Happy International Women’s Day!

Today is International Women’s Day (IWD) – a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity and its aim is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. We all have our part to play.

If we look at our classic car community, what makes it so great is the people. People from all walks of life, with differing opinions and passions. And that’s what makes the world go round right? If we were all the same, the world would be a far more boring place! However, the automotive industry has long been seen as a male dominated industry, rightly or wrongly, but in recent years there has been a wave of fabulous ladies driving the change and encouraging other women to realise their passion.

At Lancaster, we celebrate the great things, stories and people from our community on a daily basis but as it’s IWD, we wanted to shine an extra spotlight on a few of the leading ladies in the classic car world. Below, they share their experiences and advice in getting into our welcoming community!

Sarah Crabtree – Sales Director at Evoke Classics

The automotive industry has long been dominated by men, making it a challenging space for women to enter. But I’m pleased to say that we have certainly seen a shift in recent years, with more and more females making significant contributions. It’s definitely a sign of the times, with social media platforms allowing women to showcase their skills and build a network of support with likeminded women plus inclusivity in the workplace creating more opportunities for them. When I first started working in the auction industry my opinion was often overlooked and I felt like I always had something to prove. Fortunately I didn’t give up, and I’m proud to be a business owner and part of the classic car community alongside many other great female ambassadors such as Steph Hoy and Jody Bevan. Onward and upwards I say, as the barriers are being broken and outdated views are finally being squashed. I speak to people every day who look to me for advice when it comes to selling their classic car, so I reckon I must be doing something right!

Steph Hoy – Head of Car Club Relations at Lancaster and founder of idriveaclassic

I got into classic automotive nearly 15 years ago when I purchased my Morris Minor. The scene was very different back then and whilst there have always been female custodians of treasured old tin, there has been a real explosion in the last 5 years or so of young women coming into the scene and making a real impact in a positive way; which I absolutely love! Some of the old guard have viewed the fairer sex exploding onto the scene with a little suspicion and it would be unfair of me to write my comment today without giving thanks to some of the men within our community who have supported us petrolhead women being welcomed into the scene and fought our corner, even back in the day when it wasn’t trendy to do so.

Roll on the next 15 years, there’s still progress to be made and milestones to hit!

Andrea Seed and Abby Green – from PoppySeed Media and owners of the London to Brighton Classic, Modern Classic, and Kit & Sports Car Runs

When I started working on the Classic Motor Show 19 years ago, I didn’t realise that I joined a community that would have such an impact on my life. Working with classic cars and historic motorsport has taken me all over the world – USA, China, Russia, Australia, India, Mongolia, and Tibet. Now motoring is 95% of the focus of our business. Whilst I have encountered the odd bit of ‘mansplaining’ and there is still a small ‘old boy’s network’, on the whole everyone is very accepting of women in the industry.

My partner Abby also joined the classic community and has been welcomed with open arms. Together we purchased the London to Brighton Classic, Modern Classic, and Kit & Sports Car Runs and had a brilliant first event. I think the whole movement is more accepting of everyone these days, not just women. It has to be in order to continue to thrive and grow.

Katie Bushell – finalist in our BrightYoungSparks initiative

I got into cars from a very early age due to both my parents being petrolheads and taking me to car shows as a child. My dad was a DIY mechanic and I’d always help him out in the garage, which led to me deciding to become a mechanic. While I’m very fortunate to have received a lot of support, there are definitely still some barriers for women. For example, I’ve faced comments from customers who don’t believe I can do the job, I’ve also had comments at car shows where people don’t believe I own my car/do the work on it. Thankfully the world is changing, and as more women get involved in the car community, the more attitudes are changing. My advice to any women wanting to get involved in cars, especially classics, is just go for it. The friends and memories made far outweigh a few dated comments you might get!

Gill Hague – Club Secretary, Membership Secretary and Magazine Editor at Fiat Motor Club (GB)

My car was involved in an accident and having been repaired, my partner suggested we join the Fiat Motor Club (GB) and at a National Weekend the car won a cup and I was asked to be the Club Secretary. Move on 30 years I am now Club Secretary, Membership Secretary and Magazine Editor! Why? Probably, as I am retired, I have time and it helps keep my brain active!

Without statistics, from my experience the classic car community is male dominated and I imagine that is the perception of most women. However, there are women racing classic cars, presenting tv shows about them, working for organisations representing them and on club committees, all demonstrating women can be part of the community and using skills they would use in any other job. They don’t need to know how an engine works – I certainly don’t!

Becca Teston – founder of The Passenger Seat Podcast and organiser of International Women’s Day Classic Car Meet

The lack of a car meet for women to celebrate International Women's Day together really surprised me. I'd been fortunate to 'meet' so many amazing women who loved cars online, but hadn't had the chance to translate those relationships to 'real life' so I took it upon myself to make the event I'd want to attend to meet all these women and build the network of support I think we'd all appreciate.

Miss Hubnut - from Hubnut YouTube channel and Miss Hubnut Twitter

IWD is seen by some as an attack on men and masculinity when in actual fact it merely exists to bring awareness to the issues which still exist for women.

Women remain afraid of being catcalled, touched or worse. These actions then being 'justified' because of where they were or what they were wearing. Women are held back in the world of work, paid less and offered less opportunities.

The beauty of the IWD meet was it offered a safe space and a space of celebration. There was so much positivity. Women celebrating the skills of each other. Making positive connections to make progress to a world where we are equal.

Bring on the next meet!