Editor’s Report - August 2025

“Preserving Elegance in a Changing World: Classic Cars and the Industry in Flux”
As custodians of motoring history — whether through the whisper-quiet grace of a vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud or the stately power of a Bentley Turbo R — we are more than collectors. We are stewards of legacy. But in 2025, the automobile industry is changing faster than ever, and our community faces both challenges and moments of opportunity.

The EV Age and the Fate of Internal Combustion
The global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) continues to accelerate, with bans on new internal combustion engine (ICE) sales looming in many countries by the 2030s. While our beloved classics are exempt from these regulations (for now), fuel availability, parts sourcing, and public perception are becoming concerns. Groups like AOMC are working to protect our PMC’s.

The quiet Threat: Environmental and Policy Pressure
Classic cars — especially luxury marques like Rolls- Royce and Bentley — are increasingly caught in environmental debates. However we all recognise the values of the marques in the history of the automobile.

The Rising Cost of Restoration
From Connolly leather to Wilton carpet and handbeaten aluminium panels, sourcing authentic materials and skilled craftsmen is becoming more expensive and scarce. This is especially true for postwar luxury vehicles that require bespoke attention.

Membership of RROCAV
Let’s encourage real enthusiasts to enter the fold. Community, education, and shared knowledge will ensure our cars and our legacies end up in the right hands.

Final Thoughts
Ours is a niche built not on speed or novelty, but on elegance, craftsmanship, and continuity. In a world rushing toward automation and minimalism, our classics stand as reminders of a time when motoring was an art. Let us preserve that art — not just in garages, but on the road, in conversation, and in spirit.

Wayne Spittle