Evolved from the formation of the Sydney-based Historic Fire Engine Association of Australia in 1972, the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia (HCVC) is this year celebrating its 45th anniversary.
Since the Victorian branch of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club became the federal body in 1977, the club has gone from strength to strength, resulting in a well-respected motoring club with over 600 members.
As president of the HCVC Alan Taylor explained, the club is an opportunity for Australian car and history buffs to come together and celebrate their interests.
“Our club caters for vehicles 25 years and older with a commercial application and includes trucks, buses and fire engines just to name a few. The aim is to promote the preservation, restoration and operation of these vehicles for use at shows, displays, parades and assisting charities,” Allan said.
“Our vehicles bring history to life and provide an educational link from Australia’s road transport beginnings to the rigs seen on our roads today.
“Our club now holds four historic commercial vehicle displays annually including the display day held at Yarra Glen Racecourse in November, the Broadford ‘Spirit of the Hume’ display weekend in February, the Ballarat Branch’s Clunes Showgrounds display weekend in March and the Northern Branch’s Wangaratta historic vehicle show weekend in September.”
Allan said these shows attracted thousands of people including fleet operators, owner operators, service providers, exhibitors, enthusiasts as well as other mutual heritage transport groups as they experienced a variety of vehicles with a rich history.
“Historic commercial vehicles create interest across a broad section of the community and this is especially evident by the excitement they provide for children, and adults alike, wherever we go,” Allan said.
“We appreciate all (vehicles). Our trucks span over 100 years of history with restored trucks built before the First World War still coming out to play. But it doesn’t matter what make or type of vehicle we have, we all have one thing in common: we love to preserve our heritage through road transport and has proved to be a common bond.”
To find out more about the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia visit www.hcvc.com.au
