About the MVEC
OUR CLUB
MVEC, established in 1985, is the oldest and largest motor enthusiasts club in the Northern Territory, with over 400 members, most of whom reside in Darwin and surrounding areas.
Meetings are held at 7:00PM on the second Wednesday of each month at the historic Qantas Hangar on Macdonald St, Parap.
The Hangar is also used by members to display, restore, and repair their vehicles. It is open to the public on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It is recommended to ring the Hangar at (08) 8942 4839 before coming, to ensure someone is in attendance. The public is asked to make a small donation towards the running of the Hangar.
The Club runs or outings are held on a monthly basis. Bike runs on the first Sunday of the Month, details are on our Facebook Page and via email, usually on the Thursday prior. Over the years, through the generous donations of others, the club has amassed an impressive library of manuals, parts catalogues, and car/bike magazines, which members are able access.
MVEC members are happy to share their experience with fellow enthusiasts. Visitors are always welcome.
The MVEC Story
CLUB HISTORY
The Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club Inc. (MVEC) was established in 1985 to provide a focus for dedicated individuals throughout the Territory who had an interest not only in salvaging and restoring older vehicles but also for anyone interested in vehicles of any make, model, or vintage.
In the early days of the Club, very few older vehicles were evident in and around the Top End, principally because of the nature of the climate. When any vehicle passed its "use-by date" and was put down in the back paddock or left in the backyard, the rigors of the climate soon reduced an otherwise original vehicle to a badly rusted pile of junk. Not only did the monsoonal rain start the rusting process, but the grass fires during the Dry season hastened the decay. If this wasn’t enough, the very vigorous termite population generally finished the job. In recent years, with the growth of major population centers, more and more interesting vehicles have arrived with their owners from the South, and interest among the locals has been rekindled.
In 1998/99, negotiations with the NT Government led to the Club being granted a lease over the heritage-listed Qantas Hangar.
The Hangar is now the Club’s home, and it has facilities for display, storage, and restoration work. For a nominal fee, members can utilize space for their current restoration projects. (Image Courtesy of NT Archives.