Charlotte Varcoe
A CHANGE in historic car registrations made by the State Government may increase membership numbers for clubs across the region.
As of last week, owners of historic or left-handed drive vehicles 25-years or older were able to access reduced car registration fees under the conditional registration scheme.
Previously, the vehicles had to be 30-years or older.
The expansion of the conditional registration scheme also allows for cheaper 12-month registration fees, costing $85 in total and allows owners to drive the cars on the road 90 days of the year.
Mount Gambier Veteran and Vintage Car Club president Margrett English said the change would have positive consequences for those who own vintage cars, stating it may enable more people to bring their cars out and about.
The club – which has been operating since 1965- consists of more than 200 financial members, with Ms English stating the incentive may entice more younger members to join.
“This is a great idea by the State Government because it will enable people to bring out their own vehicles instead of sitting in the shed because they can’t usually afford to use them due to the cost of registration,” Ms English said.
“If someone has the classic registration then they are able to afford to go for a drive and take their vehicles out and use them, especially if they have more than one.”
She said previously it was difficult for those who owned more than a single vintage car due to the cost of registration.
“We find that when we do drive the cars we always get people stopping us and telling us stories, whether it be about their own cars or whether their parents had a similar car,” Ms English said.
“We always get stopped quite a lot and so if there is cheaper registration and the expansion it may also entice those people to get their cars out and join our club as well if they want to.”
According to the president, younger historic vehicle enthusiasts were more interested in driving the cars their parents had when they were younger rather than typical vintage cars.
“This incentive also brings in another generation into the car club which is fantastic because we do need to try and find more ways to entice people into the club and I think this will be a great way to do so,” Ms English said.
“We don’t judge the age of cars and we think if a car is special to someone whether it’s restored or not then it’s important and people should bring them out and enjoy it.”
She said one thing members needed to remain aware of was requirements surrounding the scheme, including filling out log books each time the vehicle was driven.
“This log book is very simple but it needs to be done because there are consequences if it isn’t,” Ms English said.
“There are other aspects such as the registered owner has to be financially part of a classic car club, they are unable to use the car for commercial gain and cannot rent the vehicle out either.”
Despite the slight restrictions, she said many members remained positive about the changes and hoped it encouraged other owners to bring their vehicles out from the shed.
“Those who are interested in showing off their classic cars, motorbikes or trucks really should do it because it is great to be a part of a club with like-minded people,” Ms English said.
