The Automobile Association of Zimbabwe was founded in 1923 to assist motorists and to further the cause of motoring in the country.                                                                                   

It was evident that the ancient methods of transport were rapidly being superseded by the modern.

One of the chief difficulties experienced at that time by drivers of cars was that of keeping to the road they wished to follow. On leaving a town, the track would be distinct and easy to follow, but a few miles out it became, unless one were familiar with the road, difficult to decide which was the correct way as the spoor was indistinct and often hidden in tall grass. 

It was plainly evident that some co-operation of motorists was necessary to provide the funds for the preparation of road-maps, description of routes and the erection of signposts.

The success of Automobile Associations in Great Britain and elsewhere, and the assistance they gave the motoring public, which in numbers were increasing rapidly, prompted the founders to form an association on similar lines in this country.

Very soon the young Association was able, through the generosity of some businessmen, to issue a fairly accurate and useful road map and provide descriptions of some of the main roads traversing the country; also branch roads, rivers and other physical features, together with approximate mileage, so that the motorist was able fairly accurately to determine his position. Signposts, too, were erected, and to cover the cost, spaces for advertisements were let on them.

The first General Meeting of the Association was held in July 1923 at Zimbabwe Ruins – membership was 972. This set a tradition over the years and since then, all important AAZ anniversaries have been celebrated with a Vintage Car Run to Great Zimbabwe.