In conversation with: Dino Kania

With a name like Dino and Italian family heritage on his mothers side you might expect classic car collector and businessman Dino Kania would favour the prancing horse as his automotive passion. If not Ferrari then Alfa Romeo, or Lamborghini but no his head was turned by a British secret agent driving an Aston Martin DB5.

Dino (left) with workshop wizard, James.

That first impression of the suave secret agent and his beautiful car planted a seed in Dino’s mind that would eventually lead to multiple Aston Martin ownership and the creation of his classic car business the Classic Car Lab.

Dino is a successful businessman starting a number of different enterprises over the years with his friend of more than 30 years, Alison Larkin. Alison now acts as Chief Executive as Dino is taking a back seat as he recovers from long Co-Vid. Though in truth she is more like a big sister than a business colleague. Adding a classic car business to the portfolio was never the intention and this new venture happened pretty much by accident. But this is no hobby, It is a serious business backed up by a highly skilled workforce and an established high value clientele.

It was Dino’s partner, Amanda that persuaded him to fulfil a childhood ambition and take the plunge into Aston Martin ownership. A DB5 became his first Aston but like so many other classic car enthusiasts, it didn’t stop there. More Astons and a couple of Jaguars were added over the years until an industrial unit was needed for storage.

The costs of running a classic Aston are high, as you can imagine. The cost of running a fleet of classic cars is really quite frightening, even for a successful businessman. One day whilst working at the storage unit someone walked in and asked if they could work on his car and that was the start of the Classic Car Lab.

By his own admission Dino is not a mechanical genius but does know how to build a business and so using the existing premises he recruited skilled staff across the range of skills needed to offer a full service restoration business. Mechanical, trim, bodywork and paint. He even installed a paint booth to ensure quality from start to finish.

The business quickly became established through customer recommendation and eventually they had to move to larger premises at Otley Mills in Otley, West Yorkshire. After a decade in business it continues to grow and currently employs 8 full time staff and a number of part timers. Again Dino pays tribute to the skills of his team. Lee the welder can weld anything, including Aluminium and has even mastered the English Wheel to help make new panels and repair sections. James the painter has over 40 years experience in the paint booth while at the other end of the spectrum Jack joined the company straight from college and has an amazing knowledge of classic cars, despite his youth.

The pandemic hit the business briefly, especially during the lockdown period but it didn’t last long. Long term restorations provided a stable work programme and now enquiries are growing on a daily basis. Growth continues to come from personal recommendation and call ins rather than advertising.

Workshop wizard (and manager), James took me for a tour of the garage running through the history of each of the cars and giving me an insight into the Classic Car Lab ethos.

First stop is a Golf GTI. It was brought in by a customer for paint but then (as is often the case) they wanted the rest of the car to match the quality of the paintwork so a mechanical restoration was added to the job list. You can see from the pictures that this is a good looking car and a potential prize winner. But you may be surprised that this is no pampered car having travelled 97 000 miles in its lifetime.

Walking into the garage you can’t help but see the freshly painted bright orange Porsche 911. A well used example it had multiple body work issues requiring new sills, wings and the drivers side window pillar was held together with body filler. Following the bodywork an engine and gearbox rebuild will be undertaken to create a reliable daily driver for the owner.

James has been at the Car Lab for 3 years now and passion and commitment shine through the conversation.

It’s like a work family, everyone gets on and we all enjoy the cars and meeting the customers. We are always happy to make the extra effort to get a car completed even if it means working late into the night or at weekends. To be honest, its not like coming to work at all.

I would love to tell you about every car in the workshop but I have limited space. I will be following up with some projects in more detail but just to pick out some of the highlights. The Jaguar E Type has been lightly breathed on for extra performance. The Morris Minor was in an accident and knocked out of shape requiring extensive body repairs. In the paint booth is a Jenson Interceptor receiving a new coat of paint following a mechanical restoration. The Mini, well that is going to be a very special restoration and electric conversion, hopefully we will be able to follow that build through to completion.

Tour completed I return to the office to say goodbye to Dino. It has been an enjoyable visit and one I hope to do again soon. Dino made a real effort to meet with me and I am very grateful as he has been suffering from Long Co-Vid. Infected before the availability of the vaccine it has developed into a debilitating illness and it has taken him a great deal of effort to make the meeting.

One of the worst parts of his illness is that he hasn’t been able to come into work for over a year now. It is clear from our conversation that he misses the team, his customers and the cars. Day to day running of the business is handled Alison who knows the business inside out. In fact, one of the reasons he did the interview was to pay tribute to Alison and the workshop team who have kept the business running like a Swiss watch.

