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The Mustang Owners Club of SA was the brainchild of Rod and Lorraine Kilvington who in 1975 went searching for other Mustang enthusiasts keen on establishing a Club in Adelaide.
After purchasing a 1965 Red Hardtop in 1972, they ventured to Victoria on a number of occasions and eventually became good friends with Kevin and Josie Musgrave (Boss Auto Parts fame). With the Victorian Mustang Owners Club becoming a reality in 1974, Rod and Lorraine, with support from Kevin and Josie Musgrave, commenced their Mustang journey by placing an ad in the local paper seeking Mustang owners who might be interested in forming a club.
Before too long Graeme King (1970 Sportsroof) and Brian Munro (1968 Hardtop) surfaced from Mt Gambier and a visit to the southeast to see them gave Rod and Lorraine the incentive they needed. Rod and Lorraine were also contacted by Henry and Eddy Bajon (Taperoo Crash Repairs) who also showed interest and after a visit to their premises, which revealed a 1969 Gold Mach 1 and a 1968 Blue Hardtop in immaculate condition, it was full steam ahead.
From here on in, it was just a matter of when for the formation of the Club and then on Sunday 16th May 1976, meeting at Exhaust City premises on West Terrace Adelaide (courtesy of Proprietor Denis Burford and owner of a 1971 Blue Mach 1, Rod and Lorraine’s wish came true. Mal and Alison West (1965 Green Fastback) led the stampede of 16 Mustangs to the Pines Oval at Belair National Park for a BBQ and get together and discussion on whether the interest should be formalised. The following Wednesday night 19th May 1976, interested Mustangers gathered at the Wayville Institute Bartley Crescent Wayville for supper and to elect a Committee to organise activities. The inaugural Committee of the Mustang Owners Club of SA Inc comprised the following:
In October 1976, 11 Mustangs from SA drove to Victoria to participate in the Victorian Mustang Owners Concours with a couple of locals winning trophies. In 1977, SA returned the favour by inviting Victorian members to Adelaide for the first official Mustang Owners National Concours D’Elegance held in the LeCornu’s Furniture Store carpark at Keswick. Over 70 Mustangs were on display. The 1978 to 1980 events were rotated between Victoria and South Australia because they were the two main states to have Mustang Owners Club branches at the time.
On the 30th January 1979, the Mustang Owners Club became an incorporated body (Mustang Owners Club Australia Inc) opening the door for a new name in readiness for when the other States got their branches up and running. Since the SA Club’s inception enthusiasm and membership has grown with members spread throughout the State and the current membership exceeding 340 members, with National membership well in excess of 3,000 Mustang owners.
The aim of the Club is to promote and preserve the marque of the Ford Mustang and this is achieved through various social activities and meetings that enable members to obtain knowledge of and techniques in preserving their vehicles in the manufactured form.
A wide variety of Club activities are scheduled each year for members and friends ranging from observation and winery runs, static display days through to picture nights, mini golf days, ten pin bowling and barbeques.
A register of members and vehicles who have been involved in the Club since its inception is maintained for information purposes and is used as a source for new members wishing to explore the history of their vehicle.
The Club produces a quarterly magazine covering Club activities, hints on restoration, member profiles, personal advertising and Club merchandise for sale and has a range of discounts available to members. A National Mustang website (www.mustang.org.au) has been established giving enthusiasts and members links to State Club information and other sites of interest.
The Mustang Nationals are held each year over the Easter weekend with each Australian State sharing the hosting duties on a rotational basis. The event gathers all Mustang Owners and enthusiasts from across Australia for the annual celebration with the highlights being meeting interstate members, joining in on the social activities, sharing in the latest in Mustang technology and seeing the best and biggest gathering of Mustangs in the southern hemisphere. The event also incorporates the judging of Mustangs in various classes for those members wishing to enter their pride and joy. The weekend interstate also provides the opportunity to cruise in convoy with Club members and to share in the Mustang experience that you will cherish forever.
The Club is also a member of the Federation of Historic Motoring Clubs SA (FHMCSA) and is registered to administer and make available to members the Club Registration Scheme for Historic, Left Hand Drive and Street Rod vehicles. The scheme provides reduced registration fees for approved vehicles in exchange for limited road access of 90 days per year using a Log Book system. Eligibility of the vehicle is based on the vehicle being 25-years or older on the 1st of January since the vehicle was manufactured, and that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition. The Club’s Vehicle Dating Officers administer the scheme on behalf of the FHMCSA and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).
Continuing our legacy of passion for Mustangs, we’re actively involved in various club activities that showcase our dedication. Recently, we’ve been diligently working on the SA Car Club Program, a testament to our commitment to the local car community. This significant project is proudly supported by a government funding grant of $5,000, highlighting our efforts in maintaining the Mustang spirit in South Australia. Our activities also include thorough car inspections across the state, ensuring every Mustang under our club remains in top condition, true to our aim of preserving these iconic vehicles.
Our club’s strength lies in its enthusiastic members. Currently, we are proud to have 439 active members, a dynamic community of Mustang aficionados. While this number reflects a slight decrease from last year’s 476, we are committed to reconnecting with those who have not renewed their membership. Each member’s involvement is crucial to the vibrancy and success of our club.
The Club welcomes new members.
Monthly Meetings
The Club holds monthly meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of the calendar month
Location
West Torrens Birkalla Soccer Club, Morphett Rd , Novar Gardens
Time
8:00pm