So the Ginetta Owners Club ?
Discussion
Ginetta owners are a friendly bunch
But Luke has a point
in these modern times, when considering a new purchase its nice to be able to browse forums/owners sites to get a feel for the club and the cars.
For potential new Ginetta owners, people have to not only want a Ginetta but to also feel that there may be a helpful/friendly OC that goes with it. This isnt outwardly apparent to someone unfamiliar with the scene
One of the main reasons i still own my '77 alpine is the great OC(and website), which makes owning the car far more enjoyable.
But Luke has a point
in these modern times, when considering a new purchase its nice to be able to browse forums/owners sites to get a feel for the club and the cars.
For potential new Ginetta owners, people have to not only want a Ginetta but to also feel that there may be a helpful/friendly OC that goes with it. This isnt outwardly apparent to someone unfamiliar with the scene
One of the main reasons i still own my '77 alpine is the great OC(and website), which makes owning the car far more enjoyable.
geeeman said:
Ginetta owners are a friendly bunch
One of the main reasons i still own my '77 alpine is the great OC(and website), which makes owning the car far more enjoyable.
Which club is that, Shadi? The C.A.R. forum seems to get very little use.One of the main reasons i still own my '77 alpine is the great OC(and website), which makes owning the car far more enjoyable.
Geoff
Edited by h4887 on Saturday 15th January 09:55
hi Geoff
the RAOC (renault alpine owners club) was founded by one person, Stephen Dell, about 7 years ago to rival 'CAR'
He set up a fantastic website, with a free forum.. and since then the ownership and club has blossomed. Also there are now many more young alpine owners, whereas in the past this was not the case.
A huge number of events are organised each year, and turnout fantastic. There were only around 250 RHD alpines made for the UK, so this is a small club.
I believe one of the main reasons for the success is their forum, everything happens through that...
http://www.renaultalpineownersclub.com/
the RAOC (renault alpine owners club) was founded by one person, Stephen Dell, about 7 years ago to rival 'CAR'
He set up a fantastic website, with a free forum.. and since then the ownership and club has blossomed. Also there are now many more young alpine owners, whereas in the past this was not the case.
A huge number of events are organised each year, and turnout fantastic. There were only around 250 RHD alpines made for the UK, so this is a small club.
I believe one of the main reasons for the success is their forum, everything happens through that...
http://www.renaultalpineownersclub.com/
Justin-W said:
I understand your points Luke but its something that will continue to go that way if members follow your attitude.
You've got to appreciate that Ginetta only produces a small amount of cars and therefore doesnt have the endless supply of idiots which I think is a good thing!
What you will find is a good bunch of people who will endeavour with tones of resources should you need it. But you have to ask and be involved.
Remember with everything in life its about putting in and taking out.
I am no stranger to putting effort in I just dont fancy the concept of giving my hard earned away for no tangible benefit. Sure the community might be great and well worth it but based on my impressions on a fairly dated website that doesnt appear to have a huge amount on it and still sends out magazines...lets just say it doesnt feel like an innovative place that is going to offer the forward thinking that I am after.You've got to appreciate that Ginetta only produces a small amount of cars and therefore doesnt have the endless supply of idiots which I think is a good thing!
What you will find is a good bunch of people who will endeavour with tones of resources should you need it. But you have to ask and be involved.
Remember with everything in life its about putting in and taking out.
My Ginetta is going to get used and used very hard over the next year (no not on the road
). If it handles itself well then it will get thoroughly abused on track. Theres a lot of Ginettas going in the sub £1,500 price range now which are prime material for a cheap track toy or similar. If the GOC made themselves a bit better known and attended a wider variety of shows in the more track orientated cars it shouldn't be too hard to pull in a few new members.To illustrate my point look at this site
http://www.trackculture.com/
Its a brand new site so doesnt have a huge amount of info on it yet..
Then open the GOC
http://www.ginetta.org/goc/
Which one would you rather put your hand in your pocket for? I mean the front page on the goc is dated march 2006 ffs. Yeah that looks a hive of activity..
Edited by luke g28 on Monday 17th January 23:43
Beause its a small club the GOC have struggled to find decent webmasters, and the website is poor, which is a shame.
TBH very few racers of contempory Ginettas are GOC members and the club onoly really refers to its own GOC Speed Championship on a regular basis. I do know that the club is trying to address that but lack of personnell means that it becomes a big job for one person to do in his/her spare time.
I don't own a Ginetta anymore, but am still a GOC member as I found them supportive at the shows I did go to and the members have a genuine passion for the cars. If you are buying any Ginetta then the club has its place and there are some members who really know their stuff, but its not a huge and sophisticated outfit (a bit like the cars themselves)
TBH very few racers of contempory Ginettas are GOC members and the club onoly really refers to its own GOC Speed Championship on a regular basis. I do know that the club is trying to address that but lack of personnell means that it becomes a big job for one person to do in his/her spare time.
