In its formative years the 96 Club arranged a number of private meetings at a selection of Race Circuits around the UK – such as Silverstone, Donnington, Brands Hatch, Mallory Park, Castle Combe and Goodwood. The days were informal social occasions with the emphasis on the sheer enjoyment of man and machine: no racing was allowed and each of the circuits’ safety requirements were scrupulously fol
lowed
Professional instructors were present to teach both the novice and experienced driver. All new members had to have at least one session on the track with an instructor for their own safety and that of the others. Apart from the opportunity to drive fast in safe conditions, members were also able to take advantage many Special Events such as Hospitality Suites at Brands Hatch and Silverstone and specially organised trips to Le Mans, the British Grand Prix, etc. Membership was totally at the discretion of the Club’s management and depended almost as much on the car as on the person. The list of members was always confidential and never published. In 1985 the 96 Club amalgamated with” Le Club des Soixante-douze Heures”. This Club was solely formed for the enjoyment of ‘le 24 Heures du Mans’. Pit at the Le Mans Circuit and a condition of being elected a member was that you had to be willing to help before, during and after ‘The Race’ – such as bar duties, score board, sweeping out, cooking, setting up and dismantling the pit and any other job requested by the President, Monsieur Herve Coatalen, or his wife. A member also had to have at least one K.L.G. ‘bougie’ actually in use in the engine of his motor car – or - they had to immediately forfeit one bottle of Champagne to be drunk by all members present. Many of the British racing drivers of this époque were members of this extremely exclusive club. There have been many imitators of Michael Scott’s brilliant idea, but the 96 Club was the first and remained the leading club for owners of high performance cars, modern or classic until the late 90s. At present, the 96 Club is concentrating on holding entirely informal monthly gatherings, usually at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and always to help raise funds for the Chelsea Pensioners. The 96 Club is also organising Classic Car Displays and events at various locations in and around London, including the London Concours at the exclusive Hurlingham Club, the Silverstone Classic Car Event and at Wilton House Classic Rendezvous & Supercars event and the Bahama’s Speed Week at the end of the year.
