The popularity of vintage cars has never been higher with thousands of new enthusiasts hitting the roads and race tracks every year.

James and Michael Collins

At the heart of many of these activities is the Vintage Sports Car Club, based in Chipping Norton.

Remarkably this organisation almost has vintage status itself as it celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and claims to have 7,500 members worldwide from Africa to Australia.

About 120 members are based in Oxfordshire, although not all of them actually own vehicles -- some just like to come along and attend the special races, hill climbs and trials which forms the key business of the VSCC.

It was formed in 1934 by a group of men who had the foresight to recognise their era represented a golden age for motorsport and was unlikely to continue for long into the future.

They set about forming an organisation based on the principle that our motoring heritage should not only be preserved but enjoyed by all.

The VSCC's Gillian Carr said: "The idea was to preserve the individuality and construction of these cars rather than just treating them as everday vehicles."

That carries through to the present day. The membership strongly believes that the cars, despite most being more than 70 years old, should be used and driven to their limits in some cases.

Not for these vehicles the polishing and preening enjoyed by many of their peers -- they are just as likely to end up axle-deep in mud on a rutted track.

Races regularly take place at Silverstone and Donnington which can attract crowds of up to 10,000 proving vintage car racing is a real spectator sport. Those attending these events often travel from all over the world.

Ms Carr said; "It is a relaxed way to enjoy cars and is more accessible for many people who can't affords the expense of attending a Formula 1 race.

"The great thing about the club is that it is a mixture of ordinary people united by a love of cars. no-one has any heirs and graces."

Those members who do have cars will find the "entry level" vehicle is usually an Austin Seven, good examples of which can be picked up for about the price of a modern hatchback.

Special events to celebrate the 70th anniversary include a hill climb and driving tests at Harrogate Showground in North Yorkshire and there will also be a See Red Festival which will involve a visit by dozens of Ferraris and Maseratis including some of the latest Formula 1 cars.

More details of events can be found on the website at www.vscc.co.uk.