10 young drivers get classic cars on 1-year loans

For the third year in a row, the British Motor Museum at Gaydon was the site for the presentation of classic vehicles on one-year loans to 10 young enthusiasts through the Classic Car Loan Project, which designed to encourage the next generation into the classic car movement.

Among those supporting the program is England’s Duckhams Classic Oils, which will provide lubrication products for the cars throughout the year:

• 1929 Ford Model A Phaeton (Tourer), loaned to Liam Stafford from Shropshire
• 1933 Austin 7 saloon, to Eddie Storer, Lincolnshire
• 1934 Morgan 3-wheeler Super Sports, to Scott Davies, Derby
• 1954 Ford Popular, to Rachel Cook, Leeds
• 1956 Ford Anglia, to Harrison Smith, Northants
• 1960 Vauxhall Victor, to George Turner, Essex
• 1968 Morris Minor Traveller, to Richard Sanders, Kent
• 1983 Austin Maestro, to Max Bresnahan, Kent
• 1988 Volvo 245 Estate, to Jared Joubert, Staffordshire
• 1949 Alvis TA 14, to go to Josh Bennett, Banbury, at the upcoming Alivs Owners Club annual meeting.

Except for the Alvis, the cars were handed over to their young caretakers this past weekend at the museum, where each driver and car were taken to the test track area to learn driving skills, controls and other information from the actual car owner before setting off on their way.

Each of the young drivers must keep a diary of their adventures with the car and undertake all routine maintenance themselves.

“This wonderful opportunity is possible due to the generous spirit of car owners and classic car clubs who have offered cars into our project,” Classic Car Loan Project manager Bob Wilkinson says on the program’s website.

“Young enthusiasts aged 25 years or older, with some level of interest and aptitude, may apply for one of a range of cars. There are no hire or loan charges involved… just look after the car as though it was your own. All the safeguards are in place, including classic insurance (at “borrower’s” expense), for all involved to gain maximum pleasure from the experience.”

The website notes that Wilkinson runs the program as his retirement project.

“Over many years I have owned, restored and driven classic cars and have played a prominent role in classic car clubs and events aimed at encouraging a new generation,” he adds.

“We have challenged each of the drivers to film their first oil change,” said Duckhams’ Wayne Scott. “Duckhams has provided each driver with enough oil for a full change plus one of our handy 1-litre tins, which are an ideal size to keep in the boot for those crucial top ups. 

“Our challenge to the drivers is to share photos on their social media streams of all the interesting places and events that that the 1-litre tins end up visiting, throughout the exciting year ahead. So, watch out for hashtag #duckhams to find out more.”