Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rob]

I'm tempted to join the VSCC - it wouldn't be until January next year (including joining fee, and as i'm under 30, it'd still cost £50 for five months membership). It's definitely expensive as far as other clubs i'm in go, and the reduced fees wouldn't make it worth it as i'm only able to make two events a year due to other commitments, so is anyone on here that's a member be able to tell me if it's worth it in terms of the magazine, forum, and any other benefits?

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

I would join the appropriate one-make club first, personally.
Paul

[Rob]

Hi Paul, there isn't a appropriate club for me as I don't own a classic car, but am very enthusiastic about pre-ww2 car racing. I'm already a member of the Frazer Nash club as it's my favourite make, but was wondering if the increased cost would be worth it for the VSCC

[Bengt Axel]

Hi Rob, I seem to have been in a similar position to yourself.

I've owned various modest classics (2 and 4 wheeled) over the last 20 years and been in various, mostly one-make, clubs. All this time and more however my true passion has been vintage cars. Basically a lack of cash, time, space and mechanical aptitude have held me back from getting one! (so far).

I've been attending VSCC races and hillclimbs since I was radiator high to a Riley Brooklands (1976 Richard Seaman meeting at Oulton when I was 9 probably), and I procrastinated for 30 years whether to join before taking the plunge.

As a none eligible car owning 'Associate' member has it been worth it?. Well just about, but occasionally I think it's a bit borderline. Truth be told the membership are a pretty mixed bunch. On the down side, sadly there is still an element of upper clash snobs who cling dogmatically to the ridiculous belief that anything manufactured post 31st December 1930 is worthless rubbish driven by oiks. Don't let anyone convince you with the old chestnut 'VSCC members come from all walks of like from Judges to dustmen' type of tosh, because it just isn't true, though I'm sure the members who come out with this cliche do actually believe it. The forum on the VSCC website is a bit of a variable experience too with any new (or non 'approved' car owning member) being given a very rough ride if they dare post an opinion that it is of variance to that of the established grandees.

On the plus side many other members are true enthusiasts who are only too pleased to chat to and help a fellow true enthusiast regardless of which car they own, or none. I've met some smashing people through the VSCC, so despite my misgivings in the previous paragraph and occasional periods of disatisfaction with the club, I will no doubt continue to renew my membership.

My advice would be, join, give a it a couple of years oe so and see how you feel. And remember, like all clubs what you get out is proportionate to what you put it.

[Rick]

At one time I was a paid up member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club, primarily so that I could get into the paddock area at the Revival. But as I've not been down there for a few years, the £140 or so p.a. fee seemed a bit pointless. For just over half that I joined the VSCC, and can attend any of the events they run. There is a full colour quarterly magazine, plus a monthly bulletin, all very well put together and a good read to boot.

Handily the local area meeting is 1/4 mile from here, with two of the other area meetings only 30 mins or so away.

Recommended, if you like pre-war cars.

Rick
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[Rob]

Thanks for the replies guys - Bengt, definitely agree with your sentiments about the upper class part of the club, at VSCC events in the past i've felt out of place for not wearing corduroy trousers and wearing a white panama hat!

Despite that though, i've always enjoyed VSCC events and I hope that one day i'll be able to afford an eligible car, even if it's just an Austin 7 to start out with. I'll definitely join (looks like October could be the best time to as I get the next years membership included) and see how it goes - i'll be going into my last year of University after summer, so hopefully in a few years time i'll be on the circuit!

[Bengt Axel]

"I hope that one day i'll be able to afford an eligible car, even if it's just an Austin 7 to start out with"That's exactly the lines I'm thinking along at the moment. Or an early OHC Minor

[Rob]

Go for it, we could have an Old Classic Car works team!

[Rick]

[Rob]

Do tell! Plus you already have the fantastic transporter as a back drop...

[Rick]