I am sure that Dino will be back at the helm soon as this is more than a business, it is a passion awakened by secret agent with an incredible car. As for what comes next, well Dino tells me he has just acquired an Aston Martin Lagonda wedge. Now that is going to be an epic project.

If you need a simple service, repair, tune up or a bottom up restoration then Classic Car Lab should be on your list of companies to consider. Take a drive out to Otley, have a chat to the team and then enjoy a drive in the beautiful Wharfe Valley, perhaps enjoy afternoon tea at Betty’s in nearby Ilkley. You won’t regret it.

Contact:

Email: info@classiccarlab.com

Web: http://www.classiccarlab.com

Tel: 01943 468380

Declaration: At Classic Yorkshire we believe that you should know if we get paid to make recommendations. I can confirm that Classic Yorkshire received no payment or benefit for this article.

Event organiser skills: Print

If you organise classic car (or any other) events then you will be aware of the number of skills that you need. Marketing, database management, health and safety, web management and purchasing are just a short list of the knowledge you need.

Posters help sell events and make excellent souveniers

So to help we talk to David Smith from ADG Print and Design about the basics of producing print for classic car events.

Participants in events, especially classic car events like to collect souvenirs. Not just trophies but stickers, posters and rally plates. Go to any enthusiasts garage and you will find walls covered in the ephemera of events some of which become valuable collectors items. Imagine the value of an original poster from the Mille Miglia or a rally plate from the Monte Carlo rally.

Window sticker

It is unlikely that your print will scale the dizzy heights of the collector market, but well designed print can build your reputation and make your event stand out from the crowd.

If you are new to print then David suggests you look at other peoples work to get some ideas for photography, style, colour and illustrations. The first place to look would be an image search on the internet or sign up to the online ideas app, Pintrest. Once you have found some examples, print them out to show your designer, photographer and illustrator.

ADG Design and Print supply many clubs with their printing needs.

Club events are rarely awash with cash and so we understand the need to keep costs down. For this reason print which is photography based is probably best. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer as many club members will have high quality images you can use. But, always make sure you have permission in writing.

Draft out the words, but keep it simple. Title, date, location, admission charge, contact information including web, email and phone number.

Select your illustration, one impactful image is better than lots of smaller ones.

High quality postcards

Where we would recommend that you use a professional is graphic design A good designer will produce an effective, high impact image that will not cost a fortune to produce. They will also be able to advise on papers and boards and specialist finishes such as spot varnishes. Many print companies like ADG Print and Design will have an in house design team and this makes the whole process simpler.

Before printing you will be sent a proof. It is important that you check everything, words, pictures and colours. Make sure you get someone else to proof read it double checking dates, web addresses and telephone numbers. If its is wrong after this stage then it is your fault and you will need to pay for the rerun.

ADG Print and Design were founded nearly 40 years ago with the aim of providing quality products and reliable services for businesses both large and small. With their in-house design team they are able to advise customers on any artwork they need. They are happy to give free guidance to the inexperienced and can produce the full range of print from flyers & leaflets, business cards, stickers and labels, even vehicle livery.

Whilst ADG Print and Design produce print for a wide range of businesses, David particularly enjoys working with the classic car sector. Not only has David worked on the full range of Rally Plaques, stickers and club merchandise but also on supporting major events.

David says

You would be surprised what we can do. One example is a customer who recently approached us to screen print onto a set of Aston Martin brake callipers as part of his car’s rebuild. Also for the past few years, we’ve been working with the Saint-Saturnin Classic British Welcome in France. It is a fun, colourful car show to welcome visitors to Le Mans on the Friday before the 24-hour race. Over a thousand classic cars of all shapes and sizes, from all around the world, gather in Saint- Saturnin, on the northern outskirts of Le Mans.

We’ve also recently worked with Range Rover Special, a Classic Car Club in Norway, to produce a series of commemorative Rally Plaques for their celebration of the Zaire River Expedition, which took place in 1974-75.

So if you find yourself in need of help to produce a quality print job then give West Yorkshire based ADG Print and Design a call. It helps to work with fellow enthusiasts who understand what you need.

CONTACT DAVID at ADG Print & Design

t: 01274 636675

e: sales@adgprint.co.uk

w: www.adgprint.co.uk

Declaration: We think it is important that you know on what basis our articles have been written. Classic Yorkshire has received no payment or benefit from this article.

