Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club welcomes a major step forward in safeguarding Britain’s historic vehicle movement, as the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has gained initial approval from UNESCO to proceed with its application to have the UK’s historic vehicle enthusiasts’ movement recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the nation.
This milestone confirms that historic motoring — the skills, knowledge, community and passion that Jaguar owners share across the country — is being taken seriously at the highest cultural level. The UNESCO decision allows the FBHVC to now prepare and submit a full application for formal recognition under the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
FBHVC Chairman David Whale described the approval, “The authority to proceed with a full submission is an exciting prospect indeed. Every year, 4.3 million people attend events supported or organised by our 534 member clubs. By enjoying and learning about historic vehicles, and sharing their knowledge, enthusiasts play a vital role in helping keep our heritage alive – which is precisely why we are keen to see the UK historic vehicle enthusiasts’ movement officially recognised as an example of our nation’s living heritage,” he said.
Every year, millions of people attend events supported by FBHVC’s 500+ member clubs, sharing expertise and celebrating historic vehicles — from concours-grade classics to cherished daily drivers.
For Jaguar owners and restorers, this recognition effort reflects the value of club culture in preserving not just cars, but the human skills and community ties that keep marques like Jaguar on the road. Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club members contribute directly to that community by restoring, driving and celebrating Jaguars from SS and XK to E-Type, XJ and beyond.
UNESCO’s intangible heritage framework exists to catalogue and safeguard living cultural practices — from bell-ringing and Highland games to traditional crafts. If the FBHVC’s application succeeds, historic motoring will sit alongside these as an officially acknowledged part of the UK’s cultural fabric.
The Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club supports this initiative and the broader recognition of our shared heritage. We look forward to further developments and continued collaboration with FBHVC and FIVA — the international body whose cultural partnership with UNESCO enables this process.
4 Responses
The 4.3 million enthusiasts referred to should probably be more accurately be described as ‘534 member clubs attract a combined audience of 4.3m) [to their annual events].
Just saying….
A brilliant idea and one which can voice the sentiment of classic owners, restorers and clubs alike. It also provides a working heritage for the future generations.
Excellent!!! Well done!
Fantastic idea. I love seeing classic cars on the road. And want to continue doing so for the rest of my life. And then carry on to my family, that will hopefully be able to keep my e type on the road for the next few decades.