure you retain your entitlements.

If you have renewed your licence and drive a larger vehicle please check your categories!

  • Heritage Matters Podcast episode #2 now live!

    For any of you that aren’t already familiar with them, StarterMotor is an excellent charity dedicated to putting young people behind the wheel of classic cars. We chat to Chief Executive Dave Withers about the reasons behind the creation of the charity and why they play such an important role for the future of the industry. 

    Discover More

From Greg Smith MP

At questions to the Leader of the House of Commons this morning (25th April 2024), I asked Penny Mordaunt for a debate on the treatment of the classic car sector by DVLA. Some absurd decisions are being made by DLVA, forcing classic cars onto Q plates for necessary repairs or safety upgrades such as fitting seatbelts. This is an issue I have continually raised and will continue to fight on.

  • Bicester Heritage April 2024 Scramble

    Bicester Heritage April  Scramble is always a special Sunday in the Spring. The Scramble allows visitors to explore the historic motoring hub from 9am through to 2pm and to see behind the doors of the amazing businesses who work there, including showrooms and workshops.

    Discover More

  • HCVA hosts second Heritage Matters Insights Day

    Following an extremely successful inaugural HCVA Heritage Matters Insight Day in October 2023, we are pleased to have followed it up with ‘Heritage Matters too’. Over 100 industry experts and business leaders gathered at the Hagerty UK Clubhouse for the day of progress updates, industry insights and networking.

    Discover More

  • First episode of the all new Heritage Matters podcast now live

    The podcast has been something that we’ve had in the works for a long time, the series takes a relaxed dive into the historic vehicle industry and some of the incredible people within it. We’ve built up a long list of amazing guests to chat to and we’re excited to share their stories, their enthusiasms and what makes them tick.

    Discover More

  • HCVA Member Update - DVLA Announcement

    We are pleased to inform members that that the DVLA has begun to address the concerns of our members and those of our partner organisations within the Historical Vehicle User Group (HVUG). The HCVA's long-standing goal is to work with DVLA and other stakeholders to agree a published definition of exactly what work can be performed during restoration without jeopardising a given vehicle's Historic registration status

    Discover More

  • Enhanced benefits for HCVA Trade Members

    The most obvious benefit of HCVA membership is the fact that you are actively helping to build a future for classic cars and the jobs that they support. As a not-for-profit orgnaisation every penny of your membership subscription goes toward funding our campaigns. However, your membership does come with an ever-increasing range of other benefits too...

    Discover More

  • Action on Parts - an HCVA Initiative

    If a component fitted by a restorer or maintainer doesn't fit properly or fails prematurely, the resulting rectification can impose costs onto the installer far beyond the value of the part that failed – not to mention consequential reputational harm and customer dissatisfaction. The HCVA's 'Action on Parts' programme exists to collect data and initiate constructive dialogue between all parties to investigate feasible improvements.

    Discover More

  • Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

    We are keenly aware that a thriving classic and historic industry relies on the skills, knowledge and abilities of those who work in it, and we're committed to helping demonstrate the value of a career in the sector to young people.  Founded in 2016 by John Pitchforth, our partners the Heritage Skills Academy offer clear pathways into apprenticeships for young people.

    Discover More

  • Octane Magazine HCVA Member Spotlight

    The first HCVA Member Spotlight is in this month’s Octane magazine across a double page spread - highlighting the work of The Splined Hub, the Jaguar E-Type specialist. Alongside comment from the HCVA around current issues, this regular Octane feature will showcase a different HCVA member each month, alongside the logos of the members who will feature throughout the year. This is a great opportunity for HCVA members to showcase their businesses in this prestigious magazine and is very cost-effective too. With just a couple of spots remaining for the year ahead, do get in touch if you’d like to take part.

  • DVLA Issues Reporting

    If you are now, or have recently, experienced issues with Historic vehicle registration which you consider to have been poorly or wrongly handled by DVLA, please help us by completing the form on this page. Identifying your issues and suggestions will allow us to collate and prioritise the various issues with the relevant official body.

    Discover More

A great roundtable with Nicholas Mee and Neal of Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee & Co reflecting on the importance of the HCVA along with publisher of Magneto magazine, event organiser and classic car champion David Lillywhite, together with Dan Cogger of Hagerty.

