Open to all: A fine motoring library in the midlands
Published: 12/12/2024
Earlier in 2024, the Vintage Sports-Car Club (VSCC) moved to new premises at Hockley Heath in Warwickshire, including its library. The VSCC library is an excellent resource, and welcomes visits from bona fide researchers, even if you are not a member of the VSCC. It is undoubtedly one of the finest publicly-available libraries of early motoring literature in the country.
A major attraction is the collection of bound motoring journals, including complete or near-complete runs of many titles, obviously The Autocar and The Motor, but also many others.
There is a large collection of reference books on many different marques and models – not necessarily all from the vintage period – and general motoring history. The VSCC website lists nearly 4,000 titles. There are handbooks, manuals, sales brochures and motor show catalogues, to name but a few categories.
The library was established in its present form by the late Nick Walker and since his passing has been run by Ian Ferguson as the senior librarian, now joined by Sue Darbyshire. All members of the library team are volunteers.
‘Open days’ are Wednesdays and Thursdays, when volunteers are present, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, but the library may be available on other weekdays by appointment.
As well as assistance with research, the team offers to help with scanning items, and there is a photocopier. The team will deal with enquiries by post, telephone or email. Charges are made for some library services, but VSCC members are not charged for responses to many minor queries.
As of January 2025 the VSCC will be hosting a Library Visitor Day on the third Thursday of each month when visitors can browse and enjoy coffee and biscuits. Non-members will be very welcome.
Hockley Heath is on the main A3400 from Birmingham to Stratford, a few miles south of junction 4 of the M42 motorway. Parking spaces are available in the grounds of Hockley Court. There are several pubs in the village for lunch, but you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch.
The address is 1 Hockley Court, 2401 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Warwickshire B94 6NW; tel 01608 644777 (extension 7); e-mail library@vscc.co.uk and website https://www.vscc.co.uk/page/library
