Registration changes a win for local car clubs, motor museum

Classic car owners have had a win following a recent change to registration requirements.

Since July 1, reduced car registration fees for owners of historic or left-hand drive vehicles, have been extended from 30 to now 25 years or older.

This expands the scheme to include vehicles manufactured before 1997, rather than before 1992 under the previous restriction.

As these vehicles are not the typical everyday drive for motor enthusiasts, the scheme provides an exemption from registration charges, as well as a discount on third party insurance, and reduced emergency services and lifetime support scheme levies.

The scheme delivers significant savings, with the average 12-month registration cost of $85, an approximate saving of $600 as compared to full registration fees.

Adelaide Hills Motor Restorers Club member Allan Wheaton said that saving will benefit many local motoring enthusiasts, including the younger generation.

“I think it’s a great idea, it will get more it gets people involved,” he said.

“Also, cars that aren’t quite as old, may not be as expensive for younger people to get into. “Kids normally get little engines to start with, then when they get older and they get more available funds, then they get into the more expensive and larger ones.”

Gilbert Motor Museum volunteer Rex Keily echoed that sentiment, and said the change will help preserve local history.

“Instead of leaving them in the shed and doing nothing, they can bring them out,” Mr Keily said.

“There will be lots more cars on the road now.

“It’s quite a benefit if you don’t drive the car very often.”

To be eligible, owners must be a financial member of an approved motor vehicle club, keep a log of each trip, and not hire out or be paid a fee for the use of the vehicle.

The scheme allows owners to drive their historic vehicle within South Australia up to 90 days during any 12-month registration period.

Mr Keily thinks the region shows a particular interest and care in classic cars, and car clubs might see a rise in membership with these changes.

The local councillor is also a member of a few groups, including Strathalbyn Auto Collectors Club, which started in 2012.

Some of its 300 members display their cars at Gilbert Motor Museum, while others are on a waiting list.

“We’ve got cars at the Motor Museum representing a large range of makes and models and years,” Mr Keily said.

“We have a rich history here in South Australia.”

After a 40-year career in the automotive industry, Mr Keily developed a lifelong passion for cars.

From 1965 to 2003, he worked at Chrysler/Mitsubishi in a range of roles, from apprentice to general manager.

“It was a pretty good opportunity for me,” Mr Keily said.

“It was quite an interesting career.”

Mr Keily loves automotive history, and his first car was a Standard Ten, which was 10 horsepower; “not very powerful”.

“Because I’m rather tall, and it’s a small car, I had to slide the seat right back on two house bricks, no seatbelt, just so I could sit back far enough,” Mr Keily said.

“I did try driving it from the backseat, my feet could reach the pedals but my arms couldn’t reach the steering wheel.”

He now owns and loves driving a limited edition, V8 1986 Rolls Royce silver spirit.

“It’s amazing how powerful it is,” Mr Keily said.

“It’s got a lot of features in it that other cars of that era didn’t have.”

Car clubs have also been thrown support under the new changes, with the first round of funding under a new $2 million grant program to open later this year to assist clubs with operating costs.

South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the changes will encourage more classic car lovers to take their vehicles out on the road.

“This is not just welcome news for car owners and the 220 SA motoring clubs across the state, but a boost for the economy and jobs, particularly in the broader car and events industry,” he said.

“From panel beaters and mechanics to hospitality and event operators; everyone’s a winner.

“We expect this change to continue the boom in car club membership started by Labor in 2017, as we preserve South Australia’s proud motoring history.”

For further information on the scheme, visit: (www.service.sa.gov.au).