  • VSCC Winter Driving Tests - a synergy between the past and the future

    On Saturday (2nd December) we attended the annual Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) Winter Driving Tests at Bicester Heritage. Although the VSCC focuses on celebrating heritage it is also working to preserve the future of the events, the cars themselves and the industry surrounding them. Two key factors that they are addressing are environmental impacts and participation of young people.

    Discover More

It was fantastic to catch up with HCVA trade members at the recent NEC Classic Motor Show. It’s events such as this that clearly demonstrate the impressive scale and value of the UK classic and historic motoring industry.

With restorers, dealers, suppliers, insurers, owners clubs and many more all under one roof it also shows the vast variety of different career options within the sector.

At last weekend's Bicester Scramble we caught up with HCVA trade member Gregg May of Autohistoric Veteran and Vintage, to hear his thoughts on our inaugural Heritage Matters insight day.

  • Historic Motoring Awards 2023

    The awards took place on Wednesday the 15th of November 2023 at the Dorchester Hotel Ballroom and saw key industry people, historic motoring organisations and owners from throughout the country gather to celebrate the businesses and individuals working to achieve excellence across a range of disciplines and areas of expertise.

    Discover More

  • Porter Press Motoring Literary & Art Festival

    HCVA member Porter Press International will be running an all-new event in December: a motoring themed literary and arts festival. The Festival has assembled a stellar line up of speakers from across the motoring world, along with prominent automotive artists, specialist exhibitors and a series of handpicked ‘Star Cars’.

    Discover More

  • Classic Car Weekly - "DVLA's Classic Woes Reach The Top"

    A front page exclusive from Classic Car Weekly reveals that Cabinet Minister Mark Harper, who holds the transport portfolio, has said that the DVLA needs to be more sensitive when handling cases involving classics. He also indicated that he was aware of "ongoing frustrations, including delays in getting registrations for restored vehicles" and that he hopes "that we've set it on a better trajectory".

    Discover More

  • Historic Motoring Charity Hosts Local School Careers Day

    Bicester-based charity, StarterMotor has hosted an inspirational careers day for a local school.The event saw over 180 Year 9 students and their teachers gather at the charity’s headquarters at Bicester Heritage to enjoy a full programme of presentations and hands-on experience of the classic car industry.

    Discover More

  • Discussing the Future of Classic Motoring with the HCVA

    The authoritative Magneto magazine offers excellent coverage of the HCVA this month, with Wayne Batty writing that we are "...striving to be one unbiased voice for this highly significant, profoundly important sector and its many talented individuals ... working to turn the tide for a sector under both legislative and ideological attack".

    Discover More

  • Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance Welcomes New Board Directors

    The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) has welcomed three new board members. The appointment sees Mark Roper, David Withers and Erik Olsen join the HCVA Board of Directors, alongside David Meek (Chair), Henry Pearman, Guy Lachlan and Emma Crickmay. The three bring a wealth of experience to further enhance the governance and expertise across the Alliance’s strategic objectives.

    Discover More

  • The next generation of historic racers shine at Goodwood Revival 2023

    The Goodwood Revival is an event unlike any other, like stepping through a portal to the 1950s and celebrating all things historic racing. However, not all of the weekend is spent celebrating the past, there is one event in particular that is very much focused on the future of the industry. This is of course the Settrington Cup, one of the most competitive and highly anticipated events of the Revival...

    Discover More

HCVA Live on Goodwood Radio

Listen again to HCVA board member Guy Lachlan, in conversation with Goodwood Radio host Guy Loveridge at last weekend's Goodwood Revival.

During the 10 minute interview, the pair discuss how important the classic car industry is to the UK economy, ways to future-proof and support the sector, how the HCVA is helping and its many successes, work with the Transport Select Committee, and knocking down the Palace of Westminster.

Keen to learn more about the HCVA and our campaign? Press play below to listen in full.

  • HCVA Selected As Finalists In The Historic Motoring Awards 2023

    We’re pleased to announce that the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) has been selected as a finalist in the Industry Supporter of the Year category, at The Historic Motoring Awards 2023, presented by Octane.

    The news is particularly gratifying after a busy year of lobbying and campaigning by the Alliance.

    Discover More

  • HCVA Chair David Meek Responds To Rishi Sunak’s Net Zero Update

    We are encouraged to hear a softening in tone from Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak as he spoke with the media in relation to the UK’s rigid 2030 net zero policies yesterday.

