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Established in 1996, we are a group of passionate car enthusiasts who live and breathe American classic cars, and are based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Our mission in life is to provide an environment for other like minded car aficionados to savour and enjoy their American classics, without the rules and restrictions that seem to dog other areas of everyday lives. If you are an American classic car owner who feels the same as we do, we invite you to take a small journey through our site to see if this sounds like you. If you like what you see, and want to be involved, then send in a membership application. The only hard and fast condition of membership is that prospective members must own an American classic car that is over 25 years old at the time of joining, which must be of historical interest. |
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PLEASE NOTE: American Classic Car Club members are unable to provide classic vehicles for events such as weddings, birthdays, family outings etc, as our members are not licenced to do so. Thank you for your understanding.
Mid-winter Christmas lunch & Quiz – 13 June 2021 After missing out on last year’s Mid-Winter Xmas lunch event, I was looking forward to this one held last Sunday 13th June. The venue was the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club at the Gulf Harbour Marina in Whangaparaoa, which some of you will remember was where we had the very successful Mid-Winter Xmas lunch in 2018 - who would have thought that was 3 years ago – seems like we lost a year somewhere….. Typical time of year weather forecast looked a little bleak earlier in the week, but after some early morning showers it cleared up and was dry for the run up from the BP Silverdale Motorway meeting point. 68 people reserved tickets for the Lunch which saw classic cars and some daily drivers leaving the BP at 11.15pm for the convoy up to the Yacht Club. Gill and the team at the Yacht Club really outdid themselves again with an awesome Xmas and classic car themed setup, and with the Kent fireplace going made for a very warm, pleasant and relaxed atmosphere to get away for a few hours. Greg and his team at Krave Catering put on another excellent buffet lunch which I thought was the equal of any good restaurant, and I really liked the sour-dough bread rolls. There was an early run on the ice-cream for dessert which was odd considering the cooler weather outside, but the quality of the mini-Pavs more than made up for it! The Yacht Club ran a good cash bar for all those preferring beers or spirits, but with all the wines and OJ included together in the $45pp ticket price I thought this was good overall value for money. With 6 tables of eight and 2 tables of ten, the scene was all set for President Rob’s traditional mid-winter trivia battle. We weren’t disappointed with the usual mix of general and motoring related questions broken into 3 categories, with a good ratio of head-scratchers to “ooh I know that one!” and various level of difficulties. You definitely have to know your motoring history, such as for who the first US manufacturer was to introduce blinking indicator lights, as well as what year it was for the bonus point! But well done to the “Drama Queens” table with an impressive score of 43 out of 66 maximum possible points, with each team member receiving a prize of a $20 gift voucher. And I’m pleased to report that there was no “Cordwainer” tie-breaker required this time! A very special thanks to Rob for the hours he put in to researching the questions, preparing the powerpoint presentation, as well as MC’ing and running the quiz - a truly massive effort. With many great spot prices, gift baskets, and the main door prize (supplied by the great team at Advance Publishing and won by Les & Pam White) made for a thoroughly enjoyable day, and I’m certainly looking forward to next years already! Phil O. Photos can be viewed here..... 
Luxxio Car Care - 16 May 2021
A mid-week forecast of 80% wet morphed into a beautiful sunny autumn Sunday for the club run to visit Luxxio Car Care premises on the North Shore, so once again the weather gods were on our side. A total of 13 American beauties (12 classics and 1 modern USA ) turned up at the northern car park of Smales Farm for the short run down to the Porana Road location, which was just as well there wasn’t a greater number as parking sure was scarce. So much so that we caused a minor inconvenience to one of the car parks neighbours, which had him strutting around demanding they be moved whilst taking photos of the offenders (your erstwhile author being one of them). Kris from Luxxio went through all of his products explaining the applications and alternative uses for each, and applied a cleaning and sealing demonstration on John and Pat’s Plymouth Belvedere interior door card, which showed a marked improvement. Kris also went on to answer a number of questions regarding car car, cleaning, polishes and the general worries that enthusiasts always have about keeping their “toys” looking good. A Luxxio prize pack draw resulted in President Rob’s name coming out of the bowl, but he kindly declined which resulted in Bill Hohepa taking the gift pack, which will certainly help him maintain the lovely condition on his newly acquired, Trevor Halstead built 1953 Studebaker. Just after mid-day we all fired up the rides and headed off to the lunch venue. Dave Roper plotted a cruise via Brighams Creek and Taupaki through some picturesque countryside to arrive at the Swanson RSA. It has to be said that this RSA has one of the best value buffet lunches around at $21 per person, with the quality of the food just superb. Followed by a great selection of desserts and the coffee, it rounded off another great day out before the onset of winter. Ciao4now, regards Russell Take a look at the photos from the day here..... 
Waiau Pa Hop – 18 April 2021
While the weather forecast had been looking dire earlier in the week, the morning of the 18th April was better than expected with a few light drops of rain. So that was a good start to the day! A total of approximately 16 cars were in attendance at the rendezvous point (we usually do a head count but that slipped off the list). Garry lead the charge in the 78 LTD Country Squire with Ian and Kevin gathering up stragglers in their 52 Chevy Bel Air at the rear. A steady and comfortable cruise out to Clarks Beach with minimal traffic, with Alex in his 64 Pontiac Catalina and a guest Carl Maitland in his stunning Citroen SM joining the convoy. The organizers had upped the ante this year and it was worth getting the tickets and stickers the day before so queuing wasn’t too much of a drama. We were marshalled up to the yacht club site, set up base camp and then took time for a wander around. It really is a great little show with a huge range of cars on display, everything from muscle cars through to classics. With a band playing and a cuppa in one hand and one of the sausage sizzles in the other, it was a great way to spend a couple of hours. It’s great to know that the proceeds go to helping local community projects and upgrades to reserves and parks so hats off to the organisers who are entirely voluntary! Once everyone had their fill of cars and coffee, it was time to saddle up and enjoy another country cruise through to Garry and Phil’s place outside Waiuku. Carparking marshalls were in attendance with their rainbow flags (courtesy of Alex Ross of course) and everyone got parked in a timely fashion. The garage was set up for lunch and it was clear that there had been a flurry of chopping, dicing and cooking that morning with the lunch selection, prepared by Alex’s partner Graeme and some very scared volunteers! But it was a fantastic spread, including some delicious treats brought by club members. Certainly no one went home hungry! After lunch an amble around and a look at the huge selection of cars from our members, including Bill Hohepa’s gorgeous new Studebaker….in RHD amongst others. And we can’t forget Grant and Fleur Kern (who the club visited a couple of years ago) and their plucky little 1948 MG saloon, Elsie also in attendance. All in all another great country outing with only one mechanical gremlin that made itself known in Carl and Pam’s Cadillac……and not just once regrettably. Big thanks for all involved in organizing; it seems that despite the fickleness of the Southern Motorway, that we’re always keen to travel south and explore the countryside! Phil Stickney Check out Rob's plethora of photos here..... |
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UPCOMING ACCCA EVENTS
Sunday July 18 Fish & Chip Cruise to Bayview Hotel Kaiaua. Details of times and meetup TBA Sunday August 15 Run to Warbirds Ardmore. Entry to museum is $15 per person, followed by lunch at venue to be advised. Meet up place and times TBA. |