I don't own a Ginetta anymore, but am still a GOC member as I found them supportive at the shows I did go to and the members have a genuine passion for the cars. If you are buying any Ginetta then the club has its place and there are some members who really know their stuff, but its not a huge and sophisticated outfit (a bit like the cars themselves)
Luke I do understand your point but Track Culture is yes in simple for track enthusiasts but because its so broad it cannot cater for when our cars do go wrong with what parts are used, suitable replacements and diagrams.
Which I am sure you'll find within the GOC or a member who does, sure its pretty quiet but get involved meet afew members attend the AGM and raise your issues there. Also did you attend it last year?
Have you even thought about entering the GOC Championship and getting involved that way?
As for TC, I am surprised you havent found me on there. Would say I'm a regular poster as know acouple of guys that run the site from trackdays I've done with Mazda On Track.
Which I am sure you'll find within the GOC or a member who does, sure its pretty quiet but get involved meet afew members attend the AGM and raise your issues there. Also did you attend it last year?
Have you even thought about entering the GOC Championship and getting involved that way?
As for TC, I am surprised you havent found me on there. Would say I'm a regular poster as know acouple of guys that run the site from trackdays I've done with Mazda On Track.
luke g28 said:
lets just say it doesnt feel like an innovative place that is going to offer the forward thinking that I am after.
Which one would you rather put your hand in your pocket for? I mean the front page on the goc is dated march 2006 ffs. Yeah that looks a hive of activity..
Innovative? forward thinking? It's a kit car club run by enthusiasts in their spare time!Which one would you rather put your hand in your pocket for? I mean the front page on the goc is dated march 2006 ffs. Yeah that looks a hive of activity..
Edited by luke g28 on Monday 17th January 23:43
Having said that I found it exactly the same a few years ago. I was looking to buy a G15 and wanted to ask questions about them, but to do that I'd have to join the club!
I've not renewed my membership as my car will be up for sale shortly, but I found the forum quite hit and miss. Some weeks really busy, then no replies for weeks on end. If you had one of the less popular cars then the replies could be months apart.
The Cottage classics/Ginetta heritage forum used to be far more lively, but seems to be slowly dieing at the moment.
i agree with the comments, but dont agree with calling it a kit car club.
The marcos OC dont refer to their club like that, and they made far less type approved cars than Ginetta, same goes for classic lotus
Even the older cars that could be thought of as kits, like the G4, were mostly supplied assembled with mostly engine and box to install
The marcos OC dont refer to their club like that, and they made far less type approved cars than Ginetta, same goes for classic lotus
Even the older cars that could be thought of as kits, like the G4, were mostly supplied assembled with mostly engine and box to install
geeeman said:
i agree with the comments, but dont agree with calling it a kit car club.
The marcos OC dont refer to their club like that, and they made far less type approved cars than Ginetta, same goes for classic lotus
Even the older cars that could be thought of as kits, like the G4, were mostly supplied assembled with mostly engine and box to install
They sold turnkey cars and kit cars. A hell of a lot of them are kit cars like it or not. The biggest meeting of the GOC is at the Stonleigh kit car show.The marcos OC dont refer to their club like that, and they made far less type approved cars than Ginetta, same goes for classic lotus
Even the older cars that could be thought of as kits, like the G4, were mostly supplied assembled with mostly engine and box to install
eccles said:
geeeman said:
i agree with the comments, but dont agree with calling it a kit car club.
The marcos OC dont refer to their club like that, and they made far less type approved cars than Ginetta, same goes for classic lotus
Even the older cars that could be thought of as kits, like the G4, were mostly supplied assembled with mostly engine and box to install
They sold turnkey cars and kit cars. A hell of a lot of them are kit cars like it or not. The biggest meeting of the GOC is at the Stonleigh kit car show.The marcos OC dont refer to their club like that, and they made far less type approved cars than Ginetta, same goes for classic lotus
Even the older cars that could be thought of as kits, like the G4, were mostly supplied assembled with mostly engine and box to install
Any older Ginetta is without a shadow of doubt, a classic car. Christ, the G4 is almost 50!
The biggest meeting of the GOC year was, and has been Stoneleigh Kit Car Show, NOT because it is a kit show but it's central and was tradition.
'We' used to have so many cars in attendance at Stoneleigh in the late 70s early 80s, battling for the largest attendance of cars, that it 'became' tradition to go there - plus it was 'central' in the UK. Many times in later years members complained that they would prefer elsewhere to hold the main meeting, but it was, as I said, a tradition to go there. Nothing to do with it being a kit car show. In fact, in later years most of us began to hate it, and the attitude of some towards the marque. We got shoved around and moved to the extremities of a show we once dominated... but we still go. It became tradition.
Not for much longer though.
Edited by dandarez on Wednesday 19th January 00:20
I'm an expat Brit, resident in the USA, and in 2007 I joined the GOC to assist my search for a round tube G4 and as a result was able to confirm the authenticity of two original G4's that I subsequently acquired. The committee members I had contact with were extremely helpful and supportive, providing me with history and confirming vehicle specification for both cars. The guy's are long term true enthusiasts of the Ginetta brand and have over the years provided a terrific service to Ginetta owners.
