Early American Car Club
The Early American Car Club was started 40 years ago and caters for all American vehicles from 1932 to 1970.
The club was initially started by a group of 15 enthusiasts with the focus on preserving US vehicles, as at the time hot rodding of these cars was becoming popular.
The club caters for all American vehicles and currently they range from a 1931 Studebaker President which is a special interest vehicle, to a 1970 Dodge Charger. The makes and models of club vehicles are diverse and include Buicks, Chevs, Chryslers, Hudsons, Fords, Pontiacs and in fact most manufacturers. Enthusiasts with vehicles outside these years are welcome to join the club as associate members and are included in all club events.
Club meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month in Wellington, the meetings are well attended and followed by a light supper.
Club runs are held monthly and at times are held in conjunction with other events such as American Car day at Trentham and Southwards open day.
The club has around 100 members spread between Tauranga and Nelson and with a current subscription of only $45.00, membership is growing.
The club’s magazine titled American Iron is circulated to members monthly and features meeting information, past event stories, upcoming event information and a raft of other items.
The car club also has a website – earlyamericancarclub.org.nz – which contains profiles on club vehicles and club information. A number of the foundation members are still active within the club and in most cases still with their original vehicles. Even though there are a greater number of later model cars in the club, the mixture of 1930 vehicles through to the 70s is great to see.
The oldest club member is in his 80s and there are families with younger children involved, which augers well for the future of the club.
Over Labour weekend the club undertakes a road trip which in the past few years has included Westport, Rotorua, Napier and Motueka. These trips are well patronised and are always a lot of fun.
The focus of the club is on driving and enjoying the vehicles and less about technicalities and appearance of the vehicles. There is great fellowship among members which is evident by the growing membership and participation in club events.