Driving solo can sometimes be just what the doctor ordered, but that same drive with a group of likeminded people, along with a 10-piece orchestra of exhaust notes and the occasional spit of flame, can turn that same journey into one you’ll find yourself dreaming of weeks later. Drivers Hall Auto Club is a place that seeks to create those kinds of memories, all while also offering exclusive events and evenings that enhance what it means to be a car lover even further. We caught up with its Managing Director, Felix Kahle to tell us more about the club…
The car community truly is one big family, whether you’re an avid collector, thrill-seeking weekend driver or have only just dipped your toes into the youngtimer world. The affiliation to cars unites all ages and backgrounds, which is something Felix and the DHAC team were keen to build upon. “The club originated from a group of family and friends", explains Felix. "Each member has long held a passion and love for cars. So why not drive together and spend time with one another?" This sparked the idea to start the Drivers Hall Auto Club that revolves around the shared passion for cars—whether it's performance, design, craftsmanship, or simply the love for automotive culture. "The core idea behind our DHAC is to bring together like-minded individuals who can connect, share experiences, and participate in events or activities that celebrate their shared interest.”
It is this desire to unite drivers to one singular club or space that Drivers Hall Auto Club does so incredibly well, with a 300 square-metre club house deep in the heart of Berlin. Being based here allows members to visit a central hub and enables the team to organise and plan for events that span many other European countries, allowing the calendar to remain busy. When asked about other clubs and DHAC’s goals, it was clear that Felix is set to make it all about the members: “We don’t aim to compare ourselves with other clubs. There are so many diverse and excellent car clubs out there especially around the world. Our goal is to build a vibrant and inclusive community that bridges the gap between hypercars and youngtimers. We believe in fostering an open and welcoming environment that unites an assorted group of people who share a passion for cars.”
The open road is always more enjoyable with friends, but with a Clubhouse as immaculately presented and as inviting as Drivers Hall Auto Club’s, it’s equally as pleasant to spend an evening over a relaxed glass of wine and talk all things cars. With this in mind, Felix and the team launched their Torque Talks Series, hosted by our very own J.P. Rathgen. “Torque Talks has been a joy to create and watch as it evolved over the year. We’ve welcomed guest speakers such as Alois Ruf and Ronnie Kessel, two unforgettable evenings filled with fascinating and entertaining stories. This format will continue in 2025, alongside our organized half-day excursions around Berlin.”
This, it seemed, was only the tip of the iceberg, as Felix continued to elaborate on his goals for the coming years: “We have big plans to collaborate with other clubs and event organisers who share the same vision of car culture as we do - this way we can all grow together and the club as a platform becomes a one-stop-shop for all car activities and interests. Then, once a year, members can join an unforgettable road rally with fellow enthusiasts." These events complement an already automotive-focused year, during which the Drivers Hall crew will also attend staple gatherings such as Rétromobile, The ICE, The Aurora, Goodwood events, Monterey Car Week and many more. "Additionally, members can take part in private track days and masterclasses on car collecting to make wise investments and grow their collections not only by gut feeling."
Aside from a busy event schedule and the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most incredible vistas, Drivers Hall Auto Club offers its members an all-aspect community, allowing them not only to take advantage of the Clubhouse, events and experiences, but also its sister company, Drivers Hall. Offering collection management and storage services, Driver Hall completes the package for any driver looking to get the most out of their machines. DHAC also collaborates with prestigious partners like the Dörr Group, offering its members priority vehicle delivery, ensuring their car arrives ahead of standard orders.
While we're already desperate to sign up for ourselves, we were intrigued to find out how the application process works, which Felix was more than happy to guide us through. “We are a private members’ club where all car enthusiasts are welcome, regardless of what they drive or where their automotive interests lie. To become a member, simply apply through our website, and afterwards, applicants complete a short questionnaire to help us get to know them better. This is followed by a brief personal interview. With this information, our board deliberates on the application. For us, it’s not about rapid membership growth but ensuring that the fit is right on a personal level.”
Having briefly mentioned it, we circled back with Felix to hear more about the Grand Tour that DHAC members can experience. While the concept of a driving tour is hardly something brand new, the team give it their all to discover lesser-known roads across the most beautiful areas of Europe. “These tours allow drivers numerous opportunities to meet, interact, and exchange ideas. The members can also use our Drivers Hall App, where they can easily register for events, get news about the club, and manage their profiles. We also have a quite cool starter pack!”
Berlin is perhaps not traditionally known as a hub for auto clubs. Sure, the city certainly has its fair share of nightclubs and car enthusiasts aplenty, where many enthusiasts gather through private WhatsApp groups, all contributing to the promotion of car culture. The Drivers Hall Auto Club therefore seeks to build on this foundation by offering a fresh perspective, but more importantly, a physical home.
With the wheels already spinning and one of the finest car-themed spaces in Europe to call home, we wanted to know what was next for Felix and his team. “Our primary focus is on expanding our community in Berlin and the surrounding areas while also engaging individuals who can take advantage of most benefits through the out-of-town membership. Expanding to additional locations is an option, but it is not currently part of our plans. We also want to strengthen our DHAC brand, particularly in terms of brand partnerships and collaborations."
It all sounds tremendously exciting, and it seems Drivers Hall Auto Club truly has their heart and head firmly in place to give us car lovers the perfect opportunity to unite and grow stronger than ever. For those like us who are itching to sink into those lavish sofas and head out on a driving tour, we asked Felix for any final words on the Club. “It’s simple: we love cars as much as you do and can not only curate your yearly experiences around them, but also take care of all the headaches associated with ownership and maintenance. The people you meet along the way will make all those experiences even more special. To get started, simply visit our website at drivershallautoclub.com and submit an application. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!”