Author: Chris Lee

A few weeks ago we posted a link to a video of Dave Richards presentation to the Lancashire Automobile Club’s Sportsman’s Lunch at the Stirk House in 2006.

Here is Part 2 of Dave Richards speaking about his life in motorsport (Part 1 also on our YouTube channel published following on from last years Prodrive 40th Anniversary) For more info on Lancashire Automobile Club: https://lancsautoclub.com/

Simply click on the link below to watch the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqFMYjHMwHE

As as member of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Lancashire Automobile Club has recieved a copy of their latest magazine.

With many interesting articles, not only about vcars by the way, the magazine makes for a good read.

Edited Highlights from Historic Issue 5

These notes are presented as simplified highlights of key topics. Further detail can be found in Historic itself, all copies of which are available at Newsletter Archive | Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (fbhvc.co.uk)

In case of doubt the definitive version is that published in the magazine. See attached

Historic Issue 5_March 2025-compressed

General Product Safety Regulations  

This recent revision to the existing EU Regulation extends its scope to include a very wide range of products, used as well as new, ‘sold on to the market’ in the EU, although as the UK is no longer a part of the EU this does not affect products supplied in the UK. This means, however, that it potentially applies to vehicle parts and other items which clubs may sell in Europe.  Any item covered by the regulation requires a ‘responsible economic operator’ in each Member State where it is offered for sale. Information provided by the Business Support Section of the Department for Business and Trade explains how items offered exclusively to club members are exempt from these requirements and provides details of suitable labelling to ease their free passage.

Seatbelts

It is reported that the more widespread coverage in the specialist press over the otherwise quiet Christmas period of the newly introduced technology to detect non-wearing of seat belts has produced some worried enquiries from owners of older vehicles where seatbelts are not required. So far the Federation is not aware of any Notices of Intended Prosecution being issued in such cases and it is noted that we have the option to revert to our contact on the National Police Chiefs Council if this does become a problem.

MoT

The same lack of any real news over Christmas also produced widespread mis-reporting across all shades of the national press to the effect that the existing MoT exemption for most vehicles 40 or more years old was about to be revoked. These reports have no factual basis and stemmed from misunderstanding the summary, issued in early December, of the responses to the DVLA Call for Evidence. FBHVC is not aware of any planned revision to the MoT regime as it applies to historic vehicles.

Insurance at Shows and Events

An explanation is provided of the sometime complex situations that can arise at shows and other ‘non-road’ events and the insurance cover that may be needed or advisable. Whilst this information is useful background exhibitors and other participants should consult their own insurers.

DVLA

• It is noted that the report of the Cabinet Office review of DVLA was published in November 2024 and that the protracted difficulties that the historic vehicle movement has had with DVLA were acknowledged. DVLA are required to address these issues in the future.
• A report of a very positive and constructive Historic Vehicle User Group meeting held in December sets out the basics of proposals from DVLA for their future assessment of repaired/restored vehicles, modified vehicles and vehicles originally supplied in CKD (completely knocked down) form. Whilst these proposals are still considered to be work in progress they potentially seem very helpful.
• Following a plea from a member club it is stressed that a certain minimum of information is required by DVLA to permit a vehicle to be registered. Regardless of any assurances given by the seller, if that information is not available it may not be possible for the relevant club to assist.

Fuels

Details are provided of consultations currently taking place concerning the move towards net zero carbon emissions together with comments on electricity generating capacity and the availability of alternative fuels.

Events

The launch of a new edition of the FIVA Events Code is noted together with a list of useful website addresses.

Federation Activities

• Details are provided of the newly launched FBHVC insurance scheme which offers smaller clubs all the insurance benefits previously only available to larger clubs
• Announcement of a new Federation Commercial Partner – ifndautoparts which is a sales platform connecting buyers and sellers of automotive parts.
• Reminder of Drive It Day and Ride It Day – 27^th April 2025 plus the dates for the next six years!
• The 2025 National Historic Vehicle Survey is announced with an explanation of its key objectives and the introduction of a new partner, Turquoise Thinking Ltd. A link to the survey form is provided.
• News of an updated version of the Essential Guide to Parts & Services which should be available shortly, with many more companies listed.
• After two years work a new online archiving system is now available to clubs, called FOCAS (Federation Online Club Archive System)
• Report on a very well attended Club Expo 2025

Features

• The car collection of Nicola Bulgari
• 50 years of the Honda 400/4
• Restoration of a Honda C70
• DRK cars of Ellesmere Port
• Toyota MR2 Mk1 in the UK
• Some thoughts on Cherished VRNs and inheritance tax

Tributes

• Mary Walker – Cambridge Austin 7 & Vintage Car Club former president
• Jim Whyman – founding secretary of the Federation.

Dave Richards needs no introduction. Not only famous for his association with Prodrive and Subaru in rallying but his own career in motorsport.

Lancashire Automobile Club has staged many Motorsport Luncheons with luminaries from the worlsd of motrosport and in 2006 Dave graced us with his presence. So following on from last years Prodrive 40th Anniversary we thought you might like to hear Dave Richards speaking at our Triennial Motorsports Luncheon from 2006.

Please click on link below to hear part 1 of his chat covering a very wide range of motosport topics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQpac-9HJAM

The Lancashire Automobile Clubs Mike Wood looks back at his film of his entry in the 1973 Avon tour of Britain a unique event, involving a gruelling 1,000-mile journey around Britain, on race tracks and rally stages, showcasing the skills of some of the greatest racing drivers and rally stars of the time, enjoy the nostalgia.

Mike navigated for Tony Fall in the works Datsun 180B SSS coming a creditable 25th immediately behind Roger Clarke and Tony Mason in the works Ford Capri 3000. The winner was James Hunt and Robert Fearnall in the mighty Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

The format of the event meant Mike could film on track action for the ‘race’ sections. Watch out for the Oulton Park race. I along with several other LAC mambers officiated for that event.

To watch the video simply click on the link beow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l_Yz9nPXtU

Jeff Chambers has produced this excellent video of the cars out on this years Fellsman. The video includes photos taken by Mike Wood and Glyn Hughes – many thanks.

It’s great that Jeff is on the path to a full recovery from his recent operation and I’m sure you would like me to pass on your thanks for all his work.

Please click on the link below to view the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu2iImdYGXs&t=8s

We now have a slideshow from this years Coast to Coast Classic Car Run.

To view the slideshow simply click on the link below:

https://lancsautoclub.com/gallery/