    After meeting with several ministers, MPs and industry partners myself over recent weeks, to discuss ‘future fuels’, it was particularly reassuring to hear Mr Sunak talk to approaching climate policies in a ‘proportionate and pragmatic way’.

    Discover More

  • Ten Questions – David Meek, Chair of the HCVA in Car & Classic

    David is asked ten questions by Dale Vinten in this wide-ranging interview in the latest edition of Car & Classic. Car & Classic are Founding Partners of the HCVA and as they say themselves; "We’ve put our money where our beautifully polished grille is, aligning ourselves with its principles and signing up to a fully accountable code of conduct in order to help preserve the future of classic and historic vehicles for everyone, something that is obviously very close to our hearts."

    Discover More

  • HCVA at Parliament

    HCVA Chair, David Meek was pleased to be part of the delegation to meet with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden MP, at Parliament last week.

    He joined Greg Smith MP, Greg Knight MP, and other industry colleagues at the meeting in London on Tuesday 27th June to highlight concerns around the DVLA’s treatment of the historic and classic vehicles sector.

  • HCVA Members Fuel The Future At Flywheel 2023

    At the HCVA, our ongoing campaign is proudly focused around four key pillars: Environment & Sustainability, Education & Skills, Regulation & Policy and the HCVA Community. They form the backbone of all we do, so when Bicester Heritage's 10-year anniversary Flywheel event saw the coming together of two of these pillars the HCVA team was delighted to offer its support.

    Discover More

  • HCVA members lead the way in sustainable fuels for classic cars

    There are many benefits to membership of the HCVA, but perhaps the most consistently demonstrated gain is collaboration among our trade associates. And this weekend’s Flywheel event (17th to 18th June) hosted by HCVA member Bicester Motion at its Heritage site promises to showcase what the very best of the British automotive industry can achieve when businesses work to support each other.

    Discover More

  • A letter from the new HCVA Chair, David Meek

    Today, we issued a press release confirming my recent appointment as the new Chair of the Board of HCVA, which follows our website post a few weeks ago outlining some of my background and experience. In the two months since joining the HCVA, I’ve spent considerable time with members, stakeholders, decision makers and prominent MPs, to appreciate the challenges and opportunities across the classic and historic vehicle sector.

    Read the Newsletter

  • The HCVA is pleased to formally announce David Meek as its new Chair

    David will oversee the wider operations of the HCVA, including its strategic objectives, public engagement, and growth. As such, he will work closely with the company’s executive team and stakeholders to realign strategy and support Alliance members alongside four new core pillars; environment and sustainability, education and skills, regulation and policy, and the HCVA community.

    Discover More

  • E-fuels u-turn: EU allows combustion cars to be sold after 2035

    A new agreement will see the creation of a class of cars that can only run on carbon-neutral e-fuels after the Germans dug their heels in. It’s the second time that the EU has had to backtrack on its ambition to axe all ICE vehicles, having previously agreed to an exemption for low-volume car makers. 

    Discover More

Appointment of new HCVA Chair

The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance are delighted to confirm the appointment of David Meek as Chair of the Board of Directors.

David is a lifelong classic car enthusiast and a seasoned independent chair and non-executive director across not for profit, real estate, finance and technology businesses.

Currently David is Chair of the real estate development company This Land, working with government and community stakeholders to provide quality, sustainable housing across Cambridgeshire. Previous membership organisation roles include Chair of the Ethical Tea Partnership, working with companies across the global tea industry to drive long-term systemic change. Within finance, David has operated at senior board and executive level at numerous large global financial institutions, including JPMorgan and Citi, aligning different cultures, needs and expectations to solve complex challenges on behalf of their clients.

A keen advocate of the charity sector, David recently stepped down as interim CEO at Twycross Zoo, a leading UK conservation charity. He is currently Vice Chair of the British Liver Trust, a trustee at the Science Museum Foundation and an active mentor at Cambridge University’s Enterprise Initiative.

David has a Master’s degree in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability from Birkbeck, University of London and is a strong advocate of lifelong learning. Although primarily based in the Cotswolds and London, he travels extensively and enjoys the South Coast with his partner and two dogs, his hobbies varying from enjoying his cherished mix of 1970-1995 classic cars to painting and many things in between.