Mintex Rally returns to Bradford

Saturday April 9th will see the historic rally cars taking part in Mintex Rally
Yorkshire tackle a short demonstration stage at Odsal Stadium, using entry roads
and the oval stock car track. After a short stop, they will tackle the same route
again. Look out for Yorkshire legend rally drivers Bob Bean and John Midgley,
driving Ford Escort and Porsche 911 respectively. They will be joined by other
amazing cars recalling the ‘Golden Years of Rallying’, such as Austin Healey 3000,
Minis, Saab 96, Hillman Imp, Lancia, Talbot Sunbeam, many Ford Escorts and
others. The first car should arrive soon after noon.


Mintex Rally Yorkshire is one of a series of historic rally car demonstration events
run around the UK, since 2018, by the Lombard Rally organisation. They cater for
rally cars, many of which are too valuable to be driven on competitive rallies, or
whose drivers no longer want to drive at full competitive speeds. Mintex Rally
Yorkshire is based at Harrogate Rugby Club, the route taking them first to Church
Fenton where some six runs around Leeds East Airport will be tackled, before
coming to Odsal and then moving north, all within Yorkshire.

Odsal Stadium. Audio Quatro 1984 on the circuit Photo by Roger Moody


Mintex Rally Yorkshire recalls the legendary Mintex Seven Days Rally of the the
1970s, organised locally by De Lacy Motor Club, which was one of the toughest
UK rallies, attracting drivers from all over the World, but as a more social
weekend.


Contact Odsal Stadium to see the rally cars in action in the heart of Bradford.

Yorkshire Elegance 19-21st July

Despite the very strong tradition of classic cars in Yorkshire, including our own manufacturers (Jowett, Ginetta etc) we have yet to see a really high quality prestigious event in the county. There have been a number of new events such as the Mintex Rally for former rally cars and the Yorkshire Motorsport Festival, but as yet there is nothing like a Salon Prive or a Concours D’Elegance in the North of England.

To meet this need the Fast Lane Club have have created Yorkshire Elegance, which will be a right good, fancy car event… here in Yorkshire!

It combines driving experiences with great cars, excellent food and good company, using some of the best facilities in Yorkshire.

Day 1: Harewood Hillclimb: England’s longest hill climb where up to 70 classic cars will be able to take to the hill with everyone getting 4-5 runs. There will be an overnight stay at Woodhall Hotel & Spa just 5 minutes away.

Day 2: Bowcliffe Hall Celebration Day – the main feature will be a magnificent display of classic Jaguars to celebrate 100 Years off SS/Jaguar.  There will be around 1000 enthusiasts at Bowcliffe for the day and will also feature Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley & Austin Healey. 

The most special cars will take part in a run through the grounds around Bowcliffe during the afternoon so all guests get to see and hear the cars. The parade will start from a Marquee with red carpet and short presentation of each vehicle by Tony Jardine.

Food and champagne will available, and to ensure the VIP’s can enjoy the wine/champagne, they will be bussed back to the hotel. Cars can be left at Bowcliffe overnight which is very secure.

Day 3: Yorkshire Dales Driving Tour (for VIP Guests only) – guests will be brought back to Bowcliffe after breakfast to pick up their cars before heading off into the Dales.  The route will include the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Ribblehead viaduct, Buttertubs Pass with lunch at Swinton Park.  The tour ends at Grantley Hall where participants enjoy an evening Dinner and overnight stay at Grantley Hall (VIP Deluxe guests only).

Dates for the event: 19th-21st July

Day Guest tickets available for the Harewood Hillclimb day and the Bowcliffe Hall Celebration Day.

All information and booking available at www.thefastlaneclub.com/yorkshire-elegance

(and please don’t forget the discount code: SPECIAL10 to get 10% off)

Declaration: We think it only fair that you know on what basis our articles are written. Classic Yorkshire has not received any incentive or payment to write this article.

Carding Shed Features in My Yorkshire TV programme

We are excited to announce The Carding Shed will be appearing in the new Jane McDonald TV series “My Yorkshire” where Jane travels through our great county, highlighting the very best Yorkshire has to offer. 

We were thrilled to be chosen to feature in the show and hope you all enjoy watching. The series starts on Sunday 20th February at 9pm on Channel 5.

1966 Alan Mann GT40 tribute

Ok, so you can’t go to Dearborn to take a look at this car, I don’t know anyone in Yorkshire who owns one and the chances of you seeing one are practically nil. So why are we covering it? Well to be frank, its because there are some terrific pictures that I thought you might enjoy.

