History of the Automobilia Collectors Club of Australia

The Club was formed in 1992 for those interested in collecting automobile-related items such as car-advertising signs and literature; radiator and body badges; motoring club badges; number plates; mascots; hub caps; spark plugs; garage tools and equipment; motor manuals; motoring accessories, and even pedal cars. For those who collect ‘garagenalia’ this included items found on past petrol stations and garages such as petrol pumps, both manual and later electric; oil dispensing highboys; oil bottles and tin tops and associated racks to contain same; advertising signs; petrol, oil, and grease tins; box-ends or the pine boxes to ship 2 x 4 gallon tins; road maps; ephemera; historical photos; advertising material and associated pieces; etc.

The A.C.C.A. Magazine” of 16 A4 pages was first published in October 1992, and then distributed to by now 40 members from the five mainland States and the ACT. This became a quarterly publication for issue to all members as an automatic part of membership. From July 2008 the magazine now of 36 pages printed professionally, included both its cover and some pages in colour. Today, “THE ACCA MAGAZINE” usually of 32-36 pages, is mostly in colour.

ACCA is an incorporated body managed by an elected President and his Committee. In 2017 the Club celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Current membership grows towards 500, which includes New Zealand, United Kingdom USA and Europe. In the States of Australia and in New Zealand, annual gatherings are held for members, plus members both meet and often display at the many ‘automobilia’ swap meets held during the year.

During 2020 ACCA has experienced the worst event in its 28 years with the Covid crisis. Swap meets have been cancelled and members gatherings have been restricted or cancelled. We are working through this and will be ready to re-establish our great relationship with members once the pandemic is over. For the first time in ACCA’s history the AGM will be held in SA , this is due to border restrictions placed on Victoria, the home of the Bendigo Swap meet AGM since 1992.
David Lutze