Background
The club was formed in 1949 as the Fiat 500 Club of New South Wales by an enthusiastic group of Fiat 500 owner/drivers. Their enthusiasm was brought about by the baby of the three Fiat models available, the 500A or "Topolino", as it was affectionately called. However, in 1956 it was decided to drop the "500" from the club name to cater for all models of Fiats, and we became the Fiat Club of New South Wales. In 1991 we incorporated so "Inc." is now added to our name.
Activities
On the second Tuesday of each month we have a social meeting where we conduct the clubs business and then get on with exchanging Fiat news and views, watch a video or listen to a guest speaker. There's always something different. The meetings commence at 7:30 pm and are held at the Bankstown Sports Club, 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown. Some members arrive early and have a meal together prior to the meeting. Alternatively, there are monthly breakfasts held in various locations. All are most welcome.
On the competitive side we hold many events. Sublime events such as our annual Concorso d'Eleganza and Show’n’Shine days will not risk any panel damage to your pride and joy. Trophies are awarded for the best car in different categories.
A little bit more hectic are motorkhanas. These are tests of driving skill usually held in an open field around flags set up in certain patterns. The object is to drive the car around the flags in the correct manner, without knocking any over, in the least amount of time. Sound easy? Come and try it. It’s really not very hard on the car if you are just in it for the fun.
If you like your competition a whole lot more serious, then there are always the lap dashes and races in which our members participate. These are usually held at race circuits like Wakefield Park and Eastern Creek and if speed is for you, then we have members who can steer you in the right direction.
We also are regularly invited by other clubs to run in their events. Some of these can be Classic Rallies, which cater for owners of cars generally 20 years old or more. The events can run for 1 day to 5 days duration and really test out your navigational skills, but after the driving comes the socialising where new friendships are formed with other competitors.
Interstate Rivalry
Every year since 1964, we have had an Interstate Motorkhana against other Fiat Clubs in Australia. This event began in Wagga Wagga against the Victorian club and has gradually grown over the years. Firstly the Queensland club then the South Australian and A.C.T. clubs and in 2000 the West Australian club joined in the fun too. Up until 2004 the event has been held in Dubbo on a weekend in January, but has also been held in Forbes, Orange, Goulburn, Benalla in Victoria and Ipswich in Queensland. The “Fiat of Italy Cup”, which was donated by the parent company, is a much prized yearly goal within each club, but the social intercourse that occurs around the pool over a barbeque and a few drinks is also what makes the weekend most enjoyable.
Ansell Park
Ansell Park came into the Fiat Club NSW history in 1979, when a group of motorsport enthusiastic members banded together to purchase 19 acres (7.8 ha) of land at Windsor for the specific use by the members of the Fiat Club of NSW to have somewhere special to go for their social and sporting activities. They formed a company to administer the affairs of Ansell Park which stands separate to the Club.
Their legacy has endured for 45 years and has provided generations of Fiat Club NSW members, their families and friends - the unique privilege of access to grounds to host low speed motorsport events (motorkhanas), Show ‘n’ Shine events, barbecues, picnics, interstate Fiat Nationals events, and general meetings. Importantly, it has also fostered responsible driving skills in our Club youth as the Club has hosted many junior driver training clinics, teaching students vehicle and driving competencies over many years.
Club members have always generously volunteered their time to help maintain these grounds, having planted hundreds of trees, maintained the fields and added various amenities to the property over the decades.