No matter what kind of car you're into, there's a car club to suit. Discover the benefits of joining such a club, and how to find one in your area.
The UK has a particular affection for the motor car, one that's expressed through a variety of outlets: from watching Jeremy Clarkson bumbling around in cars with his pals to ensuring our own vehicles are polished and buffed on a Sunday morning.
But for the true car enthusiast, there's another outlet for this 'automotive amour': the car club.
Credit: David Pimborough - stock.adobe.com
Car Clubs: An Expression of Passion
Everybody needs a hobby – and to some, cars make for a truly absorbing pastime. There's the practical benefit of being able to get from A to B without being at the behest of public transport and the joy of the open road.
But there's also the adoration of beautiful styling, superb engineering and the simple thrill of hearing an engine rev.
It's no surprise, then, that car clubs in the UK are so popular. There's a car club for pretty much every make, model and vehicle type you can think of.
The Micro Maniacs Club, for example, describes itself as a "friendly and fun club for microcar owners and enthusiasts". It specialises in small cars of under 700cc, bubble cars and three-wheelers, and hosts events in locations as disparate as Drax Power Station and the Wonkey Donkey donkey sanctuary.
There are also many luxury and sports car clubs, such as the Bentley Drivers Club (est. 1936), which has its own race day at Silverstone.
Model-specific clubs exist too, including the Fiesta Club of Great Britain – proving that you don’t have to have an expensive set of wheels to join a car club (although many members spend a lot of money to keep their vehicles in good working order!).
What are the benefits of joining a car club?
A car club offers the chance to meet like-minded people with whom you share a passion for a certain kind of motor. It's a great place to share information about keeping models in good condition: how to fix specific issues and where to buy parts.
Additionally, car clubs help keep a marque or model's heritage alive so it can be enjoyed by future generations.
Car clubs also often undertake charity work and community and educational projects, so there's a feel-good factor about doing your bit too.
But as with so many clubs, one of the real joys is the straightforward social interaction. You might meet life-long friends – or at the very least, 'car friends', with whom you only talk about cars!
How can I join a car club?
As with so many things, Google is your best bet for finding a car club in your area. In many cases, the club website will direct you to a Facebook page, where you'll get all the latest information about meet-ups and events.
The digital revolution of the last decade or so means that even if you can't attend an event, you can still take part online, enjoying photos, videos and general discussions.
Car club directories
It might be easier to find a suitable car club if you check out a directory of bodies. TV's Mike Brewer has a comprehensive list of UK car clubs on his website, starting with the 1100 Club (for BMCs) and ending in the Official XR Owners Club UK (specialising in Ford's XR sub-brand).
Do I need a car to join a car club?
Most car club members do, of course, have a car with the associated badge – but not always. A lover of Aston Martins might join an associated car club and arrive at meet-ups in a regular saloon.
How much does joining a club cost?
The administrative costs of running a car club are usually covered by an annual fee paid by members, plus ad hoc fees for events and meet-ups.
Annual fees vary from club to club. For example, the Micros Maniacs Club only charges £20 per year, while the Bentley Drivers Club attracts a £125 fee.
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