Club History

From small beginnings, based on a fascination with and a strong desire to motor or use old vehicles. The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc) cranked to a somewhat slow but enthusiastic start in 1946.

The Embryo Club was not a drawing board plan but an idea spawned by a small number of devoted and determined students at Canterbury University College at Christchurch.  Now known as The University of Canterbury (UC) it was the seat of learning of the great Physicist, Sir Ernest Rutherford.

In the same hallowed halls Post World War II, Professor L Greville Pocock plied his trade. Amongst his Latin students were pioneer vintagents, Andrew Anderson and Rob Shand. The erstwhile Professor, a student in England prior to the Great War, had been associated with the Guiness Brothers of Darracq Motoring fame. Professor Pocock regaled his captivated charges with tales of powerful veteran motors and their capabilities.

This 'Boys Own' stuff drove a small number of dedicated enthusiasts to kick start The Vintage Vehicles Association on 16 August 1946. Founding members of that association were Messrs Rob Shand, Andrew Anderson, David Mitchell, John Booth, George Gowenlock, John Reeves, Jim Donald, Clem McLachlan and Bill Beavan.

The association enjoyed great success befitting of a University life style. Excursions were wide and varied. The membership was a bright, humorous multi talented bunch, a legacy which has survived over half a century.

John Reeves, perhaps in deference of his professor coined the Association's Latin legend 'Faciles Descencus Averno,' loosely. "They run more easily downhill."