As a tribute to Alan Mann Racing’s 1966 Ford GT lightweight experimental prototypes, Ford is introducing the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition. The limited-edition vehicle celebrates the role the prototypes played in the history of the development of the Ford GT.

“Whether it’s going like hell at the racetrack or out-innovating the competition, the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition honours the vehicles that helped lead Ford to its wins,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “With its red and gold livery, this Ford GT is inspired by Alan Mann Racing’s contribution to our Le Mans-winning story.”

In 1965-66, Alan Mann Racing used lighter materials to create AM GT-1, along with a second car, based on the GT Mk I. While neither prototype won a major race, the use of lightweight materials was similar to what helped Ford win Le Mans with the GT Mk II in 1966.

This spirit continues in today’s Ford GT supercar, with its lightweight carbon fibre body cloaked as a GT Heritage Edition for 2022 in colors and stripes inspired by the AM GT-1.

Exposed gloss carbon fibre components are prominent, including on the 20-inch wheels, front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers and rear diffuser. Brembo® brake calipers lacquered in black with red graphics, plus black lug nuts further modernise the aesthetic.

Carbon fibre carries into the cabin, appearing on door sills, console and registers. Ebony Alcantara®-wrapped carbon fibre seats feature gold and red accent stitching, while embossed seating surfaces and head restraints carry the GT logo. The instrument panel is wrapped in Ebony leather and Alcantara, while pillars and headliner are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara.

Gold appliqués on the instrument panel, door register bezels and seat X-brace are paired with the matte carbon fibre registers, door sills, lower A-pillars and console. The steering wheel is finished in Ebony Alcantara with black stitching, while dual-clutch paddle shifters are finished in exterior-matching Alan Mann red.

Honouring early Ford GT racing efforts

Wrapping up its final year of production, the 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition pays tribute to Alan Mann Racing and the support the team provided in 1965. Lessons learned from Alan Mann Racing improved the capabilities of the Ford GT40 and led to its third- and fourth-fastest times in the 1966 Le Mans trials.

Ultimately, the Le Mans committee chose to run the heavier and more powerful 7.0-litre V8 race cars for the rest of the 1966 season, which culminated in a 1-2-3 podium sweep for Ford at Le Mans, ending the run of the English team’s lightweight version.

“It’s a great honour for Alan Mann Racing and the Mann family to celebrate the epic motorsports heritage of Ford GT with this fantastic limited-edition car,” said Henry Mann, director, Alan Mann Racing Ltd. “To see the red and gold colours of our team’s livery come back to life, and to debut this new GT alongside one of our original GT40s in Chicago, will be a magical occasion.”

The 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition is available for approved Ford GT customers, with first deliveries taking place this quarter. Click here for more information.

Body buck for the original Mark 1 P15 V16: Found

The body buck for the original Mark 1 P15 V16, handcrafted in 1949 to help build Britain’s first Formula One car, has been found, and will be used to build Chassis V, the second of three ‘new’ 16-cylinder P15 V16 BRM racing cars. 

The body forming jig was created to build the first six BRM cars that were unveiled to the world at RAF Folkingham on December 15th 1949, and ran at Goodwood’s international race meeting in September 1950. While the cars evolved throughout the early 1950’s to improve cooling, handling, and performance, the very first P15 V16 is the purest form of this iconic car.

When the body shape was altered, George Gray, the man tasked with turning Peter Berthon’s design into reality, stored the jig in the roof of his boat house, where it remained for the next 70 years and was lost to the annals of time. 

The whereabouts of the body buck had long been a question of debate, but through a combination of research, luck, diligence, and discussions with historians, journalists, collectors and those with long memories, the BRM Team were able to track down the whereabouts of the body buck with the help of Geoffrey Marsh. 

“With the discovery of the original body buck, we now have the opportunity to produce a car to the original shape and specification of Britain’s very first Formula One car”, said Paul Owen, grandson of Sir Alfred Owen. “This car has not been seen in this form for over 70 years, and it is a privilege for the Owen family to be in a position to bring it to life once again.”

Rick Hall, the former BRM F1 team engineer who will oversee the construction of this ‘new’ BRM V16, said “it is extremely satisfying to have finally tracked down the original Type 15 jig, which will enable us to craft the car in the form that it was presented to the world in 1949.”

“I believe that the simplicity and beautiful lines of this car will only really be appreciated in the flesh. Very few people alive today will have had the opportunity to see this car before. Looking back at the original drawings, we were surprised at the amount of technical changes that were made to the car in period. We are relishing the challenge to bring it back to life once again.”

