MOTUL JOINS UNIQUE CLASSIC CAR LOAN PROJECT

Imagine getting a free classic car for a year. That’s the offer from the Classic Car Loan Project, which wants to encourage more young people into classic car ownership. Bob Wilkinson, the project’s founder, tells us more about the scheme and how Motul is involved.

The aim of the project is to encourage a new generation of classic car owners by giving younger drivers the use of a classic car for up to a year as an extended driving experience. Slightly older drivers aren’t discouraged from applying as this age group may be better placed to take up classic car motoring. The project is an excellent sample into classic car ownership.

“This wonderful opportunity is possible due to the generous spirit of car owners and classic car clubs who have offered cars into our project. Young enthusiasts normally 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, they just must look after the car as though it was your own. All the safeguards are in place, including classic insurance (at the borrower’s expense), for all involved to gain maximum pleasure from the experience.

“This is a private initiative run by me in retirement having had many years of enjoyment from the classic car world. 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. There are more than 20 vehicles in the scheme this year, ranging from a 1987 MG Maestro, through to 1960s examples like the Morris Minor and Vauxhall Victor, to pre-war vehicles such as the Austin 7 and even a 1929 Ford Model A Phaeton.

“Our new crop of drivers is just what you would look for if you were trusting someone with your car,” added Bob. “Encouraging the next generation is high on the priority for car clubs and the whole classic car world. These young enthusiasts face the challenge, with our support, of looking after a classic for a year. It obviously involves regular basic maintenance, hence we are delighted to welcome Motul, with the breadth and quality of its product range, to our group of partner brands and organisations”. Motul will provide its range of classic car oils and Motul Care products to 20 drivers.

This month heralded the ceremonial handover of the keys to the latest group of young classic car enthusiasts at the UK Motor Heritage Centre in Gaydon. The new crop of drivers range from 19 to 45-years-old. They have a wide range of skills and backgrounds, encompassing everything from care roles, police officers, IT workers and even a flight dispatcher, but they have several things in common – all are responsible, reliable and enthusiastic.

“The scheme is designed to encourage the next cohort of classic car enthusiasts to become owners and users of the cars, by letting them borrow a classic for a year. Our brand will supply oils and fluids for the project to help ensure that the cars that are loaned out to this year’s group of lucky youngsters can be well run and maintained. We are delighted to have become a partner of the Classic Car Loan Project. It ties in well with Motul’s ethos to support young motoring enthusiasts and, to have them actually experience living with and regularly using a classic car, is a fantastic initiative. We are proud to be part of making this happen.”