Chris Cunnington 1944-2024.

The TR Register Car Club is deeply saddened to report the death of Chris Cunnington, aged 79, one of our Honorary Vice Presidents, after a long illness.

His dedication and vital role in driving the Club forward over many years have left an indelible mark on our worldwide TR community, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Chris Cunnington bought his first TR4A in 1978 and joined the Wessex group of the TR Register in the same year. In 1996, Chris became Group Leader of Wessex Group and, within two years, joined the national TR Register committee to become the exhibitions manager. During this time, Chris took the TR Register to new audiences, updated the show equipment and processes and gave the Club a distinctly more professional look and feel to the outside world. This was a time of rapid growth in membership numbers for the Club, and as an organisation, the TR Register had to adapt quickly to the fast pace of change.

In 2002, Chris took over from Rosy Pugh as General Manager. During this time, he oversaw the growth and recruitment of a staff team to the Didcot headquarters, the introduction of a new all-colour format for TR Action Magazine, and a rather tricky TR Register International Weekend in 2007, the year of the devastating floods.

That year, the International Weekend was in the middle of the worst flooding in the West Midlands for a generation. Despite the event being cancelled because of the terrible conditions at the showground and on the surrounding roads, Chris galvanised the team around the event and provided shelter and provisions for those who had made it - many pitching up on the edges of the dancefloor or in the Concours Hall.

Later that year, at the 2007 AGM, Chris took the reins from Ian Evans, a dear friend to Chris, and became Chairman of the TR Register. During this time, he oversaw several changes and initiatives, including creating a new insurance scheme—which contributes much to the Club even today, the formation of the Youth Group, two changes of TR Action Editor, three General Managers and numerous awards, accolades and events - including the Club's 40th anniversary at Hopcrofts Holt. TS2 went on a UK-wide tour, and the Club purchased a special Coca-Cola TR7 to promote the later TRs. The 90th anniversary of Triumph was celebrated at Stoneleigh and Gaydon, and all led from the front by Chris, who, whilst supporting those delivering these activities, was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in.

The Standard Triumph Forum brought together clubs catering to Triumph and Standard motor car owners. While representing the TR Register on the Standard Triumph Forum, Chris again led from the front. He brought together an active group of people who worked together to promote the Standard Triumph movement and collaborated in a way that led to the joint events we enjoy today. Chris was awarded the Harry Webster Award in 2011 to recognise his efforts for the Standard Triumph community.

In 2010, Chris took on his furthest-reaching role in the historic vehicle movement as Chairman of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC). During his three-year term, Chris put into motion many of the initiatives that the Federation still operates today, plus recruited several talented volunteers to the board. Therefore, the TR Register's influence reached national and far-reaching proportions.

David Whale, FBHVC Chairman, said, “It was Chris who, in the summer of 2012, said at a board meeting that he would not offer himself for re-election as chairman of FBHVC, and I suddenly realised there were ten or so pairs of eyes all looking at me, someone broke the ice and said this is your moment! So, I sincerely thank Chris for starting me on a journey that has lasted thirteen years.

For me, Chris was the archetypal historic vehicle enthusiast and club member. Meeting him was always a pleasure, and the Federation sends our condolences and best wishes to his family and friends."

Wayne Scott, PR Officer for the TR Register and former TR Action Editor, said, "I owe a lot to Chris and the encouragement he showed me when founding the Youth Group. Chris warmly welcomed me to the national committee as a 23-year-old youngster. Chris also recruited me to the role of Press Officer in 2013 and then encouraged me to take on the Editor's job for TR Action Magazine a year later. Chris was always on hand to advise and give clear direction when needed, but always in a supportive and warm manner. I shall miss the ability to call him up and run ideas past him as I often did, and it was an honour and a pleasure to work so closely with him over the years."

In 2015, Chris Cunnington became an Honorary Vice-President of the TR Register Car Club, an accolade he held dear. Over the past forty years, Chris has been an active personality within the Club and has defined the TR Register's activities through his various roles. Chris had a statesman-like manner about him and received respect and undivided attention from those who worked with him or listened to him speak. Chris loved his TR4A and Grinnall TR7V8 but enjoyed sharing that passion with others even more. Chris was known and respected worldwide, amongst the Standard Triumph community and across the world of historic vehicles. He will be sadly missed, but his legacy lives on with a healthy and happy TR Register, a car club that he helped in no small way to shape for the future.

Our sincere condolences to his wife, Vivien, wider family, and many friends worldwide.

Funeral details

Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 11.30 am, St Mary's Church, London Road, Kings Worthy, SO23 7QL. For more information, please visit www.steelsfunerals.co.uk. 

Chris Hale (left), Chris Cunnington (middle), the late Graham Robson (right). Chris was recognised for his time as chairman.