The year was 1969. There were soldiers in Vietnam. Hippies at Woodstock. And in Boston, a few car nuts were wandering the streets, snapping leaflets to the windshields of a curious new German import – the BMW 2002. They were recruiting members for a new car club dedicated to the object of their desire. At least some people had their priorities in order.

In time, veterans, hippies, and other driving purists from all over the spectrum would find common ground in what has become the world’s largest owner-supported car club – the BMW Car Club of America. Today, BMW CCA has 67 chapters nationwide, with more than 75,000 members, mutually enhancing each other’s BMW ownership experience.

You know that little flash of camaraderie that washes over you when you see a pair of BMW kidneys coming down the road? If you even know what that question means, you’re either already a member, or should be. You have to own a BMW to understand.

It doesn’t matter what model you drive. Whether you’re on your first Bimmer, or your thirtieth, there are just certain subjects that only BMW owners are interested in. BMW CCA is where we address all of them.

Our official mission is: to enhance the BMW experience for our members by providing services, support, information, and activities that promote camaraderie and encourage social awareness and responsibility. Unofficially, we’re a big support group for Ultimate Driving Machine addiction. Nothing wrong with that.

BMW CCA enjoys a strong yet independent relationship with BMW AG and its BMW of North America subsidiary. We are a not-for-profit corporation governed by a nine-member elected board of directors — four national officers and five regional vice-presidents who serve the interests of our chapters. Each chapter is an independent corporation chartered by BMW CCA. Our headquarters is in Greenville, SC.

Have you ever wondered how the BMWCCA came into being? Watch as Joseph Chamberlain, Greater Boston Area BMWCCA member, editor for the BMWCCA, and ‎senior editor at Roundel, the Club’s monthly magazine, relates the story of how the BMW Car Club of America first began.