I first joined the GCCG back in the 1990s, when I was running a 1984 Lancia Volumex Coupé. Life in London and an aviation career got in the way and I drifted away from classics for a while. Fast-forward to 2021, and I finally gave in to temptation with a 1961 Alvis TD21 Drophead Coupé (see picture on right), which happily brought me back into the GCCG fold.
What I didn’t imagine then was that, a few years later, I’d swap a hobby for a day job and find myself taking on the role of CEO of the HCVA – the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance.
The HCVA isn’t a car club – we are a not-for-profit alliance here to compliment the brilliant work clubs like the GCCG already do so well. Car clubs are the lifeblood of the historic vehicle world – they preserve knowledge, bring people together, and keep enthusiasm alive. Our role is to shape policy and ensure the wider industry that keeps our cars alive and on the road is understood, valued and protected.
The HCVA was formed in 2021 by 38 founding partner businesses who shared a growing concern: government policy was increasingly being shaped without a clear understanding of our sector. Early conversations made it clear that historic vehicles were often seen as a niche or a wealthy pastime, rather than a serious UK industry. The reality is very different: we support exports, high-quality jobs, specialist skills, and we are custodians of some of the finest design and engineering heritage in the world – with a strong social impact too.
Today, the HCVA brings together more than 160 trade and Fellowship members, hundreds of supporting owners and enthusiasts, and many thousands who engage with our work. Heritage divisions from Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Aston Martin Works and Classic Team Lotus sit alongside a world-renowned alliance of restorers, parts suppliers, insurers, auction houses and sales experts – the specialists many GCCG members rely on.
Our work focuses on four pillars: Regulation and Policy; Education and Skills; Environment and Sustainability; and Community Engagement. At its heart, the HCVA exists to ensure our economic contribution is recognised and that historic vehicles remain used, valued and relevant – not sidelined as museum exhibits, but supported by a thriving, forward-looking industry worthy of continued support.
You can find out more or join our community at hcva.co.uk
Dale Keller CEO – HCVA
