The marque for meeting people

IT’S the club that has been creating and maintaining enthusiasm for Volkswagens of all eras for ten years, and they’re inviting more people to get involved.

With 50 current members, the Ballarat Volkswagen Club engages with VW owners old and new, whether they have original or modified stock, an air or water-cooled car, and will be welcoming electric Volkswagens once they arrive in Australia soon.

President, Alan Stork said the club is friendly and inclusive for all ages and walks of like, and its aims are simple.

“The club’s objectives include ensuring that the history of the Volkswagen is remembered,” he said.

“We provide advice on the restoration, modification and maintenance of Volkswagen motor vehicles, promote our enthusiasm for Volkswagens by organising social events, and provide a forum for expression of ideas and suggestions from Volkswagen owners.”

Although the automotive brand’s roots stem from a “dark part of world history,” the marque was resurrected well by the Allies after World War Two.

“It was recognised that people from a devastated Europe, and all over the world, needed reliable, modest transport,” Mr Stork said.

“In the case of Volkswagens, this being the Type 1 Beetle, and not long after, the Type 2 Kombi, with the Beetle selling 23.5 million units in the life of the model.”

For Mr Stork, cars like these create the perfect opportunities to meet people.

“These early models are held in very high esteem and it seems that a Beetle or Kombi owner will be greeted with a story about a Volkswagen by almost everyone that they meet,” he said.

“Since the early days Volkswagen as a company has been very innovative, with the introduction of the Volkswagen Golf, setting the standard for hatchback cars for the past 45 years.

“Today Volkswagen has a great range of vehicles to suit every need. They are well known for their performance, reliability, safety and economy.”

Interested club members can visit a meeting and get to know the group on the first Tuesday of the month, excluding December and January.

“Our meetings are as informal as possible, with an enjoyable evening out being a priority,” Mr Stork said.

“We have a very busy calendar with a wide range of activities apart from the monthly meeting including regular club runs around our lovely district, camping events, runs to car shows, intra and interstate events, and participation in other Volkswagen club events.”

Members can also participate in the VicRoads Club Permit Scheme, allowing people to make limited use of historic vehicles on the road network.

Contact Alan Stork ahead of meetings via emailing [email protected] or calling 0401 995 061. Visit ballaratvolkswagenclub.com for more information.