HCVA CEO steps down

The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance would like to announce that after serving as CEO and board director, Garry Wilson is leaving the organisation to pursue his consultancy business. Garry has helped to guide the HCVA through much of its formative two years and raised the awareness of the challenges facing the classic car industry.

The HCVA team would like to thank Garry for his hard work and wish him all the best for the future.

Guy Lachlan
on behalf of the HCVA Board of Directors

  • Fuelling the future: motive power and connectivity 

    This new House of Commons Transport Committee report makes significant recommendations about the need for the future availability of sustainable liquid fuels.

    This is a very positive report and we at the HCVA are delighted by the findings. We very much hope that Government policy will now follow these recommendations.

    Discover More

Electricity? Hydrogen? Synthetic Fuel? What's The Future of Forward Motion?

An excellent and entertaining explainer about the future of propulsion from the Top Gear team.

Car & Classic have created an excellent video about the future of fuels:

There is a lot of talk today about the future of internal combustion, and that talk normally centres around its demise. But that doesn't need to be the case. 

Companies like Coryton in partnership with the HCVA (Historic Classic Vehicle Alliance) are making huge, huge strides in synthetic fuel technology. How huge? Well, it's a physical, usable product for one. So usable in fact, that we took one of our modern classic cars from our personal fleet and filled it to the brim with the synthetic stuff. The results, as you'll find out, were pleasing.

This really is the future of internal combustion. No drilling, no oil, just good, solid tech that pulls second-generation carbon from the atmosphere and turns it into a fuel any petrol car can use. Brilliant. 

  • Instant Offset - new updated website

    This exciting initiative is a simple way to ensure that every classic driver can completely offset their carbon emissions in just three steps!

    Whatever your offset cost, a contribution of £2 goes toward the HCVA to help fund our campaigning to protect the future of classic and historic vehicles.

    Discover More

Richard Hammond discusses electrification and the HCVA

HCVA Feature in The House magazine

The HCVA are quoted and featured in an article in this month's The House - a weekly political magazine relating to the British Houses of Parliament. Discussing the important role that sustainable fuels can play in the future energy mix, the article by Richard Gotch offers insight into the advantages of pursuing this as a route to a carbon-friendly future.

You can read the article as a PDF download here.

Autumn Budget Statement

We are very disappointed that the government intends to go ahead with the full 23% increase in fuel duty in March at a time of record fuel prices. This will vastly increase costs for business across the sector and impact owners. The decision to impose duty on electric cars will slow their take up and shows how important it is for the government to invest in developing sustainable fuels as a zero-carbon alternative to petrol and diesel.

The HCVA have put down questions in Parliament on this subject.

The Historic Motoring Awards 2022 - Congratulations to HCVA member winners!

  • Rising Star Award - Georgina Wood of Trade Member P&A Wood

  • Industry Supporter of the Year - Hagerty - Founding Partner of The Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance

  • Specialist of the Year - CKL Developments - Founding Partner of the HCVA

  • Classic Car Ambassador - Julian Barratt CEO of Founding Partner SNG Barratt and HCVA Chairman

  • Apprentice of the Year - Callum Staff (Callum is a StarterMotor Ambassador and personal HCVA Member)

Our HCVA sponsored award for Manufacturer Contribution was won by Jaguar Land Rover

The finalists for The Historic Motoring Awards 2022 presented by Octane have been announced and the following HCVA members (and the HCVA itself) have been nominated in the following categories:

Apprentice of the Year - Callum Staff (Callum is a StarterMotor Ambassador and personal HCVA Member) - WINNER

Classic Car Ambassador - Julian Barratt CEO of Founding Partner SNG Barratt and HCVA Chairman - WINNER

Industry Supporter of the Year - Hagerty - Founding Partner of the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance - WINNER

Motoring Event of the Year - Bicester Scramble curated by Founding Partner Bicester Heritage

Rising Star Event - Footman James Coffee & Chrome Collective - by Founding Partner Footman James

Rising Star Person - Georgina Wood of Trade Member P&A Wood - WINNER

Specialist of the Year - CKL Developments - Founding Partner - WINNER

Team of the Year - HERO-ERA - Founding Partner

Jaguar Centenary Celebration sponsored by HCVA members Twyford Moors and SNG Barratt - Motoring Event of the Year

You can see all the nominations for the awards here

  • The Past And The Spurious - new by Paul Griffin

    A historic car is both a precious asset and a piece of rolling history. Its value draws on its origins and its ownership is a responsibility, albeit often an exciting one. Yet how can you know that any important machine is what it seems? Paul Griffin, HCVA member and leading lawyer has just had this important work published and you can get your own copy here.

