WHEN Gary Turner started the BMC-Leyland Car Club in 2014 with co-founder, Francis Borg, they had both been long involved in several car clubs and sought to create their own group that placed enjoyment of cars and good company at its core.
When president Gary retired and moved with his wife to Shepparton, they created the Shepparton and Surrounds Chapter of the BMC-Leyland Car Club. At the time of writing, it has around a dozen local members, of 137 cars in total around the state, who are enthusiastic about vehicles built in various BMC than Leyland factories.
From Kyabram, Lloyd Newnham’s 1960 MG Magnette Mark III is truly a unique vehicle, with only 75 in the world and five in Australia. The Mark III model was only in production for limited years before the Mark IV hit the conveyor belt.
You may recognise it from Australian television drama series, A Place to Call Home or from 2018 Australian comedy-drama movie, Ladies in Black.
Contrasted with Gary’s 1996 Jaguar XJ6 (X300 Sport), which stands as the youngest car in the club, you get a taste for the varied vehicles and drivers in this unique club.
Gary said his 1996 Jaguar is 100 percent original and a “typical Jag,” kitted out with technology well beyond it’s time, including air-conditioning, a radio and CD-stacker. It can often be found parked outside MOVE, where Gary volunteers at the museum.
BMC-Leyland’s Car Club’s ethos is simple: no fuss, affordable yearly subscriptions and minimum amount of ceremony. Membership is just $30 or $40 for a couple or family, and the BMC-Leyland Car Club is registered with VicRoads for the Club Permit Scheme.
“On every run we go on, nine times out of 10 the club will pay for various entry fees, coffees and even lunches for those members who come along,” said Gary.
To get involved, contact Gary Turner on 0426 951 939 or email bmcleylandcc@iinet.com.au
