Every year reports are published that attach a monetary value to the classic car world. If you think about it the industry embraces not just the cars, repairs and servicing, restoration, retail, events, auction houses and much more. It is estimated that the total value of the industry is £18.3 billion and it generates £2.9 billion in tax revenues and supports 113 000 jobs, many highly skilled.
But is that the true value of the classic car movement? A few weeks ago I saw a facebook advert for an event supporting Andy’s Man Club. This is a men’s mental health charity aimed at preventing male suicide. It was an hours drive away but was being held by a business I didn’t know.
I am not going to delve into male suicide too much but suffice it to say that male suicide rates are three times higher than female suicide rates at 17.6 per 100 000. The highest rate is men aged 50-54 with 26.8 deaths per 100 000.
The event, an open day, was organised by Rally and Retro restorations (part of S H Restorations) at Cross Hills between Bradford and Skipton. Visitors were invited to bring their classic cars and take a tour of the workshop where there were some special cars to be seen.
It made me think that the classic car movement must raise millions of pounds for charity and this is a value that we fail to capture. Because it is voluntary and often local action it is difficult to capture the data.
I thought it was important to make this point and to recognise the work of those who raise money for charity. But then I looked around at the attendees at this event. Fifty or sixty men stood around talking about classic cars and joking around. Men aged 50 plus talking to complete strangers about a passion they share. That is the true value of the classic car movement. It provides companionship and interest for a group of people, some of whom may be suffering from mental health issues.
If you are struggling with loneliness or mental health issue contact Andys man club. They have local events and its a chance to talk.
Andy’s Man Club:
email, info@andysmanclub.co.uk Web: andysmanclub.co.uk
With thanks to Steve Hill of SH restorations who organised this event. 01535 634043 email: shrestorations@gmail.com
Would have loved to attend this event, what a pity I only got to know 8dayslate, especially for the occasion it represented,maybe next year.
Many events in Yorkshire are listed on our events page. https://classicyorkshire.co.uk/classic-car-events-and-destinations-2026/