When it comes to classic cars, it’s always been seen as something of a male-dominated arena. But with 48% of drivers on the road being women, it seems inevitable that classic car ownership among females is set to grow. But what are the reasons behind this?
Classic car specialists Rimmer Bros asked why.
Footman James, a classic car insurance specialist’s client profile of 83,082 as of March 2022, shows that 91% of their clientele are male and 9% female, with the majority in their 50s and their 60s. While 9% might not seem a lot, it’s a significant enough percentage to know that there is a legitimate interest from women that exists.
Commercial Manager at Rimmer Bros, Chris Wrigley, says: “With the classic and collector car industry worth more than $31.6 billion globally, and at around £2 billion in the UK alone, the sector represents a significant contribution to the UK economy.
“If around 1 in 10 drivers of classics are women, then we can safely say that the market needs to acknowledge that it’s not just older men in their garages tinkering, it’s people from all walks of life realising their passion.”
Chris adds: “It’s been interesting to see that classics are also being picked up by millennials too, which means that through younger owners, we’re also seeing less vintage cars being picked up as nostalgia reasons, which a lot of car collectors tend to do rather than focusing on value.”
But why is there a rise in female ownership? Rimmer Bros spoke to two keen collectors to find out:
“It’s only been the last two or three years that I’ve really got into classics as my partner likes to take them apart and rebuild. We’ve got a Singer Junior from 1928 which we actually race and we have both a Flatnose and a Bullnose Morris, the latter of which we built from the ground up. The flatnose was a restoration piece and is nearing 100 years old.
“I’d say the attraction of being into classics for me is that we get to meet so many people and it’s a really welcoming community. However, as a woman in a very male-domianted pastime, you can feel very isolated and there are instances of flat out sexism.
“The idea that I’m a woman alone means that for some people I simply can’t do it or I won’t know anything. Working in the industry too means that I see this every day. In some people’s eyes it’s just wrong, but it might also be my age. People often ask for a sales manager and I have to stand my ground.
“Being part of a club is excellent, my partner and I are part of the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) which means we are around people who support us and are great fun.
“I’m really into the restoration side, my partner makes gears and I love welding so we have loads of fun with it. It’s a really rewarding hobby and young women in particular shouldn’t be put off.”
Vicky Dredge, a collector from the Worcester area, has owned an MGB for 34 years, a TR7, an MGF and up until recently a Stag.
Vicky’s experience differs slightly from Millie’s, she explains: “I’ve not come across any prejudice for being a woman in the hobby, but I'm not in the least bit technical with the cars. My first ever car was an MGB and being a child of the 80s, it seemed a natural choice. I’ve always managed to hold onto it, it’s been rebuilt twice but has always been with me.
“When I’ve bought a classic, it’s been for the way it looks, sometimes the sound and for certain memories. For example, I bought the Stag because it was bright yellow, a colour I love, a V8-engined car for the sound, but mainly because I’ve always liked American cars having been to America as a child and this was the closest I could get.
“Amongst other things, I’m the Worcester area organiser for the Triumph Sports Six Club and whilst we have a few women members, only one or two in my area are technically minded. For me and the majority of women I know within the community, I’d say we have all got into it for the social side. We often complete European and UK road trips and love the camaraderie that being in a group brings.”