    Discover More

  • Our Eclectic Future presented at British Motorsport Day 

    Motorsport UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Motorsport presented Our Eclectic Future at British Motorsport Day in the Palace of Westminster to showcase the vision of a world powered by a range of use-appropriate systems and fuels. 

    Discover More

  • Progress on synthetic fuels

    Tuesday saw the achievement of a significant milestone in the progress towards future fuels for the Historic and Classic vehicles sector. CKL Developments, Jaguar racing specialists, a Founding Partner member of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) ran a customer’s racing E-Type Jaguar at Goodwood using specialist fuel from Sustain by Coryton.

    Discover More

  • The HCVA response to the Queen’s Speech

    The government has announced its new legislative programme for the next parliamentary session and there are a few things that will be of interest to the Historic Vehicle Sector.

    The first one to look out for will be the Transport Bill.

    Discover More

  • Vehicle Tampering Offences Debate

    After the petition gained over 115,000 signatures it was scheduled for debate. James Sunderland MP quoted the HCVA on the size of the classic sector and the concerns we that have before proposing that, should the government go ahead with the bill, specific exemptions are made for the historic and classic sector.

    Discover More

              
The 11th Donington Historic Festival

              
30th April – 1 May 2022

The spectators were back out at last weekend's Donington Historic Festival and what a fabulous weekend of racing was had by all!

The HCVA team were on site to meet existing members and welcome new ones. Cars racing at the event spanned seven decades from 1920’s & 30’s sports cars in races from the ‘Mad Jack’ to 1980’s touring cars. HCVA Founding Partners Motor Racing Legends put together a series of impressive grids which also saw original factory group C1 cars taking to the track.  

It was great to see so many HCVA members racing, preparing cars and visiting the event.  Congratulations to all who took part and especially to those members who earned a place on the podium. The HCVA will be at further events throughout the year and we look forward to seeing you!

It was great to be back at the wonderful Donington Historic! All credit to Duncan Wiltshire and his team, great grids and fantastic to see Group C cars racing as hard and fast as they did in period. We enjoyed ourselves in the Pall Mall Cup and had a 3 hour battle in the pre 63 Class, which was nip and tuck right to the end, just as good racing should be! 

I was very proud to see the historic car community represented by Shân and the team from the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance stand. It was fantastic to see not only competitors on track but for the first time in a very long time, lots of the public enjoying the racing as well as the cars in the paddock. The classic car community is a force for good, it has such a positive spirit and something Great Britain should be very proud of. 

Well done HCVA for representing all of us!

GREGOR FISKEN - HCVA FOUNDING PARTNER

Tony Brooks

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of motor racing legend Tony Brooks on 3rd May.  Tony is pictured here talking to HCVA Director Paul Griffin at Brooklands in September 2021, driving the Connaught ALSR which Tony campaigned in the 1950’s.

Charles Anthony Standish Brooks (25 February 1932 – 3 May 2022) was a British racing driver also known as the "racing dentist". He participated in 39 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 14 July 1956, achieving six wins, 10 podium finishes and 75 career points. He was third in the World Drivers' Championship in 1958 with Vanwall and second in 1959 with Ferrari. He also scored the first win by a British driver in a British car in a Grand Prix since 1923, driving a Connaught at Syracuse in 1955 in a non-championship race.

Brooks was the last surviving Grand Prix winner from the 1950s.

Discover More

A classic car tour in aid of the ACE Project

On Saturday July 2nd 2022, supporters will assemble at the HERO-ERA HQ at Bicester Heritage; the first business campus dedicated to historic motoring based at the UK’s best-preserved WW2 RAF bomber station. Participants will set-off in their vintage and classic cars for a stunning summertime driving tour of Oxfordshire, all in support of A.C.E for SMA - The official charity of HERO-ERA for 2022. A hospitality stop mid-route will give participants a private viewing of the treasure trove F1 collection at Williams Heritage. Back at the HERO-ERA HQ, lunch will be served on the rooftop terrace above the classic car gallery, giving crews a chance to share experiences and refuel ahead of an afternoon of twists and turns on the famous airfield test track at Bicester Heritage.

