After discussing the idea of a Car Council with several Albuquerque car clubs, a preliminary meeting was held at the Clements’ home. Joe Jones of the Hudson Club helped to contact clubs and set up the meeting. Clubs present at that meeting were the Albuquerque Street Rod Club, Albuquerque VMCCA, Buick Owners Club, Classic Chevrolet Club, Hudson Owners Club, Poco Quatros Model A Club, Tumbleweed V-8 Club, and the Walter P. Chrysler Club. The date was October 19, 1977. The original intent of the Council was to form a group who could cooperatively sponsor a Swap Meet and a Car Show, set up a Calendar of Events for all clubs involved, become self-supporting, serve as a clearinghouse of information and legislation for the car hobby, and promote the car hobby to the general public. Dues were to be a one-time charge of $10.00. Bylaws were drawn up and approved, and the Council had its first official meeting on January 25, 1978. Research was done to find all car clubs in the state who were interested in participating, and the Council rapidly grew to over 20 clubs. By March we had graduated to meeting at the Honeywell Building on Carlisle Blvd., instead of representatives’ homes.
The first Car Show was held at the State Fairgrounds on May 28, 1978. A $1.00 entry fee was charged to car owners, and $1.00 was charged to spectators. 130 cars were in the show, and the Council took in over $1,000.00. Eventually, clubs made money on the Car Show by pre-selling tickets and keeping half the proceeds. When the Fairgrounds priced us out, we moved the show to the Albuquerque Museum, where we could not charge for admittance. Thus, there is now a $10 entry fee for vehicles. The show has grown to about 400 vehicles. It draws thousands of spectators every year. It is held each year the 3rd Sunday in May at the Albuquerque Museum.
The first Swap Meet was held at the Fairgrounds, October 14 and 15, 1978. Over 200 spaces were sold, and the Council profited $303.70. The Swap Meet has also moved from the Fairgrounds due to increased rental fees and parking charges. It has grown to over 400 spaces and made profits for the Council to use for promoting auto events. It is now held in Los Lunas at Morris Field the last weekend in September.
The Council also sponsors an “All Clubs Picnic” each summer, usually involving an out-of-town drive. All members of all member clubs are invited to participate.
The Council is now over 30 years old. It has developed a tradition of rewarding clubs and individuals who provide manpower at Council events with lunches and dinners. A certain amount of money is maintained in the treasury to put money out front for Council events. The Council also contributes advertising for member club events and other events that promote the automotive hobby. A calendar of events is sent out monthly via mailed newsletters, and more frequently by e-mails. The Council now has an operating web site that is regularly revised and updated. Several members are working with the State Legislature to keep legislation positive to the hobby on the forefront and rejecting any legislation that has a negative impact.