Members all have different requirements from the clubs they participate in and if a guy has a particular direction that interests him most voluntary organized clubs are always looking for active members, for me its about the Ginetta "car experience".
Living in the USA my participation in the club is very limited and consequently I'm reluctant to comment on the direction of the club but I'm sure, based upon my experiences with the commitee, they would welcome additional active participants in developing the GOC
Members all have different requirements from the clubs they participate in and if a guy has a particular direction that interests him most voluntary organized clubs are always looking for active members, for me its about the Ginetta "car experience".
Living in the USA my participation in the club is very limited and consequently I'm reluctant to comment on the direction of the club but I'm sure, based upon my experiences with the commitee, they would welcome additional active participants in developing the GOC
As a member of the GOC I think I should reply to some of the criticisms...First, the committee members are all volunteers, and I for one am grateful for the time and effort they put in to the club - maybe the first reply to the critic should be 'you do better!'. Also they are all Ginetta enthusiasts, and since I am one too, we have a lot in common. One problem may be the number of models made in small numbers by Ginetta - from G4 to G40/50+ and trying to cater for all these... Maybe the website isn't the 'all singing - all dancing' showpiece that some would like, and usage is not mega, but I think that may have something to do with the Ginetta Heritage site, which seems to have more subscribers, and costs nothing to join. I use both....As for being a kit car club, don't think so...my G15 along with many others was built at the factory..might be useful to distinguish 'kit car' from 'classic sports car [available in component form]'
Edited by g15wiz on Wednesday 19th January 09:54
Thanks has to go to the people now putting the effort in to keep the GOC going.
The more registration fees paid can only help to improve the such things clubs events and website. Not everything can be done on enthusiasm only. Costs are involved
The club is a benefit to all Ginetta owners, the stronger it is will help keep the value and interest in the cars.
The club needs support from all Ginetta owners, if its time to organise events, input to website etc or even by just paying a small registration fee
The more registration fees paid can only help to improve the such things clubs events and website. Not everything can be done on enthusiasm only. Costs are involved
The club is a benefit to all Ginetta owners, the stronger it is will help keep the value and interest in the cars.
The club needs support from all Ginetta owners, if its time to organise events, input to website etc or even by just paying a small registration fee
the winner said:
"The Ginetta Owners Club " . So is it led by a guy with his own objective and his lap dog mate" but geeeee*******
I think" but I am a nobody, it could do with a breath of fresh air. And become an owners club of new and old ( Owners ) !!!! and not a promotional mag for the factory !!. he appears to aline him self/club to the factory, but with no regard to the owners of over 80%+ of older cars (Walklett designs). The mag"s and current leader/club views appear to have lost their way and have forgotten the history , loyalty, passion and longevity of the OWNERS!!!!!!
I guess it is like most car clubs. very few people put the effort in, whose that do get nothing but slagged off for the time they do put in, others that have put effort in walked away because of the grief they got and thought why bother?I think" but I am a nobody, it could do with a breath of fresh air. And become an owners club of new and old ( Owners ) !!!! and not a promotional mag for the factory !!. he appears to aline him self/club to the factory, but with no regard to the owners of over 80%+ of older cars (Walklett designs). The mag"s and current leader/club views appear to have lost their way and have forgotten the history , loyalty, passion and longevity of the OWNERS!!!!!!
As the factory is now proactive there is fresh material for the club magazine. I guess the magazine editor like most people in his position struggles every issue for content. Out of al the independent specialist car producers, Ginetta are probably the most cactive in getting new cars out to the market place. Why would this not be of interest to the club, owners and customers. OK there will always be the old school that would say that Ginetta stopped when the Walkletts stopped running the company. Yes it was a defining moment in the history of Ginetta. But be thankful the new owners are doing a good job.
Ask yourself if the club means that much to you;
Could you do something to help? Could you submit articles on the older cars that would be an interesting read? Have you done so? Why don't you?
You will often find the people who stand there shouting bring the least to the party. Never Help and say they have no time other than to moan.
A small car club with limited members is always going to struggle by its very nature. But people like you do more damage than good IMHO.
the winner said:
J.Croft I am not. But I know a lot of owners and members but they are reluctant to air their views but I am not. Discussion can only benefit in the big picture
If no one says anything how do you expect things to change? As a non member do you have a say? No. Join the club and find out for your self. b
hing here will change nothing. As a member of the club you can talk direct to the person at the top and help implement changes or address an imbalance. But as a non member b
hing on someone elses forum, do you really expect anyone to take note?the winner said:
I realize now that i am "talking" to 2 people and this is not the Ginetta web site, but the chairman's plea in Newsmag 112 stands for nothing if you do make a suggestion no one contributes wether it is an idea or rubbish. What's the point? You can see why people are walking away!!!!
You will find that all clubs suffer in hard times regardless of the mark. Also once people have their network of friends that get developed as a result of being a club members you will often find that they need the club less and less.Just for clarification I am not a member of the GOC but have been for a short time when I was looking to get a G4, which never happened. I have to say the everyone I spoke to from members to club MT was very helpful. I do however help to run another car club and it is hard work with very little reward.
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