A car club is an organization for car owners and enthusiasts. There are a number of different kinds of car clubs, organized around all sorts of themes, and some have international scope, with members located in many far-flung corners of the world. Generally, the only requirement to join a car club is a payment of dues, as members usually welcome fellow enthusiasts, and many car clubs have an online presence, making it easy for members to coordinate and keep up on club events.
One of the most common themes for a car club is maker or model, especially in the cast of cult cars. For example, a driver could join a Volkswagon club organized for Volkswagon owners, or a Nash Rambler club for people interested in Nash Ramblers. Some car manufacturers administer their own car clubs, offering special perks to members such as discounts on routine service or roadside assistance, while other manufacturers prefer to maintain a hands-off approach.
Car clubs can also be organized around a theme, like classic cars, kit cars, hot rods, or mileage. Others are focused on providing roadside assistance; the American Automobile Club or AAA, for example, offers insurance, maps, and other special services to its members. Organization methods also vary; some car clubs are small and locally based, while others are large, with many individual chapters, and members may have varying degrees of interaction with each other.
Depending on the nature of a car club, a variety of car-club related activities may be organized. Enthusiast clubs often schedule meet ups so that members can showcase their cars, and sometimes races or driving tours with members will be arranged. Car clubs may also organize car shows, parades, and other events which are oriented around the theme of the car club. Some car clubs maintain workshops spaces for people to work on their cars, or offer workshops and classes for members who want to know more about auto maintenance.
Some members of car clubs develop strong feelings of solidarity with other members, especially in the case of people who drive unusual or cult cars. Members may establish friendships with each other, and sometimes membership in a particular car club can be used like a credential with other members. For example, someone in the Million Mile Club might stay with other members on a trip. Car club members may also seek each other out when they need professional services, under the argument that members should support each other.