Like many clubs around the country, the FPV and XR Owners Club of Victoria was formed by a bunch of likeminded friends coming together and making it official. 
  
Although initially created as the XR6 and XR8 Owners Club of Victoria in 1997, the arrival of FPV and Tickford cars saw the club reshape and incorporate FPVs in 1998. 
  
The club has come a long way since the 1990s, with around 200 members now part of the club – a testament to the passionate individuals determined to continue flying the flag of the blue oval since the company stopped manufacturing the cars.  
  
Celebrating its 25-year anniversary this year, the club has welcomed many Ford lovers over the years and has embraced a family-friendly culture.  
  
However, it’s not just family through a passion for their cars, the club has also seen multiple second-generation members come through, something the club committee member Karyn Hamer is proud of.  

“We’re really proud to be celebrating 25 this year and it’s a great milestone for all the people who contributed over the years,” Hamer said. 
  
“Many of the people have been with us for a long time and we have also had some members come through who are the children of current members, so they are second generation.  
  
“We have seen these kids growing up and although it makes us feel a little old, it’s special to see them go out and buy a Ford and then join the club. It’s just nice. 
  
“There have been a lot of good memories over the years because we do a lot of events every year too that cater to just about everyone and everything.   
  
“From monthly club drives and runs to technical nights to motorsport, which includes a 10-round championship and hill climbs. We’re also big on social events where members can bring the family along and we can spend time together.” 
  
Further illustrating the club’s close-knit family-like principles, during the four-day Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, the club had one the biggest turnout of members attending its display as part of the Live Fast Festival.  
  
With an impressive collection of 20 cars on show, the club had a variety of vehicles on show, ranging from the iconic classic ED XR8 all the way through to one of last sprints that went off the line before ford went out of production. 
  
And Hamer believed the large turnout of cars and members showcased how important the Australian Grand Prix was for members.  

“We kind of have everything here. From an XR6 and a little Fiesta XR4, XR8s, GTs, GTFs and just about everything in the middle – even some Ute and sedans – we have a wide range of members so that means we have a good range of cars,” Hamer explained. 

“We’re quite fortunate that when we do the call out for members to join, within a couple days, we’ve got people that have signed up because it’s something that they love doing. 
  
“They love seeing the club on display at something like this where you have one hundred thousand people coming through each day, so to be able to showcase their passions and talk to people all day about it -it’s great. 
  
“Clubs don’t really get this kind of opportunity to be on display so it’s fantastic. Especially for our members, who are proud of this club and the fact that it’s 25 this year. We just love doing every year.” 
  
Click here for more information on the FPV and XR Owners club of Victoria.