Forty years ago British motoring was in its heyday offering an exciting range of vehicles from the practical to the fun, the serious to the sporty.

Classic models such as the Triumph Herald, Morris Minor and Mini and the Sunbeam Alpine ruled the roads and it was a fertile time for motoring clubs.

It was then the Witney Motor Club was set up by a group of enthusiasts with plenty to celebrate with such a wide diveristy of great British marques to choose from.

But from the outset it set out to have as broad an appeal as possible with anyone allowed to join whether they had a Jowett or a Jaguar.

Today ,the same principle holds true and that is perhaps why the club is still going strong where other more elitist organisations have fallen by the wayside.

Competition secretary Steve Boyle said: "Anyone with any type of vehicle can join -- in fact you don't even need a car!

"Our activities range from navigation exercises and treasure hunts for basic vehicles to specialist autocross cars.

"It really has a general appeal to attract as many people as possible."

The club is also an ideal passport to motorsport as many have found through the years.

The current membership is no different and boasts the reigning autocross champion, Mark Tredwell, who is currently second in this year's championship while Roger Adderley, a Witney Motor Club member for more than 20 years and the current vice-chairman, is lying tenth.

Both men compete in Peugeot 205s, although Mark spends serious money on his car while Roger tries to keep costs to a minimum.

He said: "My car is modified but only as far as money will allow but taking Mark on is still great fun!"

One of the enduring features of the Witney Motor Club is its annual motor show which attracts hundreds of enthusiasts every July.

This year was no exception and featured racing and rally cars, as well as hot rods and vintage machines, on the showground at the Henry Box School playing field.

The other major event on the calendar is the club's hosting of the autocross championship at Manor Farm, Buckland, near Bicester on August 29.

Again a good attendance is anticipated and the organisers will also be hoping to attract younger members to join to keep the Witney Motor Club firing on all cylinders for the next 40 years.