What is a Car Club?
A car club is an organization for car owners and enthusiasts. There are a number of different kinds of car clubs, organized around all sorts of themes, and some have international scope, with members located in many far-flung corners of the world. Generally, the only requirement to join a car club is a payment of dues, as members usually welcome fellow enthusiasts, and many car clubs have an online presence, making it easy for members to coordinate and keep up on club events. One of the most common themes for a car club is maker or model, especially in the cast of cult cars. For example, a driver could join a Volkswagon club organized for Volkswagon owners, or a Nash Rambler club for people interested in Nash Ramblers. Some car manufacturers administer their own car clubs, offering special perks to members such as discounts on routine service or roadside assistance, while other manufacturers prefer to maintain a hands-off approach. Car clubs can also be organized around a theme, like c
A car club has all the convenience of owning a car without the hassle and expense. It works on the basis of allowing you to hire a car for almost any period of time. How much does it cost? Most car clubs charge by the hour although some offer reduced fees for longer rentals. You will most likely pay a joining fee and then only pay as you use. What are the benefits? You have access to a car anytime you want. You dont have to pay for road tax, car insurance, car services, and MOT bills. You dont have to worry about depreciation, parking permits or cleaning the car. Sound too good to be true? Its not – this is the reality for car club members. Nick Kirby, a member of a car club in Brighton, finds it easy and convenient. ‘I had been thinking about getting a car,’ he says, ‘but when I sat down and worked out how much it was going to cost me per month, it soon added up. And then when I worked out how often I was going to use it, it seemed like something of a luxury, rather than a necessity.
Car clubs have been around since the very birth of the automobile. Back then, they were a necessity. They helped car owners find things like passable roads, hotels and boarding houses, and a little-known substance called gasoline. While some auto clubs like AAA are still providing those services, car clubs have evolved since those early days. Today, when we talk about car clubs, we mean clubs geared toward enthusiasts and whatever kind of car gets them enthused, whether that’s a stock Model T or a Classic Chevy. Car clubs also have the added responsibility of protecting the hobby from unfair government intrusion in the form of anti-hobby legislation and regulation. Simply put: Car clubs are a place where people who like vehicles get together to celebrate those vehicles. Perhaps you’re sitting there right now saying, “Hey, I’m not a joiner,” or “I’ve gotten along without a club this long, why join now?” Well, you didn’t know you were going to like your favorite food until you tried it.
