The Touring & Automóvil Club de Colombia (ACC), often simply referred to as ACC, stands as a pivotal nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting motorists and motorsport across Colombia. Founded on October 10, 1940, the ACC emerged from a clear need among early vehicle owners for assistance and organized support in a country where roads were rudimentary and travel fraught with challenges. Over the decades, the ACC has grown to provide a wide array
of services, from traveler and mechanical assistance to crucial support for motorsport, while also being an integral part of international automotive federations.
Origins in a Challenging Landscape
In the late 1930s, the landscape of national roads and highways in Colombia presented significant difficulties for vehicle owners. The infrastructure was largely undeveloped, making mishaps common and solutions to travel problems often slow to arrive. This challenging environment spurred the first owners of vehicles in Colombia to recognize the necessity of uniting. Their goal was to seek timely and safe solutions to common issues, exchange knowledge about vehicle mechanics, and promote the art of driving responsibly. This collective desire laid the groundwork for the formation of a formal organization.
While the initial idea might have seemed limited to a small circle of friends, a group of enterprising individuals, recently returned from Paris, were inspired by the work of a body responsible for advising drivers in all their needs, such as the International Automobile Federation. They decided to adapt this model to the specific conditions of Colombia. The question of how to translate the French experience to the Colombian situation presented a real challenge. However, a determined group of forty friends, led by Gustavo Santos Montejo, took the decisive step on October 10, 1940, to establish the Automobile Club of Colombia in Bogotá.
Formal Recognition and Expanding Influence
The formal establishment of the Automobile Club of Colombia was solidified on April 16, 1941, when it was granted legal life through Resolution No. 33 (Executive) by the Ministry of Justice. From this point forward, the institution acquired a private civil and nonprofit nature, allowing it to operate officially and expand its services. This legal recognition was crucial for the ACC to grow its reach and impact across the country, moving beyond its initial base in Bogotá.
As a testament to its immediate relevance and utility, an anecdote from its early days highlights the ACC's prompt service. One of the first beneficiaries of the newly founded Touring & Automobile Club of Colombia's assistance was none other than the President of the Republic, Eduardo Santos. While traveling with Lorencita Dona Villegas de Santos, their Packard suffered a mechanical failure. The ACC was able to provide immediate assistance, demonstrating the practical value and effectiveness of the organization from its very beginning. This incident underscored the critical role the ACC would play in supporting motorists, regardless of their status.
International Affiliations and Comprehensive Services
Today, the Touring & Automóvil Club de Colombia is not only a national institution but also an internationally recognized body. It is a proud member of several prestigious international organizations, including the FIA International Automobile Federation, the AIT International Tourism Alliance, and the FIVA International Federation of older vehicles. These affiliations connect the ACC to a global network of automotive and touring clubs, allowing it to stay abreast of international standards and best practices.
Across Colombia, the ACC provides comprehensive assistance to travelers, offering mechanical support and a range of car-related services. Its commitment extends significantly to motorsport, where it plays a vital role in supporting and governing racing activities. This multifaceted approach ensures that the ACC remains a cornerstone for both everyday motorists and the competitive world of motor racing, continuing its mission to assist and organize the automotive community throughout Colombia.
