MR2DC HISTORY

Creation

Formation of the MR2 Drivers’ Club started back in April 1990, when Ken and Sandy Kinnersley from Werrington in Peterborough ordered their MR2. They were surprised given the classic nature of this unique car, that they were unable to identify a club dedicated to the MR2.

The basis of the club was set down over the period from April 1990 to March 1991. The initial approach to form a club was made to Toyota GB in June 1990, followed by prolonged negotiations at Redhill, and consultation with Toyota Japan. The company approved the organisation and aims of the Club, which are to promote enjoyment of the car through safe driving, organisation of social meetings and events, and to foster a close club spirit.

Meanwhile Ken and Sandy sought publicity in order to attract other enthusiasts interested in forming a club.

Ken, club Founder recalls, “very early on we saw the value of maintaining our independence, consequently, we didn’t seek financial help from any quarter and that includes Toyota. With hindsight, that was probably one of our most important decisions.

We were also determined not to put any of our own money into the club so we didn’t even have a fund to launch the idea. Initially, all we could offer potential members was the “dream” of their own club, an amateur newsheet and only the prospect of better things to come.

We didn’t think we would gain the confidence of potential members by expecting them to pay for what was on offer at that time; so, initially there was no money involved.

The entire process of building the membership was achieved by people sending stamped and self-addressed envelopes to the club in order to receive the latest information. This took the form of a monthly “Club Newsheet” and every time a newsheet was received it was necessary to send another envelope for the next one – if people decided they wanted to stay in touch – and it worked!”

Social Meetings

The first social meeting was on New Years Day 1991 at Egham in Surrey, which was followed the next week by a similar meeting in North Yorkshire.

Eventually, there were some three hundred potential members and after a few “volunteers” had been nominated for “club office” it was time to conduct the formal business.

The first AGM

The inaugural AGM was held in Peterborough Town Hall on Sunday 3rd March 1991, when over 100 prospective members attended and elected the club officers and the Club Constitution was formally ratified.
 
This was the basic framework of rules by which the club was originally governed and at the same meeting the membership fee was determined. This also afforded provision for the election of non-executive Officers. Therefore the Club’s first Honorary Vice President is the Chief Designer of the original MR2, Seiichi Yamauchi, Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan.

As the administration and organisation improved so did the level of membership and the publicity the club received was directly proportional to our activities.

Development

Between 1991 and early 1994, the membership increased to over 1000 cars with some 1500 members, spanning three different continents and some seven different countries. Sister clubs have now been formed in other countries and particularly in Holland where their club was formed as a direct result of the initiative of our Dutch members.

In 1992, we were elected to membership of the Royal Automobile Club Motorsport Association Ltd., this is the governing body of motor clubs and they are concerned to ensure that organisations are properly constituted and controlled, and that principles and aims of motoring related clubs are adhered to.

The same year, the first club “Gala Day” was held at Silverstone. This was an international meeting with a strong contingent from the Dutch MR2 Club who joined over 220 other MR2’s for what was the largest recorded gathering of MR2’s in this country. A very successful return “match” was held in Holland in September1993, and the bond between the two clubs continued to strengthen. We were also in regular contact with clubs in Australia, Switzerland and Canada.

Limited Company

At the Club AGM in April 1993, the members voted (unanimously) to change the status of the club to that of a Limited Company. We sought legal advice and it was eventually decided that the most appropriate form was an “incorporated Company – Limited by Guarantee and not having a Share Capital”.

The principal reason behind this change was to limit the liability of each and everyone of the members in the event, no matter how unlikely, of a successful financial claim being made against the club.

Today

The club has grown tremendously, and counts friends amongst clubs in France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Denmark and much more...

The 2000 Gala Day saw in excess of 1000 MR2’s gathering together for an amazing day and is to date the event with the most MR2’s gathered at the same place at the same time!

The Club has now around 1000 members but since its creation, more than 10,000 MR2 enthusiasts have registered with the club at one point.

The club has a number of active regions with monthly meetings being held on the first Sunday of each month. The club is represented at various shows during the year calendar year with regular appearance to Catton Hall, Tatton Park, Ally Pally and the Classic Car Show at the NEC in November. 

The Club has been running an Club Insurance Scheme for many years giving its members savings on Car and home insurance.

Join us, it is fun!!!