Austin Ten Drivers Club

The Austin Ten Drivers Club was formed in 1965, when Austin Tens represented shoestring motoring and daily transport for the impoverished student and motoring enthusiast. Many years have passed since then and now the humble Austin Ten is widely recognised as a classic car in its own right. Affordable, economical and surprisingly practical, even on the roads of today, the Austin Ten is a worthwhile car to own, use and enjoy.

Drivers Club

From the start the emphasis was on driving. The first ATDC rally took place on 18th July 1965 consisting of 8 members and 3 guests on a follow-my-leader tour from Epsom to Newlands Corner for judging by Mr William (Bill) Boddy - Editor of Motor Sport (source - Minutes of 1st AGM). The second rally was a 12-car competitive navigational event. In 1966 a weekend rally was held in the Cotswolds in May of that year, and in July the first National Rally was held at Beaulieu.

10-28hp

During the next few years ATDC expanded, both geographically with regional meetings and in members. Those with growing families found that there were advantages in moving up to the 12 and larger h.p. models - so from an early stage what is still sometimes called The Ten Club was welcoming the larger Austin cars of the 1930s.

Friendly Members

Membership increased from 95 in 1966 to 250 by the end of the decade, including the first overseas members. The number increased to over 1000 during the 1980s. ATDC now has members at 1200 addresses in the UK and overseas.

There are regional groups who organise activities and events and activities around the country.

Monthly Magazine

The magazine includes details of future plans and events, reports of past events, technical articles, stories of and by members and their activities, a sales and wants section for members, and advertisments by commercial suppliers of parts and services for older cars.

Club Spares

The first spares project was the ATDC universal pattern bottom water branch casting. At the time almost every car needed a replacement and none was available commercially. The Club Spares operation has since expanded to provide a wide range of spare parts to keep you on the road.

Aims

Our aims are to:-
◦ Drive our Austin cars and for them to be seen in regular use on the road
◦ Maintain, preserve in original condition, or restore them to as near original condition as practicable.
◦ Organise activities and take part in events that encourage the use of our Austin cars
◦ Collect, preserve and make available relevant records
◦ Provide services and advice to ATDC members to assist in these aims
◦ Work with other organisations that share some of these aims, in particular with other Austin clubs
◦ Have fun.