After the confirmation of the discovery, Hall & Hall and BRM approached Richard Mille, founder of the exclusive global luxury watch business, to ask if he would be interested in building his already commissioned Chassis V to the original specifications. An avid fan of BRM, Richard commented “it would be a privilege to see this car built in its original form, and a fantastic addition to my existing BRM collection.”

Work has already commenced on building the Chassis V, which represents the second of three ‘new’ V16 Mark 1s, and is expected to be completed early in 2023. With one car commissioned by the Owen family, and with this latest commission from Richard Mille, there remains one final Mark 1 V16 chassis yet to be allocated. 

See the film on the link below.
https://youtu.be/vQiLJYLafxY

Pick up your next car at the NEC Practical Classic Show.

Classic Car Auctions (CCA) will be organising their sale of the season at the much-anticipated Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC, Birmingham from Friday 18th March to Sunday 20th March 2022. 

The specialist auction house promises a stellar line-up of highly desirable vehicles, comprising an eclectic mix of appealing ‘lots’ to suit a wide range of motoring passions.

This hugely popular event is back after a two-year gap having been forced to cancel in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic restrictions. The auction is poised to be a stunner, with a great selection of iconic classics waiting in the wings, each having its own fascinating back story in the automotive history books.

Highlights include an incredibly rare 1972 Holden L J Torana GTR XU-1 of Australian origin. It is believed to be one of the first 200 XU-1s built in early 1972 in recognition of the model used for motorsport, with a particular focus on the forthcoming Bathurst 500 of that time. ‘Torana’ comes from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘to fly’. This ‘homologation special’ still sports the original ‘Strike-Me-Pink’ paintwork and needs restoration – a fantastic project for any enthusiast.

Rewind the clock to the elegance of the 1930’s, to a fully restored post-vintage 1934 Daimler LQ3-20 four-door Tourer finished in Primrose and Hazelnut. It has the added bonus of a comprehensive history file that charts tens of thousands of restoration photos and magazine articles. The Daimler theme continues. It is joined by a beautiful ‘must-see’ 1961 B-Spec Daimler Dart SP250 V8 with a mere 38,444 miles and only two owners.

Enthusiasts of rally classics will be drawn to the attention-grabbing 1983 Audi Quattro (WR-10V) which has recently been rebuilt for fast road/Club motorsport and fitted with all the expected racing accoutrements; roll cage, bucket seats and race harness to name but a few.

Meanwhile, devotees of the Porsche marque, have a treat in store with several iconic models on the sale menu, including a superb example of a 1984 Porsche 911 (930) Turbo in Grand Prix White with black leather interior offering an exciting 300bhp, 930/66 engine and 4-speed box. There is also a 1991 Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4, 3.6-Litre Targa, UK-supplied and finished in eye-catching Schwarz Black as well as a very smart 1998 Porsche 911(996) Carrera 2 Coupé with manual transmission, and a 1992 Porsche 944 3.0 S2 Cabriolet all currently listed in the auction.

Staycations have been very much a theme for the last couple of years and demand for campervans has gone through the roof. CCA has a real classic to offer, a 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Campervan ‘Splittie’ with a 1600cc engine, fully restored by UK Sports Cars Ltd five years ago. It is not the only one, there at least two more campervans consigned to CCA’s auction.

These preview just a selection of the vehicles assigned to the auction at The Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, which promises ‘something for everyone’. To view the full list, and for further details about all the lots under the hammer, refer to the Classic Car Auctions website, or to find out more about attending the show, visit www.necrestorationshow.com.

Bidding for the sale can be done in person, online, by phone or via commission (pre-bid). For absentee bidding, please register online at least 48 hours before the auction day.

Declaration: It is important for our readers to understand the basis of our articles and whether incentives have been offered. For the Practical Classic Car and Restoration show, Classic Yorkshire receives a press pass which enables free admission. All other expenses are met by the publication.

Classic cars and classic foods.

The York Spring Fair and Food Festival are looking for classic cars to create a display celebrating the Queens reign. Given that she has been our monarch for 70 years that will include many of the most popular classics. So if you own a post 1952 classic car and fancy visiting this popular fair and food festival, this could be the event for you.

It is free to show and you will also get free admission to the event. However you must book in advance by contacting Lauren on the email address below who will also be able to answer any questions you may have.

