Emily Writes… Driving Change Through Heritage

The Bicester Heritage Scramble on October 6th marked one year since I became an Ambassador for StarterMotor. Since its founding in 2016, the Charity has provided access to drive classic and historic vehicles, as well as enabling involvement with events and educational opportunities to inspire and motivate young people. StarterMotor’s mission is to assist the younger generation to find jobs in the sector across a wide range of professions.

As I reflect on the past year, I'm filled with optimism about the future of the classic car industry. StarterMotor's innovative approach is helping to breathe new life into a sector that some fear is at risk of disappearing. The Charity has succeeded in attracting and engaging young enthusiasts for historic cars, and has a diverse community of Ambassadors who represent and promote the Charity.

It is through teaching young enthusiasts how to maintain older cars that StarterMotor hopes to preserve our automotive heritage, as well as reduce waste and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new vehicles. A greater focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with the shift towards a circular economy, both inside and beyond the automotive industry. StarterMotor works hand-in-glove with Heritage Skills Academy, an independent company that offers Ofsted approved apprenticeships in mechanical engineering, coachbuilding and trim. By teaching young people to repair and maintain classic cars the industry is not only preserving our automotive history but also promoting a more sustainable approach to car ownership. This ethos of 'repair, reuse, and restore' is becoming increasingly relevant in our environmentally conscious society, especially among the Gen-Z cohort. My campaign and restoration project ‘Bring back Barney’ (a 1952 MM Morris Minor) is a clear example of a young enthusiast’s passion to keep these historic beauties on the road.

StarterMotor recognises the classic car industry encompasses a wide range of professions from restoration specialists and engineers, to event organizers and marketing experts. The Charity strives to engage and motivate students to get involved in the classic car community with the aim of facilitating access to various job opportunities within the sector. The Charity is partnering with secondary schools and colleges to seek out and introduce students to the world of classic cars through engaging workshops and hands-on experiences.

The StarterMotor family of Ambassadors has grown into a diverse group of passionate individuals, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the classic car world. At events like the Bicester Heritage Scramble, I've had the pleasure of connecting with fellow Ambassadors from all walks of life – from mechanics with grease-stained hands to young enthusiasts like me.

I cherish the memories I’ve made this past year and am excited to see the future of StarterMotor in this ever-changing industry.