Ferrari Club America or Ferrari Owners Club?

I am a charter member of FCA, and an ex-president of FOC, so can answer as well as anyone, I guess.

The FOC, although it claims "regions", is essentially a SoCal group. When I was active in that club, in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, it was very social. In fact, I would say that most of my friends came from that club. I resigned because of something that occurred that I thought went beyond the pale, but that shouldn't deter you, as it was years ago and would have no relevance now.

The FCA has the advantage of being recognized by the factory. Also, because of it's greater membership it is able to put out, IMO, better publications. The regions all seem to be very active, always something to do, and one advantage is being able to meet new people when you travel around the US.

For years, before FCA opened it's SoCal region, I pushed for a merger, but egos have always stood in the way (perhaps still?). Eventually, some years back, FCA finally activated it's SoCal region, of which I am an enthusiastic member, although at 87 and Ferrari-less not so active. The people who put their energy into this region are absolutely great, and all events are well-organized and worth attending.

Both clubs try to have something for everyone: Socials, tech sessions, judging seminars, drives, and track events.

Factory recognition and a larger member base gives the edge to FCA, it seems to me. Many are members of both clubs, and I hope someone else will chime in.

 

I just re-read your post, and see that I didn't answer all your questions. I don't think one has to be an owner to join either club. Both clubs date back to around 1962, if I recall correctly, but I think FCA is actually older. Don't know what you mean by exclusive. I see that you are in italy, so perhaps you were referring to the British FOC. That club was initially an off-shoot of the Bugatti club, and so may be earlier that either US club; not sure. Unless you do a lot of traveling you would likely be more interested in the publications, which you can compare yourself. I hope this helps.

 

The Ferrari Club of America was founded in 1962. That makes the club the oldest "recognized by the factory" club in the world. There are currently over 5,000 members. Ferrari North America is including membership in the FCA for all new car purchases.

Today's structure of the FCA has 16 regional chapters covering the US and Canada. The region structure then has a total of 34 chapters.

In the way back time, I was part of the FOC. As Ed says it was really a California based crowd. There were members from everywhere else too but that was basically just donations to another Ferrari club and ensuring that they got the publication. Back then the publication was being done by Chuck Queener, then Larry Crane and last I remember was Mark Schroeder. Had great times with everyone back then - a truly fun crowd that knew how to enjoy themselves.

If it matters to you, the FCA does an Annual Meet. The meet moves around the country to give members a better opportunity to make it. Last year it was in Savannah, GA; this year Palm Springs, CA and 2013 in Elkhart Lake, WI. The concours is a major deal as it uses the same stringent judging standards as for Pebble Beach.

I understand it was considered a big deal when Ferrari chose to annoint FCA over the FOC as the one official club for US & Canada. Ed is also correct that the FOC was started a year or so before the FCA.

Ownership of a Ferrari is not required for either club - just send money.

Jeff

 

Having been a member of both since the 70's,I concur with both Messrs. Niles & Kennedy.For those of us living outside of Calif. FCA probably makes the most sense.Never could figure out why the two never merged,but as Mr. Niles said,egos are probably at play.I do agree that the publication from FCA is the better of the two.The FCA Annual meet is always a real treat.

 

Ownership isn't a requirement? I'm surprised as I thought when the factory got involved they stipulated that membership be restricted to Ferrari owners only .. at least that's what was sold to us here in Singapore. Is regional residence requires? I might join up just to receive the publications.

 

There is one requirement - sign up and include money. www.ferrariclubofamerica.org You can do the application on line.

Since you are in Singapore be aware that Jess Pourret is a member of the Thailand Club. Jess is a major Ferrari expert and is a Classiche consultant. Former owner of a 250 GTO and all sorts of interesting stuff and experiences.

Jeff

 

Thanks, Ed and Jeff, for that explanation. I have often wondered about it myself.

It sounds like the the FCA is analagous to the Porsche Club of America, and the FOC is analagous to the Porsche Owners Club, both in scope of activities and geographic presence.

Jack.

 

As someone said the clubs seem to still be wary of each other. A couple of years ago I wrote about my experience as president of the Ferrari Owners Club and I made reference to the lasting friendships and competition (newssletter) that developed with members of the Ferrari Club of America. That comment was deleted by the then-president of the FOC. Very small minded and provincial.

Some day I'll tell you how I really feel.

