Micro Car and Scooter Club Inc.
Eric Vargas, who was a keen Messerschmitt owner, formed “The Messerschmitt Owners Club” (Australia) in April of 1983.
In June 1985, Eric was tragically involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident.
Fred Diwell, who was a member of the club, stepped into the President's role and also the newsletter publication editor at a time when interest in the club was not very significant.
The club owes Fred a great debt for keeping the club alive when it could have easily been lost.
There were around 230 Messerschmitt vehicles sold in the country at this time, which made growing the club membership very challenging. A decision was made in the early 1990’s to broaden the reach of potential members, and the club's name was changed to “The Microcar Club.”
This change had an immediate effect as there were several “Kei class” or Micro cars on the road, which were a hangover from the late 50’s and 60’s era. Many of these vehicles had been imported into the country.
As the club grew, several of the members had an interest in Scooters and mopeds. Demand was such that another name change was implemented, and “The Microcar & Scooter Club” was incorporated in June 2001.
The club was very active throughout this time, and members represented the club at many shows, displays and events. The cars and bikes were a real drawcard to fellow vehicle enthusiasts who frequented the displays.
The club held various mechanical and technical workshop events regularly.
In the last 20 years or so, most club activities take place in and around the Sydney locality.
The club established interstate clubs that also hosted informal get-togethers and attended events in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
In 2022, members of the Sydney club participated in a 9-month display at the Power House Museum in Pyrmont, which was very popular with the public.
Many of the brands of microcars and scooters have celebrated significant anniversaries. We have seen 50th anniversaries for Messerschmitt and Goggomobil and 80 years for Vespa and Lambretta.
The club has grown into a strong family of enthusiasts as far away as New Zealand. The quarterly magazine (under John Renshaw's long stewardship) is being sent around the world.
Our database has in excess of 200 vehicles of the 2, 3, & 4 wheeled variety, as well as over 500 people who have an interest in the club, both here and overseas.
Over the years, the Microcar and Scooter Club has collated registers of Australian distributed vehicles covering Messerschmitt, Lightburn Zeta, Vespa 400 cars, BMW Isettas, Lloyd and Goggomobil etc.
Microcars and Scooters have enjoyed a steady rise in value over the years. The fact that they take up so little room and are quirky in appearance has attracted many collectors.
The club has a wealth of knowledge and experience with these unique vehicles that have seen many revived from years of being hidden away.
The club holds regular monthly meetings (except for December & January).
