Royal Automobile Club Archive

In addition to the resources housed in the Club’s well-stocked Library, the Royal Automobile Club archive is a unique and valuable collection of documents, memorabilia and photographs, providing not only an immense wealth of original evidence about the long history of the Club, but also a rich source for motor sport historians.

Motor racing and rallying records

Key material includes the papers of the Club’s founder Frederick Simms as well as other important members. There are also the minute books of the many committees, annual reports, membership records, holograph correspondence, business and personal correspondence, financial accounts, motor racing and rallying records, trial and technical information, press cuttings, scrap books, photograph albums, news letters, pamphlets, exhibition programmes, conference bulletins, route guides, suggestions books, dinner menus, film, slide and microfilm material, ephemera and memorabilia of all sorts. The archives also contain a number of fascinating artefacts such as model vans and centenary china.

Using the archive

Members and researchers interested in using the collection should contact the Royal Automobile Club for permission. Once permission has been granted they should make an appointment to visit the Churchill Archives Centre to view the material.