FBHVC mourns passing of Vice-President David Davies
Published: 29/01/2026
It is with great sadness that we announce that our Vice-President David Davies, passed away peacefully after a period of ill health, on 28 December 2025.
He was a director of Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) from 2000 until 2019 when he stood down, then accepting the role of FBHVC Vice-President. He was also a long-standing contributor to the Federation's magazine, compiling the 'Club Chatter' column, drawing on club magazines.
During his overseas travels he also made many friends in the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA).
As an active rider on a variety of motorcycles he competed in numerous events both in the UK and in Europe, often with his wife Caroline and daughter Wendy.
He met Caroline on a skiing holiday in Austria and they married in the Netherlands in 1973. David learned Dutch so he could chat and joke with his relatives and Dutch motorcyclists.
He also found time to study French at evening classes and started learning to play the nyckelharpa, a stringed Swedish folk instrument.
His primary interests were his self-restored 1929 Model 90 Sunbeam, along with a keen interest in ‘flat tankers’, an obsession with Velocette LE and an interest in early cycles.
David also served the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) as President, Director, Overseas Representative, Editor of its Journal. As a professional photographer, he made numerous contributions over the years.
He joined the VMCC Club in the 1950s in the then Yorkshire and South Lincolnshire Sections. In 1977, David was instrumental in establishing the Mid Lincs Section.
David was also a member of the LE Velo Club, Rudge Enthusiasts Club, Moto Guzzi Club GB, The British Two Stroke Club, The Mercedes Benz Owners Club and the 6/80 & MO Oxford & Cowley Club.
Born in Cleethorpes on 1 June 1943, David grew up in Brigg. At a young age he developed a keen interest in steam engines and vintage motorcycles; he started riding, repairing and restoring the latter in his teens. He was also a member of the Ancholme Rowing Club in Brigg, where he rowed, acted as a cox and coached others.
After training as a metallurgist and photographer, David initially worked for British Thomson-Houston (BTH) in Rugby, before becoming Scunthorpe Steelworks’ photographer. In this role he covering everything from staff to blast furnaces, to bridges, including the Dartford Crossing, and other steel construction around the UK.
He will be greatly missed by many, not only for his enthusiasm, extensive knowledge of old machines, both technically and historically, but also for his quirky sense of humour, wit and his unique use of language.