CQ

 

As a member of both for many years, there is one important differance not mentioned so far.
The FCA is social and has track events all around the country with instruction if requested. The FOC is mainly social. I am not aware of any track events.

 

FOC is much more social. Cars are almost secondary...

 

I belong to both clubs ...Midwest regionFOC/Central region FCA. Agree FOC is more of a social club here in the midwest. Personaly, I prefer the FCA because it does sponsor and actively participate in track events. Really looking forward to the big FCA birthday bash at Road America in 2013 which includes some serious track time.

 

In 1971 I had just taken a job at Motor Trend after spending a year-and-a-half in Lancaster working for the Jim Russell school doing various jobs as an instructor/goffer. I had also been elected president of the FOC. During that time I started the Ride and Drive program that I lifted from MT. We also began using Willow Springs then Virgina City, Riverside and Ontario. In those days the FOC was focused on track events. Those events seem to have died along with Riverside. FCA began track events in 1967 when Paul Pappalardo organized an event at Watkins Glenn. Several folks like Steve Earle and Jim Stolenwerk brought their GTOs on open trailers. It was the beginning of many FCA events at the Glen.

CQ

 

Thanks to all the posters in this string-----great history from the people that gave the clubs their start and who have stuck around and keep making significant contributions to our little world of cars and motorsports. The briefs notes almost take one back in time. Wish I had been there----i'm trying to catch up.

 

Ferrari history is important as we know, although there are a few I've meet who don't have a clue and don't care. Most authorized dealers will tell you they're only interested in the next model and that was Mr. Ferrari's answer to the question "What is your favorite Ferrari?". And as far as wishing you had been there, this is your time, 40 years from now someone will say the same thing to you.

C

 

+1
exactly

 

We have some long time experts here....

Mr. Niles, I can send out one of my cars to you.. ....watching that "Buried Dino" video on Jalopnick made me realize that MAYBE you have the better driving roads..

Sfumato might argue, as the Hill Country has some fine ones also!!

To the OP, the publications are definately a great part of FCA membership...I feell the classifieds are among the best for finding "good" Ferraris, as they usually are well cared for examples.
That would go for the wives, as well!!

 

Wow! So much for free speech. Do tell.

We've got our own saga up here in Quebec regarding rival Ferrari clubs. And as the FCA QC chapter president, I'm often stuck in the middle trying to build bridges and being the diplomat/ambassador.

I'm always amazed at how petty people can be and how everyone seems to have their own hidden agenda. I never thought that the underbelly would be so ugly.

Sigh.....

 

With a bit of luck I hope to meet you and some others from Fchat at what is sounding like a awesome event! Attempting to work out the logistics and the budget at the moment.

As an aside the oldest "owners club" label belongs to the Southern Equitorial Ferrari Automobili Club.

 

From the Ferrari Club Website....

Southern Equitorial Ferrari Automobili Club


Reputed to be the oldest Ferrari owners' club in the world, the Southern Equitorial Ferrari Automobil Club was established in Johannesburg in 1967. Founded by enthusiast Pierre Kelfkens as a motivation for luncheon get-togethers with like-minded Ferraristi, SEFAC fast became the foremost single-marque automotive Club on the African continent.

So South Africa was formed 5 years after FCA....

 

Correct me if I am wrong, FCA is open to owners and non owner, SEFAC is only open to owners,i.e its the oldest owners club..

 

I stand corrected...

 

I look forward to your attendance. Words is already that there are promises from people in South Africa, France, Italy, UK and Switzerland that are planning to attend.

There is already a lot of work going on to make the 2013 event spectacular. I will be announcing some of our sponsorship commitments in October. 2 in particular are looking to organizing some interesting fun activities for everyone to participate in.

Jeff

 

Very interesting and useful thread here, as we're trying to set the direction of the local Ferrari owners' club.

Jeff, would you know if Jess Pourret resides in Thailand? That is close enough to us.

Best,

Andy

 

You can't belong to too many Ferrari organizations. One of the high lights of my previous Ferrari life was with FOC. I took up an invitation from the British FOC to spend three or four days with them. Prescot Hill Climb. Rides in everything from 166 to 288. Hare & Hound fording active streams. F1 at Silverstone (Unfortunately Alboreto and Johanson took each other out at T1.)

I'm still in NorCal, and FCA is much more active here, but see my first sentence.