Introducing our December Bright Young Spark – Nathaniel Tegg

Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Nathaniel to find out more about where his interest in vintage and retro styles first began. Nathaniel has always enjoyed vintage things since he was very young. His mother, Sarah, enjoyed telling him about the adventures she had with her parents (Nathaniel's grandparents) in their Morris Minor travelling to Austria. Inspired and passionate about promoting young classic car ownership, Nathaniel has become a registrar himself, helping create engaging platforms to support bringing younger members together, making fantastic memories along the way.

Where did your interest in classics start?

I've always been interested in vintage and retro styles since I was very young. I remember when I was around nine, wanting to own an Austin Seven as I loved how they looked. Instead, when I was around 20, I started to like the Sixties/Seventies and I knew that the first car I wanted would be a classic car!'

Who was the driving force?

'Certainly, both my parents were. They had grown up when these cars were considered ‘modern’ and consequently, I think that passed down onto myself. My late mother owned an original Austin Mini as her first car. My maternal grandfather was also passionate about classic cars and owned a few including an Austin A35 from new! I always enjoyed hearing the stories about them driving to Austria with my grandma and my aunt and uncles and I think those whimsical stories planted the seed that started my early passion.'

When did you get a classic?

I bought my own classic (my first car) when I was 21, in 2021. She is a 1961 Morris 1000. I fell in love with the colour (Smoke Grey) and the fact that the year of manufacture was the same year my late mother was born. My mother passed away from cancer in 2015, she had always loved the Morris Minor, so I decided that I would continue to have adventures with her, and I named her Sarah, after my mum.'

How did you meet the MMOC?

I joined the Morris Minor Owner's Club immediately when I bought my Minor. I had very little knowledge about the maintenance side of classic car ownership and was determined to learn, so thought it would be invaluable to get help and support from a well renowned club.

What inspired you to get behind young members?

I’m passionate about promoting classic car ownership. I applied to become the Registrar because I wanted to help support them and create a platform where they can engage with one another.'

Best memories?

Becoming Registrar means I certainly have more things to do now! But I’ve made lots of great memories. I started out with little to no mechanical knowledge and now can repair most things myself! I’ve had great memories with the Young Members such as going on a drive with some of them at the MMOC National Rally to Foxton Locks. We didn’t have a Satnav to use, just paper instructions, which made it interesting! So, why not come join us at youngmembers. mmoc.org.uk – it's great fun!'

Inspiring our Young People

The Bright Young Sparks initiative aims to support young people who are striving to join the classic car world - whether that’s by working in it or simply enjoying it as a hobby.

In the run up to the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March 2023, we’ll be celebrating and sharing the stories of six ‘Bright Young Sparks’ - as nominated by you!

So, what do they win? Each of our final six will win: £250 to go towards tools or classic kit. Two tickets to the PC Resto Show in March 2023 and a feature in the Lancaster newsletter and in PC. They will also be in with a chance of winning a 'Classic Car Industry Taster’ trip, including work experience with classic car mechanics, specialists, and celebrities!

Our ‘Bright Young Sparks’ are all nominated by you! You can find out more about the initiative and how to nominate here.