The Car Club: “Build it and they will come.”

A car club is a great way for people with a shared interest to, well, share that interest. Clubs present an opportunity for enthusiasts to mix and mingle, reminisce, and trade ideas or recommendations. Attendees can obtain insider knowledge of the best places to get parts and the best garages to handle customization. Not to mention, fans can make lifelong friendships with people who are more than happy to collaborate on builds and repairs.

Whether it’s a general club like “classic cars,” or an unusually specific group like modified DeLorean DMC-12’s that look straight out of Back to the Future, there truly is something for everyone. And the best part is that ownership often isn’t even necessary to participate in all these clubs have to offer. Most are just dedicated to keeping car culture alive, and they gladly welcome anyone who has a desire to learn.

Here are just a few of the many car clubs specifically dedicated to the classics. Check back in the next few weeks as we highlight other categories as well. Who knows? There might be a chapter in your hometown. And if not, take a cue from Field of Dreams and build it yourself.

The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA)

Founded in 1952, the CCCA is “dedicated to the collection, preservation, and enjoyment of the world’s finest cars,” specifically those manufactured between 1915 and 1948. They have chapters all across the U.S., and each region has its own board that organizes rallies, events, meets, tours, and technical programs tailored to its local members. Find out how to join here.

Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA)

This car club has been around since 1935 and is centered around the “preservation and enjoyment of automotive history of all types.” They are a national organization, with chapters in forty-five states, as well as members in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica. They host meets and tours all over the country, publish an award-winning magazine, and even have a museum in Hershey, PA. Members can be involved on any level, and don’t have to own an antique car to join. Learn more here.

Early Ford V-8 Club of America

Since its inception in 1963, this car club has dedicated itself to preserving the history and restoration of all Ford Motor Company vehicles built between 1932 and 1953. It has over 9,000 members across 125 Regional Groups worldwide. Members publish an award-winning bi-monthly magazine, host social gatherings and driving tours, run an online store, and provide members with tips, classifieds, manuals and technical articles. Check out their website and find your local chapter.

The Vintage Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA)

Founded in 1938, the VMCCA has continued to provide information and encouragement to those with a passion for antique cars. They specialize in touring events, where “original preserved or restored cars 25 years or older are generally welcome.” Their most notable is the Revival AAA Glidden Tour for pre-WWII vehicles. They have over 3,000 members worldwide, and publish an award-winning bi-monthly publication. Click here to see their upcoming events.

Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA)

Pretty niche, these guys are dedicated to honoring “any pioneer gas, steam and electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior to January 1, 1916.” They have chapters across the US and Canada and encourage anyone with an interest in these unique early vehicles to join. They host meets and tours and are committed to keeping these fascinating gems of yore on the road today. Click here for their calendar to find the next event near you.

The WPC Club

Named after Walter P. Chrysler, this is the world’s largest Mopar club. It is a worldwide nonprofit centered around preserving, restoring, and just enjoying all that Chrysler products have to offer. They host big annual events, and their regional clubs around the US, Canada, and Europe host many local activities too. They also publish a bi-monthly news magazine with stories, tips, and technical info for members. Learn more about their passion here.

The Corvette Club of America (CCA)

This non-profit was established in 1956 and has continued to organize meets, shop nights, tours, speed events and social gatherings for more than 60 years. They are dedicated to encouraging ownership and preservation of Corvettes. Additionally, they support local charities, and fund an endowment for students of mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland. Check out what has kept them going so long here.

Mustang Club of America (MCA)

Formed in 1976, the MCA is one of the few Mustang Clubs to survive as long as it has. It is one of the oldest and largest enthusiast clubs with over 12,000 national members and 180 Regional Chapters worldwide. They provide members with information regarding the preservation and promotion of Mustangs, host and promote speed events, meets, and shows, and maintain an extensive website with forums and classifieds. Find out how you can join the fun here.

Model T Ford Club of America (MTFCA)

Since 1965 this car club has focused on bringing people together over the historical significance of the Model T Ford. The largest Motel T club in the world, it has over 100 chapters across the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Argentina. Their local chapters organize social events and tours. They also provide an opportunity for enthusiasts to trade tips and technical know-how for the restoration and preservation of these timeless vehicles. Check out what they’re up to here.

Classic Car Club of Manhattan (CCC)

A premier club, the CCA hosts rallies, races, and swanky-as-hell social gatherings. With about forty cars in their SoHo garage at a time, members need only a clean license, to be over the age of 25, and a pretty disposable income to take advantage. This isn’t like most down-home car clubs where enthusiasts and backyard mechanics swap nostalgic stories and technical tips. The CCA offers non-owners the opportunity to drive beautiful, classic, and insanely expensive vehicles. Moreover, they also get 24/7 access to a clubhouse lounge and bar, and an invitation to driving tours all around the world. Got a ton of money to burn? Cool, click here.

Did we skip over one of your favs? Let us know in the comments. And remember to check back for our lists on other niche clubs.

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