On Saturday 28th February, the winner of Hagerty’s Unsung Hero Award was announced at Club Expo, held at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.
The award, voted for by members of the UK’s classic car clubs, recognises the tireless efforts of one person on behalf of a club or marque. Although this year we received over 150 nominations, there was one clear winner: Rod Smith, Spares Secretary of the Cortina Mk II Owners’ Club.
Rod was unfortunately unable to collect the award, presented by Classic Car Weekly news editor David Simister and Chairman of the FBHVC, David Whale. However, it was received on his behalf by Charles Hanson, chairman of the club.
As he announced the winner, Hagerty’s Marketing Director Marcus Atkinson shared some of the comments made about Rod. One simply said: “Without [Rod’s] great knowledge there is no doubt many Cortinas would not be on the road today.” Charles Hanson seconded this, stating that on a recent European trip Rod had filled his estate with parts and without his support his own car would not have survived the journey.
Club Expo is one of the most important events we sponsor. We recognise that without the support of owners’ clubs, maintaining a classic car would be a lot harder and a much less enjoyable experience. We know that most clubs are maintained through the immense efforts of volunteers who dedicate their time, effort and often money with no expectation of anything in return.
Club Expo also gave us the opportunity to hold a Q & A session with club representatives on the subject of classic car valuations. The well- attended discussion highlighted some important issues for the clubs, especially how owners maintain adequate insurance coverage in a rapidly-changing market. MD Angus Forsyth was on hand to explain that Hagerty’s Valuation Tool gives us a unique opportunity to keep customers apprised of valuation fluctuations, even between renewals.
