“As motoring enthusiasts, there is nothing members like more than to talk endlessly about their pride and joys.”
Member of Otley-based Chevin Motor Club Andy Allen bubbles with enthusiasm as he chats about the many pleasures of owning classic cars and meeting up with others who share that passion.
Of all the vehicles on today’s roads, classics are the ones that turn heads. From nippy Minis and sporty MGs, to curvy VWs, elegant Aston Martins and iconic Rolls-Royces, classics bring a timeless style and craftsmanship to motoring as well as evoking nostalgia.
Interest in classics is booming, with classic car clubs across the country providing a platform for enthusiasts to enjoy their interest and introduce others to it.
Chevin Motor Club has more than 70 members from all walks of life. Their much-loved vehicles - from old British and American classics to much newer high-performance vehicles - are put on show at local events, including the club’s popular show Classics on the Cobbles in Otley Market Square.
The Cobbles event is attended by YAA with a stand to raise funds. The club make charitable contributions to other shows in support of their charities, such as Sue Ryder/Manorlands.
The club hosts several car runs each year including an event in July to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. “We try to have some shorter ‘fun runs’ of around 30-50 miles on which we stop for lunch at one of the many country pubs in our area,” says club treasurer Andy, who joined in 2017 adding humorously, “We are also ‘food critics.’”
Members attend gatherings such as The Royalty Roadshow at York Gate, Rawdon Conservative Club, Harrogate Car Enthusiasts meeting, as well as classic runs hosted by other clubs such as Ryedale, York and Ilkley. “And numerous spur-of-the-moment sunny evening drives into the Yorkshire countryside,” says Andy.
“We’ve visited The Carding Shed in Holmfirth for Drive It Day, the Ferrari specialist Italia Autosport in Holmfirth, and driven over to the East Coast for lunch. We enjoyed a Cryptic Drive also known as a Scramble which involved solving clues to establish the route, when our then chairman, Tony, got lost.
“Runs enable members to enjoy scenic drives with each other, have a lunch/coffee stop and ‘kick a few tyres’. It’s not all about cars all the time, although cars do, obviously, take up a high percentage of the chatter.”
The number of cars taking part varies from around three or four on guest runs to between ten and 20 at gatherings.
Chevin Motor Club was founded in 1999 by “three men in a pub” but Tony Pinder was the driving force. He is now life president, having stood down as chairman in July 2022.
Whether at shows, or simply parked at the supermarket, the cars always command attention. Says Andy: “Someone always wants to chat about your car and take photos. I remember stopping at a motorway services on my way home from a show when a young enthusiast came over for a chat. His girlfriend remarked, ‘What’s so special about that? It’s just a car,’ to which he replied: “No, it’s not, it’s a Mustang.’”
And not just any old Mustang - Andy is the proud owner of a special edition Bullitt Mustang, built to emulate the car driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 action movie Bullitt.
Andy also owns an Aston Martin V12 Vantage and a Ford Focus ST-Line “My Focus is my ‘daily’ - it’s a fun car to drive and has enjoyed a number of club runs, the last of which was through the Trough of Bowland, a run which included a Ford Kuga, Skoda Octavia vRS, Marlin, MGB Roadster, Porsche Boxster and Mazda MX-5.
Some members have more of a technical bent than others, says Andy. “Being a diverse club means having access to a wide variety of advice and guidance for those of us who would be disappointed not to be able to pull on a set of overalls and tinker for hours. When it comes to servicing, this can also be a tangible benefit towards the cost of running a car, be it classic or modern.”
The club has always invited the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to have a stand at its Classic on the Cobbles show. “It gives them visibility to the community as well as raising funds for a worthwhile cause. We also make charitable donations to the organisers of other local shows in support of various charities such as Sue Ryder,” says Andy.
Monthly club nights are held in the White Swan, Otley. “It’s another chance for members to get together to exchange views, experiences, hints and tips. It’s also a chance to poll members for contributions/articles for the club newsletter and what shows and events they may be interested in attending.”
Membership includes the club’s colour monthly newsletter The Motor Nut, which is sent out via email. It is full of the latest news, future events, show reports and other items of interest and it is sponsored by various local traders who offer discounts on their goods and services to members. Some insurance companies will also offer car club members favourable rates.
*Chevin Motor Club meets at the White Swan, Boroughgate, Otley, on the second Thursday of every month. New members are welcome. If you’re interested in joining visit chevinmotorclub.co.uk or email chevin.motorclub@gmail.com; call Tim 07939 503552 or Andy 07802 170527.
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