Ask any classic car fanatic what drives their passion and they’ll usually treat you to a long list. The sound of the engine. The smell of oil. The way they’re put together. The fact ‘they don’t make them like that anymore’, or that they represent a nostalgic moment in time.

If you have an appreciation for classic cars, you get it. Whether you’re a fanatic, a collector or a weekend enthusiast (quick tip: never say tyre-kicker), you might be interested to know there’s a number of ways you can take your interest to the next level by meeting other collectors and enthusiasts. Interested? We’ve done some homework to help you get started.

Find a group online

Whether you’re a sucker for a classic MG, or a vintage Holden V8 is what gets your motor running, you can find a group that shares your interests Australia-wide on Cartorque. It’s an online destination for car news, upcoming exhibitions, meetups, car clubs and driving events for Australian motoring enthusiasts and even has a section of cars for sale if you’re in the market to buy.

Upcoming events

Now that restrictions are lifting, car exhibitions and meetups are back in full swing, but we do suggest you check ahead to see if there are any social distancing guidelines in place before you go. At the time of writing these events are expected to go ahead, but they could be subject to change. These are just a sample of some of the events coming up in the next few months, so keep an eye out in local press and online for others.

Classic Cars and Coffee at Rouse Hill NSW is a regular meetup that showcases pre-1988 Classic vehicles, Muscle cars and Hot Rods and it’s open to the public. It’s a family-friendly affair, with a strict ‘no hooning’ rule. The location varies, so check their Facebook page for details. Drop by for a coffee and a bacon and egg roll and you’ll also be supporting local businesses as you feast your eyes on some pretty special cars.

Minis Downunder rolls into town on Sunday 1 August 2021 at Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse and is slated to be the largest gathering of Minis in Australia in a decade. The event celebrates the 60th anniversary release of the Australian-built Morris 850 in March 1961, and organisers are expecting an outstanding turnout from both enthusiasts and the public. It’s a ticketed event, so visit the website for details and bookings.

If you’re near Brisbane, the Classic and Muscle Car Club of Ipswich is holding its annual Swap Meet and Car Display on Sunday 7 November, 2021. Promising to be a great day with some seriously cool automobiles on display, it’s $2 entry per person and there’s a range of great food and drink to purchase on the day. Enthusiasts are invited to swap car parts, memorabilia or simply take in the atmosphere and admire some of Queensland’s best classic cars.

If seriously vintage vehicles are your thing, the Vintage Vehicle Club of Australia celebrates vehicles built between 1919 and 1930. They hold regular meetings in Sydney and events around NSW, so visit their website or Facebook page to find out more.

Coming up on April 30 - May 2, 2021 is the Autumn Tour of Dubbo and surrounding districts, organised by the Dubbo Antique Car Club with more than 100 vehicles touring quiet country roads.

Sunday, May 16 is National Motoring Heritage Day with the aim to get as many heritage vehicles out on the road as possible. The Vintage Vehicle Club will be at Berry Car Show in the Berry Showgrounds, organised by the Shoalhaven Historic Vehicle Club.  

The right protection for your pride and joy

With ownership of a classic or vintage vehicle comes the responsibility of keeping it safe and protected, on-road and off. NRMA Insurance offers specific Veteran, Vintage and Classic Car Insurance to cover you and everyone who drives your car in case of an accident (even if you’re at fault), cover for fire, storm and flood, theft and more. Classic, vintage and veteran cars have special definitions, so to check if yours is eligible, visit NRMA Insurance online or give us a call on 1800 646 605.