Car Club Gains National Recognition as Restoration Project Accelerates
RGS Worcester’s Car Club continues to go from strength to strength, with its ambitious classic car restoration project now gaining national attention. Following its launch in January 2025, the Club has been featured in Floating Power magazine, celebrating the pupils’ hands-on work to restore a 1953 Citroën ‘Big 6’ to full working order.
Led by Head of Design and Technology, Mr Batchelder, Car Club was established to give pupils the opportunity to develop practical engineering skills alongside their classroom learning. The long-term project centres around the complete rebuild of a Citroën Traction Avant, which had remained untouched for almost 30 years before being brought into School.
Pupils from Year Eight to Sixth Form have already made remarkable progress. From carefully dismantling the car and cataloguing its components, to learning specialist techniques such as welding and engine disassembly, the project has provided a rare opportunity to engage with real-world engineering challenges. The car’s body has been stripped back to its bare shell and restoration is now well underway, with pupils working meticulously to preserve as much of the original vehicle as possible.
Year Eight pupil, Poppy Byng, who documented the project in the published article, described the experience as “a fun and exciting way to learn skills we would never get to do in a normal classroom,” highlighting the enthusiasm and curiosity driving the Club forward.
The project has also benefited from the support of a dedicated network of experts and enthusiasts. From local engineers and mechanics to RGS Governors and industry professionals, pupils are working alongside experienced mentors, including technicians from Morgan Motor Company, who are helping to guide the restoration process and share their expertise.
On Tuesday this week, Car Club welcomed a visit from the President of the Citroën Traction Avant Owners Club, following the recent feature in Floating Power magazine. Bringing with him his own fully restored Citroën Traction Avant ‘Big 6’, pupils were given a valuable opportunity to gain insight from a leading figure in the classic car community and to further enrich their understanding of the restoration process.
This growing recognition, both within the School and beyond, reflects the unique value of the initiative. Car Club brings engineering to life and builds confidence, problem-solving skills and is providing pupils with valuable career insights and opportunities.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the restoration progresses and extend our congratulations to all staff and pupils involved for their dedication, enthusiasm and impressive achievements so far.
