It is with deep sadness that FIVA marks the passing of Anders Ditlev Clausager, a remarkable historian, colleague, and friend. In light of the close personal and working relationship that FIVA Vice President for Culture and Youth, Natasa Grom Jerina, shared with the late Anders Ditlev Clausager, the FIVA General Committee has requested that Natasa share a few words in tribute to him as follows:
Anders Ditlev Clausager (1949–2025) was a Danish-born automotive designer, archivist, and one of the most respected historians in the field of motoring heritage. Educated at the Aarhus School of Architecture and the Royal College of Art in London, he began his career as a designer at Volkswagen and Austin-Morris before transitioning to archival work. From 1979 to 2014, he was archivist first at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and later at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, where he developed landmark vehicle record databases and introduced the influential “Heritage Certificate” service.
A prolific author, Anders wrote over 20 books, mostly on British automotive history, including Wolseley: A Very British Car, which won multiple prestigious awards. He also edited numerous automotive titles and contributed to leading journals and magazines. His scholarly articles ranged from early estate cars to coachbuilding, and he regularly presented at international conferences and forums. A central figure in the historic vehicle community, Anders co-founded the European Conference for Automotive History and served on numerous advisory panels, including for the National Motor Museum and the Society of Automotive Historians.
His volunteer work included cataloguing early Wolseley and Austin-Healey records and supporting motoring clubs across Europe. Deeply committed to preserving automotive heritage, Anders left an indelible legacy both through his meticulous archival work and his warm, collegial presence in the motoring world.
I first met Anders during the Turin edition of the Pan European Conference for Automotive History (2022)[1], an event he co-founded and co-organised with Thomas Ulrich some years before. At that time, the organisers were facing logistical difficulties, and I was asked to assist. I gladly stepped in, with the support of our office in Turin, recognizing the conference’s value for the FIVA Culture and Youth Commission as well as FIVA in general – and it was there that I discovered Anders' extraordinary depth of knowledge and his warm, engaging presence.
Neither of us imagined that this would be the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration. Together, we planned the subsequent conference in Wolfsburg (2024) and were already working toward the next edition in Norway (2026)(1). Throughout it all, Anders impressed everyone – especially my colleagues at FIVA – with his encyclopaedic grasp of automotive history and his rare gift for moderating events with humour, grace, and civility.
Anders had a unique ability to make everyone feel at home, turning formal occasions into moments of shared passion and learning. Though our working styles were quite different – mine a bit more hectic, his deliberate and focused – we complemented each other well. That balance helped shape not only some truly memorable and impactful moments, but also unique work product which will also stand out as part of his legacy.
I was honoured to work alongside him and proud to call him a friend. His wit, wisdom, and warmth will be deeply missed.
On behalf of both FIVA and the Culture and Youth Commission, I extend our deepest condolences to Anders’ family and his partner, David Sandison.
Nataša Grom Jerina
Chair of FIVA Culture and Youth
[1] The conference is a biennial.