A Strategic Proposal to Strengthen Membership and Engage the Next Generation of MGA and Magnette Enthusiasts
Introduction:
This article is written to begin NAMGAR’s quest to increase our membership and meet the challenges we face today.
Between 1955 and 1962, the iconic MGA captured the imagination of drivers around the world. With its sleek lines, spirited performance, and timeless British craftsmanship, it marked a bold new chapter for the MG brand.
Today, more than six decades later, that same spirit lives on through dedicated owners and enthusiasts particularly within NAMGAR, the North American MGA Register. Yet like many classic car organizations, we face important challenges: declining membership, the need to attract younger enthusiasts, and underutilization of our website.
If we are to preserve the legacy of the MGA, we must also adapt to the road ahead. This mini proposal presents an, actionable strategy to stabilize and grow NAMGAR membership through intentional outreach, digital engagement, intergenerational mentorship, and a welcoming culture that embraces all types of MGA enthusiasts from expert restorers to those who simply love to drive.
The Challenge: Understanding Membership Decline:
Membership decline is not unique to NAMGAR. Several factors contribute to this trend across classic car organizations:
- Aging membership demographics
- Competing time commitments among potential members
- Rising restoration and maintenance costs
- Limited exposure among younger generations
- Changing landscape of automotive enthusiasm
- Perception of exclusivity rather than inclusivity
The Hidden Pool: Unaffiliated MGA and Magnette Owners
A critical observation: there are likely twice as many MGAs and Magnette’s on the road as there are NAMGAR members, or maybe more. Demographics show that we have 6500 members that belong to one of our chapters and only a total of over 700 belong to NAMGAR. This presents an opportunity. Also, according to NAMGARs registration data we have over 9000 cars registered. This represents a significant untapped membership pool. Many of these owners:
- Purchased restored or well-maintained cars
- Prefer to drive rather than rebuild
- Utilize professional repair shops for maintenance
- May view NAMGAR as primarily for technical experts and restorers
- Do not see themselves reflected in current membership communications
Demographic Realities
An honest assessment of current membership reveals:
- Majority of active members fall within the 60–90-year age bracket
- Event photography and magazine features often showcase the same familiar faces
- Technical content may inadvertently signal that hands-on restoration expertise is required
- Limited visible representation of younger owners, families, and casual drivers
Our Strengths: Foundation for Growth
Despite these challenges, the NAMGAR community possesses powerful strengths that position us well for strategic growth:
- A rich mechanical heritage and documented technical knowledge
- Strong camaraderie among members nationwide
- Access to technical expertise through seasoned restorers and mechanics, and advice from local members
- A shared passion for authentic motoring experiences
- An interactive, modern website platform www.namgar.com
- An award-winning magazine (MGA!)
- Active regional chapters and annual gatherings (GTs)
- Synergy within our MG Council
- Insurance Discount with Hagerty except for CA, MA, TN
- Connection to fellow members for roadside assistance and support while traveling in the event of a vehicle breakdown (online access with printable information available). Go to the membership directory under membership benefits on our website
Bruce Mann and Robert Kuhn
