History
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- Category: About
- Published: Wednesday, 26 June 2019 14:07
- Written by CMC Administrator
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The CMC began as the Combined Car Clubs of WA (Inc), which grew out of the first “Classic Car Concours” held in 1969 where five clubs ran the event together. By 1973 twenty one clubs were involved and in 1976 it was decided that the loose association of clubs should become more formally organised.
By this time as many as 200 cars were displayed at the annual Concours event, organised each year by the club which had won “Best Display” the previous year.
In 1977 it was decided that a Trial Calendar of events in which all clubs could participate would be organised. Clearly it was a success, because in 1978 a calendar of nine events was arranged, including six competition driving events and three social events. The events were:
February 1977 Night Rally, Triumph Sports Owners Assoc 22 cars
March 1977 Concours, Vintage Automobile Association 100+ cars
April 1977 Economy Run, Daimler Lanchester Owners Club 20 cars
May 1977 Daylight Rally, Classic Jaguar Club 15 cars
June 1977 Museum Visit & Novelty Gymkhana, Studebaker Club 67 cars
August 1977 Hillclimb Alfa Romeo Owners Club 34 cars
Aside from what has become the Classic Car Show, a Quiz Night is the only annual event which remains to this day.
The Combined Car Clubs Association went from strength to strength and in 1984 a Constitution was designed, a Committee elected and Incorporation arranged.
In 1987 the Council started its Sports Register to set a calendar of events to be run under CAMS permits, open to members of all member clubs. This ran successfully for about 15 years.
In the 1988 movement began towards the creation of a WA car museum. The Council of Motoring Clubs was the moving force behind a tremendous amount of planning, negotiations and work. This culminated in an agreement in 1991 between the Combined Car Clubs Association and Whiteman Park - which eventuated in the Motor Museum of WA being established. This is now run by an independent Trust.
On the instigation of the Council in 1995, a category of Unique & Historic was created and added to the Code 404 Concessional Licensing by the Department of Transport, with a specific process involving the CMC for stages of approvals. The CMC has worked with the Department to develop the Code 404 Guidelines booklets.
In 2002 the name of the organisation changed to the Council of Motoring Clubs, but effectively operates no differently.
In 2005 a Technical Committee was established to assist with technical questions to do with Code 404 Concessional Licensing.
The successful annual Classic Car Show remains an enduring testament to all the work that many individuals and clubs have committed through the Council of Motoring Clubs over five decades.
History compiled by Paul Blank