Charity Profile: StarterMotor

ROADSTER! profiles a charity seeking to put the next generation

in the driving seat.

There are all sorts of classic cars and all sorts of things can

make a car a classic: they may be really old or really

prestigious; they may have played an important role in

motoring, sporting or cultural history; they may have

exceptional design or performance features; or they may

simply have an ability to stir an emotion such as nostalgia or a

dream ride. Classic cars can be wonderful for many reasons!

But there’s a problem – The average classic car driver or

mechanic is in their early 60’s, and there is a danger that as

people get older and frail the classic car world will falter - the

knowledge and expertise will be lost, and these wonderful old

cars will fade away.

There is a clear need to engage a new generation, to

encourage them to take up careers in the historic vehicle

industry and to enjoy historic cars. But how?

StarterMotor is a charity looking to help solve this problem: It’s

mission - to see a new generation of young people inspired,

enthralled and involved in classic cars. The charity has

partnerships with schools, colleges, universities and

apprenticeship schemes and provides vehicles and other

resources for students to not only learn from, but also to use

in competitions, events and shows.

StarterMotor supports apprenticeships, provides work

experience days and works with schools to educate and inspire

young people. It also gets involved in amazing car events,

including the classic car show, and the London to Brighton

classic car run (We’ll cover this won’t we Dad? - Sam).

As StarterMotor is a charity it depends on volunteers to help

out and spread the word. Once someone is an established

volunteer they get to become a StarterMotor ambassador, and

one of the key perks – they get to use StarterMotor’s cars!

Ambassadors showcase the cars at heritage events and car

shows, and they get to have the car for their personal use for

several days around the event!

The world of StarterMotor is full of good, oily fun!

Some of the StarterMotor Fleet

SINGER NINE - “Sporting Classic”

In the 1920s, Singer was Britain's third largest car maker. The

Singer Nine was produced during the 1930's and 40's. It

achieved high placings in several endurance races and

achieved modest success at the 1933 Le Mans 24 Hour.

ALVIS 12/60 - “Post-Vintage Classic”

The Alvis 12/60 was a series of cars introduced in 1931. The

12/60 was available as a two or four seat sports roadster, as

well as a sports saloon. Production of the Alvis 12/60 was

short-lived, with the model discontinued in 1932.

CITROEN LIGHT 15 - “Historic Classic”

Known as "Reine de la Route" (Queen of the Road), this was

the world’s first unibody (a single-weld body & chassis)

front-wheel-drive car. It was highly regarded for its excellent

handling and robust qualities.

AUDI TT - “Instant Classic”

Originating in Germany, the aerodynamic curved outline

and rounded bodywork design was unique at its release - a

fashionable instant classic!

ROADSTER! is pleased to support StarterMotor as our chosen charity for 2023.

We ask that if you have enjoyed our magazine that perhaps you could ask your parents to consider making a donation to StarterMotor?

Thank you