What you need to keep in mind is that in the early 1980’s and early 90’s, there was little or no access to the internet. If you wanted any information about old cars (or any other issues), you had to write to people or phone them up……providing you had any contact details in the first place!

There were some DeLorean Clubs in America, but these were of limited relevance to UK owners, who were basically “on their own”. Dozens of cars were still in the UK following the closure of the Dunmurry factory as the receivers sold off the last of the factory stock. Many of these were still in storage and unused…..some still are!

This was the background when the DeLorean Owners Club was formed in 1996, by two DeLorean enthusiasts Dave Howarth and Simon Lees-Milne, with the aim to make the DeLorean an accessible car to own and use in the UK. By the end of the first year the Club had sixty paid up members and were kept in touch by the DeLorean News magazine and newsletters, helping to keep them up to date with current club news and events around the country.

The membership steadily increased, as did the number of cars being re-imported back into the country thanks to the Dollar/Pound exchange rate and fairer treatment on import taxes; with an average of one car every month! This unfortunately led the VAT folk to saying “These cars cant be that rare….as we’ve processed dozens of imports during the last 18 months”! We now have to fight the import duty again with every car. America is still the best source of “cheaper” Deloreans.

Thanks to Mary Hooper and her assistants, the club was also now able to offer its own range of club wear to its members, including T shits, sweatshirts, caps and other club wear to show off the DeLorean marques in style.

2006 was an important year in DeLorean circles, being the 25th anniversary of the first production car and the 10th birthday of DOC UK. An international event “Eurofest” was held in Belfast, the birthplace of the car, which many UK members attended. We held the main DOC event “Lotus 06” in Norfolk, where club member Arran Jamieson allowed us exclusive use of his hotel in Old Hunstanton in Norfolk. This venue has proved so successful and popular that he now hosts the annual ‘DeLorean EuroTec’ event there.
After 7 years as Club Secretary (and just about to start building my new house,) I decided on the long drive home from Norfolk, that is was time for a younger man to take over. I persuaded Mike Bosworth to take over as a caretaker Secretary which Mike readily agreed to. At the AGM in autumn of 2006, Mike was then sworn in officially as Club Secretary, Phil Peters took on the editors roll and we rounded off the year by winning the best “Club stand” at the NEC Classic car show! Quite a year 2006!