This selection of questions and answers are those we receive most emails about but if your particular query is not answered here please do contact us.
No. We welcome all those with an enthusiasm for the world of old cars. Owning one is not a requirement of membership.
The original name for the club when it was established in 1964 was Crash Box Club (For ‘Crash Box’ definition, see below) as the Club’s primary aim was to offer a way of all those with ‘flat windscreen cars’ in the Exeter area to get together. In the early 1990’s it was realised that unless we invited members to join with more ‘modern’ or less old cars, the club was unlikely to survive. All enthusiasts are invited to join us whether you known a vintage, classic, modern classic or just like them.
Almost every pre-war car and many early post war cars had some form of non-synchromesh gearbox. That is when changing gear the driver had to ‘double de-clutch’ to effectively change gear. Whilst this could be done reasonably silently when changing up (ie from second to third), changing from third to second needed considerable skill not to ‘crash’ the gears – hence a ‘crash box’.
The Club has no hard and fast rules when it comes to defining what a classic car is though members seem to appreciate it not a car you would expect to see in the hundreds in a multi-storey car park or at the local supermarket. As some of the older cars get more expensive to buy and own inevitably those wishing to enter into classic car ownership begin to look at models of more recent manufacture. For our annual ‘Historic Vehicle Gathering’ we insist that all individual car entries be at least 25 years old (No age restriction for members cars) but with the added ‘rider’ that vehicles falling outside these parameters are invited at the ‘Rally Chairman’s discretion’.
Absolutely. What’s important is you are enthusiast and you want to enjoy being part of a multi-make club who like to use their vehicles.
We have no hard and fast rules but it’s probably collectible or interesting regardless of age.
Enjoy a browse through the web site or come along to our regular ‘First-Monday-in-the-Month’ Club Night meeting at a local pub. Details are on the website or the Club magazine. You are sure of a warm welcome from members.
Yes. So that as much use as possible can be made of your classic car the club has a wide variety of social events for you to enjoy. A good sample of these is again highlighted in these web pages or in the Club magazine as well as through our social media channels.
Please visit the website dedicated to our Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham.
A modest £30.00 per year (or £27.00 including direct debit discount) for single or couple. Have a look at ‘What do I get’ below. Since this also includes entry when exhibiting a vehicle on our Club stands at high profile local shows like Devon County Show and Honiton Agricultural Show (so you can visit the shows as well), this represents excellent value. Entry onto these stands is subject to separate application to the Club, available space and may be subject to separate terms and conditions.
The chance to talk all things ‘classic car’ with fellow enthusiasts. Regular Club nights, social get togethers, car runs, weekend breaks, holidays and some competitive events – UK and overseas, and a free full colour magazine every other month. It’s important to remember everything managed by volunteers. As a result, we welcome help especially for events where extra hands mean that there’s more for us all to enjoy. We also have favourable insurance terms via Peter Best Insurance Services (PBIS) who are a broker specialising in classic vehicles. Everything in the Club is arranged by volunteer members so please help us. Like all clubs you get out of it what you put into it.
Follow the ‘membership’ link on the website to send an enquiry to our Membership Secretary – details in our ‘About’ section.