Volvo Owners' Club Wins the National Car Club of the Year award 2016

The winners in the inaugural National Car Club Awards, in association with Tourism Ireland, were announced at a gala dinner following the first day of the NEC Restoration and Classic Car Show. Supported by Classic Car Weekly, and endorsed by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, 16 awards were presented at the ceremony hosted by Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer.

Daniel Nwaokolo, Director of The National Car Club Awards, said: “It was a brilliant evening of celebration and recognition, and the feedback from the clubs has been amazing. The atmosphere in the room and the response from the winners made it an evening to remember and one everyone will want to repeat next year.

“With over 180 nominations for the inaugural year, with some categories receiving over 30 entries, the judging panel had a tough job to determine the winners. We thank them and our sponsors for making the awards such a huge success.”

In the Classic Car Club categories, the TR Register’s TR Action won Outstanding Club Magazine of the Year (printed), which was presented by Classic Car Weekly Editor Keith Adams. He also presented Outstanding Website of the Year to the Vauxhall Cavalier and Chevette Club.

Outstanding use of Social Media, sponsored by Irish Ferries, was awarded to the Rover P6 Club, while the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs presented the Morris Minor Owners Club Young Members Register with the trophy for Outstanding Support of the Next Generation.

Lancaster Insurance Operations Director Richard Morley presented the Crash Box and Classic Car Club of Devon with Outstanding Car Club Event (Run or Rally), and the Volvo Owners Club with National Car Club of the Year. The club also won the National Car Club Winners award for the most Outstanding entry of all entries.

It was then on to the Devoted Members categories where Footman James’ Managing Director David Bond presented the Unsung Hero award to Bob Wilkinson from the Ford Y & C Model Register.

Val Bridges of the Panther Car Club was awarded the National Car Club Ambassador of the Year trophy by Grant Howlett from Wroxall Abbey Hotel & Estate.

In the awards categories relating to the clubs’ displays at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show, Danny Hopkins from Practical Classics presented the award for Best Live Working at the Show to the Jowett Car Club, and the Best Restored Car to the Austin Maxi Owners Club for the Sadlier Maxi.

Best Club Stand awards went to the Midlands Austin Seven Club for under 75sqm and the Midget and Sprite Club for over 75sqm, sponsored by Lancaster Insurance and Stena Line respectively. The Best Car is Show was presented to Don Hayter’s MGB V8 Tourer, sponsored by Silverstone Auctions.

Footman James’ Managing Director David Bond presented the Judges Special Recognition Award to Club Triumph for its Round Britain Reliability Run, which has raised over £500,000 for charity.

The final award of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award which went to Victor Riley. Presented by David Boyce of Tourism Ireland, Victor received a standing ovation for his tireless promotion of the Riley Motor Club.

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