By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Is the classic car world driving into a crisis with ageing owners and a growing skills shortage?
Did you know? Of the 1.9 million classic vehicles registered in the UK, owners average 66 years old.
And when it comes to servicing and restoring these classics the knowledge and skills lie with those who see retirement round the corner.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has found that over 47% of those with the technical and specialist knowledge are older than 45, with very few young people joining the sector. The IMI estimates that 144,000 automotive workers will retire by 2032, with the classic car sector particularly vulnerable with its reliance on older skilled workers.
Thankfully, charities like StarterMotor are working to inspire more young people to build careers within the classic and historic vehicle sector.
Its general manager Steve Cootes is clear, he says: “The sector is ageing. If we don’t do something about this, it’s going to fade away.”
StarterMotor work with Bicester Heritage to provide classroom learning alongside practical repair and restoration training for young students but resources are limited.
The fact is as well as preserving our motoring heritage and offering a rewarding hobby, classic car ownership brings economic benefits for the country. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs estimate that spending on historic vehicles contributes £7.3 billion to the UK economy annually and supports 34,500 skilled jobs and 2,700 specialist businesses.
It’s important then that StarterMotor and others are actively engaging with young people in schools through careers events and mentoring as well as specific work to encourage more women into the sector.
When it comes to car ownership amongst the younger generation, the pressures of taking out mortgages and cost of living pressures tends to restrict interest to more affordably priced cars, such as from the 1990s and 2000s.
Interestingly, social media plays a key role in sparking younger generation interest in classic cars with more and more content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
Hopefully, today’s young influencers can be tomorrow’s mechanics and restorers.