Back in 1978, five Australian Ford Thunderbird owners met in Victoria with the intentions of sharing their passion and forming a club dedicated to the American marque.
Originally named the Thunderbird Owners Association of Australia the club is now officially known as the Thunderbird Owners’ Club of Australia Inc. or simply as TOCA.
Forty-seven years later, the club’s purpose remains the same, with the intention to serve as a medium of exchanging ideas, information and parts, aiding in the restoration and preservation of these iconic vehicles.
With 176 nationwide members the club hosts annual State title events, and a yearly national concours. For 2026 the NSW chapter hosted the national event late October in Wagga Wagga, NSW over three days. Like any old-car gathering, owners anxiously prayed for a good weather forecast and boy did the weather gods deliver!
With 23 T-Birds on show and 54 club members in attendance for the duration of the weekend, the display was well received with a variety of cars from the Baby Bird generation (1955-57), Square Bird (1958-60), Bullet Bird (1961-63), and finally the ever increasingly popularity of the Flair Bird generation (1964-66).
Despite the Thunderbird nameplate being shelved in 2005, the 1955-66 offerings still seem to be the most popular cars amongst enthusiasts worldwide, and that is backed by the number of businesses specialising in parts for the first four generations.
Vehicle judging took place on the Saturday with numerous classes on hand, from Show n Shine, Modified, Primary Class, Driver to the competitive Senior Class. The club’s emphasis is not on judging but is offered for those who wish to improve their vehicles.
Some highlights of the show included Dave Jarret’s red 1956 which was awarded the longest distance travelled makinghis way from SA, Steve Springett’s 6V powered Samoan Coral 1962 Hardtop from NSW to Charlie Trimboli’s driven not hidden Turquoise 1965 Convertible from Victoria which consistently looks superb.
If you’re interested in preserving your T-Bird and sharing your passion with likeminded enthusiasts visit toca.net.au