HERO-ERA have made their entire Arrive & Drive fleet available for this event, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to drive a new or favourite classic car.

Funds raised through the ACE in Motion Tour 2022 will go directly to the ACE research project in collaboration with Oxford University’s neuromuscular department. This project will fund a two-year trial of intensive physiotherapy alongside disease modifying drugs for 20 children currently living with SMA.

Discover More

              
The 79th Goodwood Members' Meeting

              
9TH-10TH APRIL 2022

It was fantastic to see so many HCVA members at the 79th Members' Meeting which was, as you might expect, a wonderful celebration of historic and classic racing cars and bikes with cars ranging from Ford Escorts through to V10-era F1 cars and much more. 

Highlights amongst a range of thrilling events and races from across the eras included a demonstration from the world's largest gathering of Porsche Group C cars, some spirited 1964-70 era 1litre "screamer" F3 racing and of course the reveal of the Gordon Murray Automotive T.33. The GMA T.50 also undertook a demonstration run at significant pace, proving what an exciting car this is turning out to be.

This event always brings out a significant crowd of enthusiasts and participants, proving once more how vibrant, enjoyable and important the world of classic and historic vehicles is. The racing pushed drivers and cars to the limit and the appreciative crowd added to a really enjoyable weekend for all, aided by some great weather.

HCVA members from auctioneers, car sales and publishers had impressive stalls and many other members both trade and owners were present to enjoy this brilliant event. The HCVA will be at further events throughout the year and we look forward to seeing our current members and welcoming new ones to the fold.

HCVA Board Member and Founding Partner Guy Lachlan represented the HCVA at the Transport Select Committee meeting held on 2nd March 2022, chaired by Huw Merriman MP.

Having been asked by the Committee to submit a report on the need for the future availability of fuels (from fossil to synthetic), the HCVA responded quickly and Guy agreed to represent our interests in the discussion. As the owner of Classic Oils, Guy has extensive technical knowledge and also crucially key experience in dealing with the workings of Select Committees.

Garry Wilson, HCVA CEO adds "Guy did an outstanding job of representing the HCVA and therefore the whole historic and classic vehicles sector. Several of the MPs attending the meeting spoke with Guy afterwards and all are supportive of ensuring the ongoing supply of fuels for historic and classic vehicles into the future"

In this video Harry Metcalf looks at the different impacts on CO2 emission levels when driving a BMW i4 full electric car, a Range Rover P400e PHEV, or a classic car fueled by sustainable fuel.

  • Breakdown cover small print warning for classic car owners

    Classic car owners are being warned to carefully examine their breakdown cover to avoid potential pitfalls this summer. Start Rescue is warning that many owners may be wasting money on breakdown cover that doesn't adequately cater to the unique needs of classic vehicles.

    Read the article

  • Ten Questions – David Meek, Chair of the HCVA

    David is interviewed by Dale Vinten from Car & Classic - who are proud Founding Partners of the HCVA.
     

    Read Online

  • The HCVA in Engineering & Technology - April 2022

    Garry writes about issues related to the electrification of classic vehicles in the Comment section of the Institute of Engineering and Technology website. He discusses the case for alternative solutions to net zero in the classic vehicle world.

    Read the article

  • The HCVA in b500 Magazine - March 2022

    Thanks to the generosity of HCVA Founding Partner Moss Automotive we have an advert and mention in the excellent b500 magazine which you can read online. Our advert is on pages 8-9 and we are mentioned on page 45.

    Read Online

  • The HCVA in Classic Car Business Magazine - March 2022

    CEO Garry Wilson has penned his first column for the new Classic Car Business magazine, explaining how far the HCVA has already progressed in protecting the future of classic vehicles.

    Download

  • The HCVA in Classic & Sports Car Magazine - Feb 2022

    A year since the group’s inception, incoming CEO Garry Wilson explains how this champion of the classic car industry is progressing...

    WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY AARON McKAY

    Download

  • The HCVA in Classic Car Buyer - Feb 2022

    'Preserve our industry' plea to youngsters. HCVA offers incentive to young enthusiasts to help safeguard the future of UK's classic vehicle scene.

    Download

  • Protecting the future of our past.

