An east Auckland car club is celebrating its first birthday and it’s on the lookout for new members keen to get involved.
The Howick Classic and Vintage Car Club is led by club president and founding member David Teape.
He says it was formed to give enjoyment to people in Howick who own classic and vintage cars of all makes.
“The club has 34 members, and growing, and provides the opportunity to enjoy special outings to view privately-owned car collections that are varied and extremely interesting.
“One of the advantages of belonging to the club is we’re able to spend time viewing amazing car collections the average member of the public never hears about or has the opportunity to visit.
“On average, 35 people attend the monthly outings and as we’re a social club members are encouraged to bring their partner or a friend to the monthly events.”
Teape says club members meet in the car park at Howick Beach once a month at 10am on a Saturday for a catch-up and chat.
Club secretary Terry Monaghan gives instructions to those in attendance on the route to be taken to visit the next display of vintage and classic cars, Teape says.
“We then leave in convoy for the destination, which is part of the fun.
“Classic and vintage cars lovingly restored and polished to a high sheen are driven with great pride and nostalgia.
“Smiles are on the faces of the owners and the bystanders who stop and admire the cars as we drive along the main street of Howick village.
“After viewing a car collection we drive to a nearby restaurant for lunch and more socialising and enjoyment.
“Information is given as to our next visit and at approximately 2.30pm it’s time to drive carefully home.”
Teape says the club’s members own 51 cars between them, including vehicles from manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Humber, Morgan, Morris Minor, MG, Jaguar, Triumph, and Alfa Romeo, among others.
“With such an interesting array of cars there’s always something to talk about,” he says.
People who own a vehicle that fits the club’s criteria, who enjoy socialising with likeminded people, and are interested in joining the club, can email Teape at davidhteape@gmail.com or Monaghan at terrymonaghan@xtra.co.nz.
