A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CLUB

In the early part of 1971, British Motor Industries (now Commercial Motor Industries), prompted by enquiries from private buyers of Toyota Landcruisers, wrote to a number of private owners asking them if they were interested in the formation of a Toyota Landcruiser Club. If the response was encouraging, arrangements would be made to assist in the inaugural meeting. A Toyota Landcruiser Club was already in existence in NSW.

As the response was very encouraging, arrangements were made to hold the inaugural meeting in BMI's premises, South Rd Richmond, on May 31st 1971. Mr A Garrety of Theiss Toyota Pty Ltd, the Patron of the NSW Club, would be in Adelaide on that day returning home to Sydney after forming Clubs in Darwin and Alice Springs. Mr Boxall of B M I and Mr Garrety would conduct the meeting.Eighteen Toyota Landcruiser owners presented themselves to this meeting. A few knew each other but for the most, they were total strangers. As they at least had one common interest, a friendly atmosphere soon prevailed.

The meeting soon got under way. Mr Garaty exlained the aims and objectives of the NSW Club and told of their various types of activities. The meeting was then opened for general discussion. As all those in attendance were already keen on the formation of the Club, it did not take long for a formal decision to be reached to form a Club in SA. An executive committee then had to be formed.

Each member present was then requested as to their willingness to undertake a position in the order of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Committee was soon formed. This Committee would hold office for three months when a general election would be held and a permanent Committee formed for the remainder of the first year.

Several of the original eighteen are still Members of the Club. At the end of our fifth year, 31st May 1976, we had a membership of 135 members. This was made up of 110 family members and 25 single members. The majority of these members lived in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

Their interests covered a very wide range of subjects. All were family oriented outdoor activities. Many found that the conventional two wheel drive vehicle considerably restricted these activities. The acquisition of a four wheel drive vehicle with its more robust construction gave added safety when driving on the more remote roads and tracks in the outback of Australia.

Another interest was now added, the four wheel drive vehicle. To learn more about their vehicles, how to maintain them, fit them out and driving techniques to adopt for different types of terrain, these people found it advantageous to join the Club. Members are proud to display their vehicles. Ideas on setting up are exchanged. No two vehicles are identically set up.

On Club outings, Members must be self sufficient at all times. Everything they will need must be carried with them. Rubbish must not be left behind. Whatever they carry into an area must be carried out with them, either back home or to an authorised rubbish disposal area.

Abiding by the Club Bylaws whilst engaged in Club activities must make the Members more aware of their own behaviour when on their own.

This article was extracted from the 1976 Club Information Booklet.