When we sat down to write this article about classic car clubs, we were able to think of many reasons why you would want to join one. Interestingly, we couldn't think of any reasons why you wouldn't want to join classic car club. Maybe one day something will come to mind, but until then, we’ll just concentrate on all the great benefits you can expect from a car club membership - such as:
- Meeting new people who share the same interests
- Activities that include the entire family
- Getting maintenance tips and technical advice
- Adding to the enjoyment of owning a classic
- Keeping informed on classic car events and activities
- Raise funds for charitable causes
Most car clubs are built on some type of formal structure, each having their own rules and bylaws - although some are more casual than others. Elected officials responsible for keeping the synergy of the club alive include a president, treasurer and secretary that work on a volunteer basis. Larger organizations will have additional officers responsible for directing activities, publishing a newsletter and website/forum.
You should expect to pay some type of “dues”, typically on an annual basis and no more than $100.00 a year. Dues are used to pay for the expenses of running the club such as postage, printing, insurance and a website. Other costs you might incur from being part of a car club are for member merchandise, proudly displaying the club's name and logo such as T-shirts, jackets, hats and grill badge.
A grill badge is a metal disk stamped with your club's name and logo. You may have seen classics with a chrome bar installed above the front bumper displaying several grilled badges, identifying them as members in each of those clubs. There is no rule that says you can only participate in one club. For instance, we belong to the Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA), the Jaguar Club of Central Arizona (JCNAZ) and the Mile High British Car Club. Each club offers us activities and information that fits our personality and interest. These Jaguar clubs are considered “marque specific” clubs that restrict their membership to owners of a specific car make. The Mile High British club is a local general club, which offers membership to owners of anything classic and British.
We suggest that you do some “car club shopping” to find an organization that is right for you. When considering joining a club, ask about their activities and how frequently they occur. The most common car club activities and events are:
Club Meetings
Most clubs will have monthly meetings, but the agenda is more important than the frequency. Meetings that don't provide value to its members will slowly lose attendance. Find out if the club you are considering includes educational speakers or product demonstrations at any of their meetings; that would be a good indicator of a club that offers well thought out gatherings.
Brunch Cruises
Clubs will often have members meet for a Sunday brunch at a restaurant within close proximity of most of their members. This can be fun for all family members, and restaurants frequently offer discounts to club members.
Car Shows
Almost every club should sponsor or host a car show at least once a year. Although organizing the show takes a lot of time and work, the benefits can be very enjoyable and rewarding. The proceeds from these shows can be donated to a charitable cause or used to fund other events throughout the year. Car shows attract a lot of local attention and create a wonderful opportunity to increase public awareness regarding the preservation of these historic vehicles
Car Rallies
Rallies can be great fun for those with a competitive spirit, and clubs that organize them at least twice a year will keep members motivated to stay. Cars are instructed to drive predetermined routes over a certain period of time while obeying all the posted speed limits. Along the way, there may be several checkpoints where your time is recorded. The car with the best time, and hopefully best driving etiquette, is the winner.
Cruise Nights
Many local clubs will host Cruise Nights that are sponsored by restaurants or local merchants. These are fun social events that can be held as often as every month. This is a great way to raise public awareness of the club and attract new members. Merchants who sponsor the event are rewarded with additional customers coming through their door - who only stopped by because of all the fabulous classic cars lined up in their parking lot.
What ever your interests are regarding car club activities, the members may be what makes or breaks your decision to join. You’ll know soon enough if there's a feeling of camaraderie with other members that motivates you to polish up your classic once a month for a meeting. Our experience with car clubs is that it’s a great place to meet interesting people that don’t get bored with all the “car talk”. They actually want to hear about how I fixed the relay that kept my ignition light on after I turned the car off which was draining my battery. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