York Spring Fair and Food Festival will be at York Racecourse, from Friday 27th May to Sunday 5th June! This year they’re planning to go bigger and better with more traders, more rides, more entertainment, and a Jubilee celebration. As part of their Jubilee celebrations they will showcase a selection of Classic Cars from the Queens reigning period, as part of the grand entrance into the festival itself across the 10 days. Last year the event achieved a footfall of approximately 20,000 customers, and this year they’re hoping to be even busier – garnering local and national press along the way.

The events website can be found here: York Spring Fair and Food Festival – York Racecourse – YO23 1EX

Entry into the event itself will be free for exhibitors. If you would like to be involved, or would like any further information, please email Lauren@cmje.co.uk with your interest.

Renault 5

My first car was a 1974 Renault 5TL in yellow and I loved it, mostly. I bought it from a Renault dealership that was closing down for £350. I kept it from 1980 to 1984 and it had just over 100 000 miles on the clock when I sold it for £50. It had a dashboard gearchange, rolled like a ship round the corners and rotted out from the ground upwards.

Mike Cowlam and Andrew Mallinson with Renault 5 Maxi Turbo.

It was always my ambition to have a ride in the Turbo version and it took 20 years before I got to sit in the co-drivers seat of the rear wheel drive rally version, but that’s another story. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Renault 5 at a show, apart from the Gordini and Turbo versions.

This year, the Renault 5 is celebrating its 50th anniversary having sold more than 5 million units across the world. Continuing the current trend of retro rebirths the Renault 5 is making a comeback in 2024 and Renault are organising a number of celebrations/promotions throughout the year.

JANUARY – The Renault 5 Alpine Group II accompanied by a Renault 5 Turbo will attend the Monte-Carlo Historique. The latter will be driven by Alain Serpaggi for the occasion.

MARCH – For the 2022 edition of Retromobile, Renault will display twelve vehicles from 16-20 March including the Renault 5 Prototype.

APRIL – The Renault Classic facilities will host an exhibition of the most iconic Renault 5 models. This exhibition will be accessible virtually to the general public.

JULY – An interactive event that allows fans to look back at the cinematographic career of the Renault 5.

NOVEMBER – The production of a stopmotion film dedicated to the various competitions that the Renault 5 has taken part in during its lifetime.

Economic impact of the classic car industry.

Classic cars are not just a hobby, but an important industry in it’s own right. If you are an event organiser or a business applying for a grant or loan, then it might be useful to know the value of what you are a part of. Whether it is a specialist garage carrying out services and repairs, or Aston Martin remaking their most valuable models, the value of this industry is largely under estimated. Add to that specialist events, shows and supporting industries including hotels, restaurants and bars and you can see how it becomes a major contributor to the UK economy.

It is a little known fact that the heritage motor sector turns over £18.3 billion and employs 113,000 people across the supply chain.

A new report shows that the sector is comparable in the scale of its economic impact to all of the UK’s ports, to the arts sector including theatre, publishing and music and is a fifth of the size of the huge UK built heritage sector. It is around half the size of the industry of coffee and coffee shops and twice the size of the whisky, literary, publishing and bookselling industry.

Employment is spread across the UK, helping in areas of low economic growth. London represents just 5% of its activity with the Midlands and East Anglia both double that. Craftspeople and conservation specialists prevail with a healthy line of apprentices in training to help keep the future of industry safe. Contrary to perception, the industry emits miniscule carbon by comparison to the weight of other industry emissions.

The industry is more environmentally friendly than most consumer expenditure in that the sector is based on the use and repair of existing materials, rather than the fabrication of new items. This means a high labour and skills content and low materials and energy content. The UK’s stock of historic vehicles is estimated to be worth £12.6 billion, a major contributor to UK’s heritage compared with the 400 historic buildings and sites looked after by English Heritage which are worth an estimated £30 billion to the economy.

The arts sector comprising music, publishing, and theatre generates 137,000. By comparison, the entire UK Ports industry generates employment for 115,000 people. On the other side the books and related sectors generate 46,000 jobs, while the Scotch whisky sector generates 42,000 jobs. As well as the normal expenditure of 700,000 historic and classic vehicle owners, a host of associated industries also contribute.

Historic Racing contributes £371 million a year, Owner Clubs £111 million and Historic Rallying, where HERO-ERA the commissioners of this report are the leading global company, contributes £253 million. Vehicle museums £62 million and historic vehicle magazines contribute £59 million. In total these businesses contribute £502 million in Gross Value Added to the economy. Historic and classic motorsports events are highly popular at two levels, as great spectator events and for participants who chase a prized entry.