When four friends decided to pool $30 each to start a car club in 2000, they never expected it would still be thriving 25 years later. Today, Carman’s Wheels Car Club has more than 30 members and plenty of stories to share.
Club president Ron Dyck said the idea for the club came one night during a casual conversation about the cars they grew up with.
“We were sitting there having our evening coffee, talking about cars and such, and somebody said, ‘Hey, we should start a car club,’” Dyck recalled. “So we each put $30 down for membership fees and decided to just go from there. That’s how Wheels Car Club was born.”
The founding members — Gil Wiebe, Jason Voogt, Ernie Enns and Ron Dyck — couldn’t have guessed at the time that the club would still be going strong a quarter century later.
“No, we never imagined it would grow into what it has,” Dyck said. “We just loved cars and the community around them, and wanted to share that.”
Since then, the club has grown to 31 members and several corporate sponsors. While most members live in Carman, others come from surrounding towns like Winkler, Altona, Elm Creek and Winnipeg.
“You don’t need to own a car to join,” Dyck said. “You just need to enjoy and promote the restoration and preservation of classic cars and trucks. Some members have one vehicle, some have 10, and some just come for the community.”
For Dyck, the passion for classic cars runs deep.
“In 1974 I bought a 1958 GMC truck from my neighbour and spent three years restoring it,” he said. “I still have that truck — it’s in pieces right now undergoing a complete re-restoration. When the club started, I had a 1965 Pontiac Custom Sport, and today I’ve got a 1964 Chevy Impala SS and that ’58 truck.”
The club celebrated its 25th anniversary during World Rivers Day on Sept. 13, an event Dyck said was the perfect fit.
“Partnering with Boyne River Keepers was a way to celebrate our beautiful river and our community, while showcasing our cars,” he said.
The milestone came with special touches, including commemorative T-shirts and a handmade Gas Bowser Trophy, modelled after one Dyck had won at a past show.
“The trophy idea came out of my own experience,” he said. “It was something unique, and we thought it would be a great way to mark 25 years. The shirts were another way to give members and supporters a keepsake.”
Over the years, the club has seen everything from everyday summer drivers to rare vehicles like a 1911 Case car — one of only three known to exist. Members regularly travel to shows across Manitoba, and Wheels hosts two of its own each year: one in June at King’s Park, and another alongside World Rivers Day.
But Dyck said what stands out most isn’t the cars — it’s the people.
“The friendships we’ve made with members, their families and other car clubs are what I’m most proud of,” he said. “It’s about the cars, sure, but it’s even more about the connections.”
All four founding members were on hand for this year’s anniversary, something Dyck said was especially meaningful.
“It really hit home, seeing all of us together again after 25 years,” he said. “I’m proud that we’ve built something that’s lasted this long, and I hope it keeps growing for the next generation.”
“The friendships and memories are what keep us going,” he added. “If you’re thinking about joining, just come out. You’ll be part of something special.”
Wheels Car Club meets on the third Thursday of each month from November to June. Dyck encourages anyone with an interest in classics to reach out at 204-745-0289.
