Old-car clubs are booming and there are lots of opportunities to show off. Bob Montgomery checks out some of the models gearing up this summer
Anyone for whom a car is more than a means of getting from A to B is unlikely to need telling that there is currently an unprecedented boom in old-car ownership in Ireland.
Actually, it's much more than just old cars: motorcycles and tractors - especially tractors - are all part of this boom. It seems that for many people a tangible result of our new found wealth is ownership of an old vehicle.
At last count there were no fewer than 38 clubs affiliated to the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club, the umbrella organisation for the old car movement in Ireland. And this figure doesn't take into account the motorcycle clubs affiliated to their umbrella organisation, the Irish Veteran and Vintage Motorcycle Club.
There's a lot of variety in the nature of these clubs which range from dedicated one-make groupings such as the Ford Anglia Owners' Club, or the Irish Jaguar and Daimler Club (whose 15th Annual Classic and Vintage Motor Show takes place this weekend in the grounds of Terenure College), or the long-established MG Enthusiast's Club. Then there are the local clubs such as the Kingdom Veteran, Vintage and Classic Car Club or the Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Car Club.
One of the most successful of the local clubs is the Blessington Vintage Car and Motorcycle Club which has been around since 1985 and was founded almost by accident.
Back in 1985 the historic village of Blessington was celebrating its tercentenary and the organising committee approached local enthusiast Willie Nash with a request that he might organise a Vintage car run as part of the celebrations. Willie gathered some local motor-heads including Tony Clarke, Noel Hughes and the late Dessie Cullen and over a cup of tea the run was organised.
Then someone suggested that they might go a step further and form a local club. The result was the Blessington Vintage Car and Motorcycle Club, itself celebrating its 21st year in 2006.
From those humble beginnings membership has grown - it's now in the region of 200. The club organises two major rallies each year in spring and autumn and since 2002 have been organising an annual car show in Blessington, the entire proceeds of which go to charity.
Last year this show raised over €20,000 for charity. During the winter months regular members' meetings are held and guest speakers are invited to discuss various motoring topics.
The Blessington Club embraces a wide range of activities by its members. These include such well-known collectors as Jim Boland and Pat Denning while Harry Lindsay's renowned motorcycle collection keeps up the 'bike' side of things.
The range of cars is very varied - from Noel Hughes 1905 Alldays and Onions (Yes, that really is its name!) to Keith Weightmans DKWs or Noel Kavanagh's very original 1928 Ford Model A.
Another great supporter of the Club is Tony Colley whose exploits in his father Dudley's chain-driven Frazer Nash are well-known, while amongst its members the club can list the current European Classic Rally Champion, Frank Fennell, who won his title at the wheel of his Mercedes 220SE.
Another member who ventures abroad to competitive events is Sylvester Dwyer who has taken part in several gruelling Euro Classics driving his Triumph TR4A. This weekend the members of Blessington Vintage Car and Motorcycle Club will once again be manning their stand at the Annual Classic and Vintage Motor Show at Terenure College which is sponsored by AXA Insurance.
Around 50 of their members' cars will be there this year in a themed display which will be revealed on the day but which I'm promised will be rather special.
After all, this friendly and successful club has something of a reputation to live up to, having been awarded Best Stand on two occasions and Best Car of the Show in 2005.