Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

After having lived out of the UK for a number of years now, I got to thinking.

How is the Classic US car scene in the UK now?

I know that there are a few enthusiasts on the forum, it would be nice to compare with here or other European countries.

UJ

[Job-Rated]

I can post some pics up of some of this year's shows if you like.
There are two main magazines available covering the subject - Classic American & American Car World - both have regular features on everything 'Yank Tank'. Custom Car is another, but it features mainly rods & customs.
Whilst motoring isn't cheap here in the UK & even worse for an 8, there is still a very strong contingent of die-hard owners.

Like me.

[Uncle Joe]

When I lived in the UK, the US scene was in its infancy. About the only mag that covered them was Custom Car. Clubs either didnt exist, or were in their infancy.

Over here, a weekend event will often not only have the actual meeting, but things like swap meets, dances, and so on. Is it the same there now?

UJ

[Scotty]

In Scotland there are a lot of classic American car owners, but for some reason (probably the weather) we don't have a lot of meets or clubs. It appears we're a strange bunch, with a lot of owners prefering to keep to themselves.

For example, I have been with the same local "multi-make" club for nearly 17 years now, 11 of those with the Chevy. I was about 10 years in when I discovered by sheer accident the Chairman had a 1960 Cadillac "Flat-top" AND a 1959 Cadillac Convertable - but had never mentioned them to me, I can't say I was very impressed at the secret squirrel nonsense.

All in all the American car scene here is strong, but very cliquey (sp?), with the majority of meets on the east coast of Scotland, with a very occasional one here in the west such as Kyle Kustom Kruisers meet each summer.

That's why I go to the US each year and pig out travelling from show to show. Right now, as we "speak" the other half is working out our itinerary for next springs vacation and so far we're going to shows in Orlando, Kissimmee, St Cloud, Dade City, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater & Daytona Beach, all in Florida - can't wait!

[Uncle Joe]

Scotty, I thought you were visiting Scandinavia next year?

UJ

[Scotty]

[giggles]

It's alive and kicking in East Anglia. It's amzing how they seem to come out of the wood work!

I think in Suffolk because we had several USAF bases around here, that's why we've got such a strong American car scene. I know several people that bought cars that they saw driving around the Suffolk lanes when they kids back in the 50's and right up until the mid 90's. My dad always tell tales of seeing Yank Tanks in the ditches back in the early 1960's when he used to visit the bases in his Austin 7!

Well, we've recently been converted to the scene with the purchase of our Fairlane and my brother-in-law has bought a 41 Buick to restore (or turn into a Kustom.)

[Uncle Joe]

It used to be the same around Warrington in the 50's and 60's due to the USAF base there. At one time, this was the largest military base in Europe. There even used to be a breakers yard, with just Detroit iron in...wonder if it still exists?

UJ

[Rick]

There seems to be a healthy following for US iron around here, some shows have virtually nothing, but others - where the US car club stand is present - has a large selection of older US motors on display. The local old-car garage often has 1 or 2 US cars or pickups in it, and they don't stick around long.

R
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[giggles]

The American Auto Club is pretty active around here too.

http://www.americanautoclubuk.com/

And here's a few links to photo's of local shows
http://www.uimarketing.co.uk/iceni2006.htm
http://www.uimarketing.co.uk/clubmeetjune.htm
http://www.uimarketing.co.uk/damnyanks2006.htm

[old gto]