    Depending on who you talk to, you might believe that classic cars are not long for this world. However, while it can seem as though classic car drivers are firmly on the wrong side of history, Garry Wilson, CEO of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) is trying to ensure that yesterday’s motors have a place on tomorrow’s roads.

    Tom Fogden for Auto Futures 24/11/2021

  • Instant Offset from the HCVA - batteries not required.

    There is no denying that climate change, the environment, carbon, however you want to label it, is a big topic right now. And rightly so. After all, we only have one shot at keeping this big green ball we call Earth in good nick. And of course, in light of these, we’re all trying to do our bit to ensure said green ball stays green.

    Chris Pollitt for Car & Classic 17/11/2021

  • The classic cars being given an environmental makeover

    How easy is it to convert your classic car to electric power – and is it worth the effort? That probably depends on whether you drive a Land Rover or a Ferrari, says Daniel Pembrey

    Daniel Pembrey for the The Field 17/09/2021

  • Classic car owners may face new MOT rules as campaigners demand changes

    Malcolm McKay, spokesperson for the HCVA said MOT's should look more closely at fuel hoses now cars will be fitted with E10 petrol. He said the higher amounts of ethanol will “attack fuel hoses” which will be a major safety risk for owners of older vehicles.

    Luke Chillingsworth for the Daily Express 19/08/2021

  • Can green synthetic fuels save the internal combustion engine?

    Even if only EVs are on sale in 2030, half of the cars on our roads will still use internal combustion. The race is on to invest in efuel – carbon-neutral, synthetic hydrocarbons – ideal for the petrol guzzling motors that aren't going anywhere.

    Wired UK 11/04/2021

  • Classic car owners will need to 'find a way around' new E10 petrol change

    Classic car experts have warned the classic car movement are “scared” to make too much fuss despite the risk of damage to cars which are not compatible with the new petrol. An expert has even suggested E5 fuel may not be around in the future as it would be up to fuel companies to decide whether to stock it.

    Luke Chillingsworth for the Daily Express 12/07/2021

  • Electric cars 'could be' the final nail in the coffin for classic car owners

    CLASSIC CARS could become "less usable" as a result of the move towards electric cars, according to experts. Specialists at the Historic Classic Vehicle Alliance warned owners could face the nail in the coffin as a result of the push towards electrification.

    Luke Chillingsworth for the Daily Express 03/07/2021

  • Classic car experts warn emissions concerns are a 'widespread misconception'

    CLASSIC CAR experts have revealed historic models produce just half the emissions of mobile phones and computers as specialists warn the industry is under threat. Experts at the HCVA have warned classic car emissions are a “widespread misconception”.

    Luke Chillingsworth for the Daily Express 03/06/2021

  • 100,000 classic car jobs at risk from red tape and green fears

    More than 100,000 specialist jobs in the classic car industry could be under threat due to post-Brexit bureaucracy and poorly targeted environmental legislation, according to a new trade body representing the sector. The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) has called on MPs and regulators to help protect the sector.

    Matt Allan for The Scotsman 27th May 2021

  • Classic cars are in 'serious jeopardy' and 'may not survive' warn enthusiasts

    Figures from the classic vehicle industry fear complex new rules around importing and exporting classic vehicles to the EU are damaging owners confidence. They warn there is a misunderstanding of the environmental impact of vintage motoring which could also be playing a role in undermining the sector.

    Luke Chillingsworth for the Daily Express 25/05/2021

  • 'Mindboggling' red tape threatens classic car industry

    The vintage car sector has formed a new group, the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA), to protect an industry it says has an annual turnover of £18.3bn and either employs or supports some 113,000 jobs, including engineers, restorers, craftsmen and parts suppliers.

    ALAN TOVEY FOR THE DAILY TELEGRAPH (£) 25/05/2021 

    Download PDF

  • New classic car industry body launches

    A group of leading industry figures has united to form the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) to protect the British classic car industry, which it says has an annual turnover of £18.3b. The group is calling on British politicians and regulators to use their post-Brexit independence to help grow this sector of the economy.

    Classic & Sports Car Editorial Team 25/05/2021

Our unbelievable prowess in overland transport, stands on the foundation of over 130 years of automotive development and discovery. What I have learned in historic motorsport has amazed and educated me. We have an incredible opportunity to protect, enjoy and be informed by these treasured vehicles, while proving their value to an ever new generation of enthusiasts.

Alex Brundle, British endurance racing star, historic racer and broadcaster