Toyota Car Club of Australia History - 50 Years

Plenty was going on back in 1975. World news saw the end of the Vietnam War, Australia went down to the Windies in the first-ever Cricket World Cup, and closer to home, the Governor General handed down a dismissal of his own, ousting the Whitlam government. Meanwhile, AC/DC let us know it was a long way to the shop if you wanted a sausage roll, the updated Celica was released and the Crown and Corolla continued to roll out of the Australian Motor Industries (AMI) factory in Port Melbourne, transporting families around Australia. More significant for Toyota fans though was the foundation, just months apart, of the Toyota Owners Club of Victoria and Celica Car Club of Victoria.

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Both clubs, based in Melbourne, shared a passion for motorsport and the Toyota brand, continuing independently until a merger in 1992 becoming the Toyota Car Club of Australia (Victoria). From that point, the club has grown significantly by embracing the Victorian Club Permit Scheme, regular social events and a continued passion for motorsport. 

 

TCCA was heavily involved in the Quinnsprint series before its demise, have been regular competitors in the Victorian Regularity & Hillclimb series events and now run key Supesprint events over the Kings Birthday and Cup Day holidays at Sandown in conjunction with the Ford Four Car Club. That relationship between the two clubs has also seen the Group 5 Motorkhana championship flourish with regular events being held at Gilman Reserve, the clubs motorkhana ground in Werribee. Our members have also had success with Championship wins in the Victorian Motorkhana, Victorian Khanacross and Under 2 Litre Sports Sedan Championships. Behind the scenes our members have also given back to the sport, with accolades awarded to members including State and Australian Official of the Year and a prestigious Motorsport Australia Life Membership.

 

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Social events have also been an important outlet for members with the annual Toyota Nationals (formerly Celica Nationals) in Dubbo a highlight since 1976 and monthly Car, Coffee & Doughnuts events since 2010. Through forward thinking and with a theme of inclusiveness TCCA became a central pillar in the wider Japanese car community with the successful running of the Classic Japan car & bike show since 2011 and Sakura Picnic all Asian car show since 2016. A strong relationship with Toyota Motor Company of Australia (TMCA) has also seen club members involved in key Toyota events including a large display of vehicles manufactured at AMI and Altona for the end of manufacturing events as well as club members vehicles featuring in several ad campaigns and launch events for new models as well as TV shows including Underbelly and Hamis & Andy's True Stories. Our annual Toyota car show Winterfest also returned to the Toyota Centre of Excellence in Altona in 2023. 

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In 2025 the Toyota Car Club of Australia celebrates 50 years since the clubs inception in 1975. Whilst there are many great accomplishments as a club over that time and many wonderful members throughout our history, perhaps the most important aspect has been members coming together to support each other and enjoy their shared passion while forging life long friendships.