Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs announces new President

Published: 16/10/2024

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has announced the appointment of the Rt Hon. Sir Greg Knight as President.

The Rt Hon. Sir Greg Knight was born in Leicestershire. He qualified as a solicitor and, for ten years, ran his own law practice. He has been a lifelong classic car fan and has owned many stunning examples. Indeed, he entered Parliament in 1983, arriving in style in his Jensen Interceptor Mk III.

The Rt Hon. Sir Greg Knight was the Conservative MP for East Yorkshire from 2001 to 2024, having previously served as the MP for Derby North from 1983 to 1997.

While in opposition, he was a Shadow Minister for Transport and served as a government minister, Deputy Chief Whip, and later Minister of State for Industry and Vice-Chamberlain. 

In 1995, he was sworn in as a member of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, and in October 2013, he was awarded a Knighthood for political service.

Sir Greg founded the All-Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group in the early 1990s and chaired it until he retired from Parliament in 2024. The group campaigned for unrestricted use of historic vehicles on public highways in the UK, a mission entirely aligned with the FBHVC's. He chaired the all-party group from its inception until retirement as an MP in 2024.

He remains an avid motorist and champion of historic vehicles. He supports many vehicle clubs and owns several Jensens, a Rover P5 Coupé, a Bristol, and a Cord.

Sir Greg Knight commented, "It's a tremendous honour to be appointed President of an organisation whose activities are vital to the future of transport heritage. For me, it is a fantastic opportunity to continue the work I started as an MP as chair of the all-party group to champion and protect the historic vehicle community." 

David Whale, Chairman of the FBHVC, said, "We warmly welcome the Rt Hon. Sir Greg Knight, who is already a familiar personality within our organisation. His vast political experience and passion for historic vehicles will greatly benefit us all."

Sir Greg Knight follows in the footsteps of former FBHVC President Lord Steel of Aikwood, who retired earlier this year after six years, and the late Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, appointed in 1988.

On 19 October, he addressed the Federation's Annual General Meeting for the first time as President.