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Everyone here at AACA National Headquarters & Library and the
AACA Board of Directors wishes you
a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day!
Please note that National Headquarters
and the Library will be closed Monday, September 2, so the staff can enjoy the long holiday weekend with their families.
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Adventure Awaits You in Colorado
Only ONE Day Left to Register!!
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September 12-14, 2024
Western Fall Nationals
Loveland, CO
Registration Deadline: August 31
Click here for brochure
Click here to register online
Click here to register to judge online
The Poudre Valley Region welcomes you to the 2024 Western Fall Nationals in Loveland, CO. Loveland is located about 40 miles east of the quaint mountain town of Estes Park. Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel and is the gateway to The Rocky Mountain National Park. Loveland, located in the heart of northeastern Colorado, is an ideal location for all your adventures.
Event highlights include:
- Cussler Automotive Museum Bus Tour
- Club Merchandise Sales
- Race Car/Motorcycle Condition Runs
- Membership Roundtable
- National Judging School
- Judges Breakfast & CJE Courses
- Owners Briefing
- Awards Banquet
Host Hotel:
Embassy Suites, 970-593-6200
4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO 80538
Special AACA rate of $180/night, plus tax, includes breakfast
Ask for 91Z rate (available on a first come, first served basis)
For additional hotel options, check out the brochure
Questions?
Show Chairman & Registration: Joe Pirrone, Joenkathy@earthlink.net, 970-686-9291
REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid
prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.
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Are You Rocket City Bound?
Only ONE Month Left to Register!!
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October 24-26, 2024
Southeastern Fall Nationals
Huntsville, AL
Registration Deadline: September 30
Click here for brochure
Click here to register online
Click here to register to judge online
Click here if you would like registration information sent to you (please include your name and member # in the email)
North Alabama Region (NAR) is proud to be hosting the AACA Rocket City Southeastern Fall Nationals. We are thrilled to welcome you to Huntsville and offer you some good old southern hospitality. The Nationals show will take place at the Orion Amphitheater located at 701 Amphitheater Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806.
Event highlights include:
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center Tour
- Cruise to Lake Guntersville
- Self-Driving Tours to Explore Huntsville
- Social Event – Stars & Strikes, Mid-City District Huntsville
- Membership Roundtable
- National Judging School
- Social Event – Orion Amphitheater with live entertainment by Grits & Juice
- Judges Breakfast & CJE
- Owners Briefing
- Flea Market
- Youth Event – Greenpower Electric Car Races
- Awards Banquet at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Host Hotel:
Holiday lnn Research Park, 256-830-0600
5903 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806
$155/night plus tax
For additional hotel options, check out the brochure
Questions?
Show Chairman: Dave Robertson, daveLrobertson44@gmail.com, 256-653-4036
Registration Chair: Dena Robertson, registration@nar-aace.org, 256-651-5627
REMINDER: Your 2024 AACA membership dues must be paid
prior to registering for any 2024 National shows and tours.
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39 Days Until the Start of Hershey Week! | |
Will We See YOU in the Sweetest Place on Earth? |
Eastern Fall Nationals
Hershey, PA
TUESDAY, October 8 –
FRIDAY, October 11
Click here for brochure & full schedule
The Hershey Region AACA invites you to make the pilgrimage to antique car Mecca this October. Come join the more than 250,000 visitors who come each year to experience Hershey. The Hershey show is considered the largest antique car show and flea market in the world boasting some 9,000 vendor spaces in its flea market, a car corral with 800+ antique cars for sale and culminates in a great car show with about 1,000 vintage cars on display.
If you registered for the flea market or car corral, you should expect to see your packet with your windshield stickers and instructions sometime the first week of September.
If you registered to show your car on FRIDAY, you will need to pick up your packet on the Chocolate Field at the FOLDER DISTRIBUTION tent located next to the Hershey Region main tent. The FOLDER DISTRIBUTION tent is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Packets will also be available for pick-up on Friday morning at the show vehicle entrance behind the Giant Center.
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WE NEED JUDGES!!
Judges' registration for Hershey is open online here. Here is a link to the
last Judges Newsletter, which includes the Hershey registration form.
HURRY! The judges' registration deadline is September 15.
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If you have questions about the flea market or car corral, please send an email to fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org. If you have questions regarding the car show, please send an email to hersheycarreg@gmail.com.
COME JOIN US FOR THE LARGEST
ANTIQUE CAR SHOW & FLEA MARKET IN THE WORLD!
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Important 2024 Hershey Reminders | |
Show will run Tuesday, October 8 through Friday, October 11
Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 7
Judging School will be Thursday, October 10, at 2 p.m.
Judges Breakfast will be Friday, October 11, at 7 a.m.
Car show will be Friday, October 11
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Come Visit AACA National at the Hershey Show |
AACA merchandise will be at these locations in the flea market:
Chocolate Field in our blue trailer – C3H 5-7, C3I 5-7 (Tuesday - Friday)
Green Field in front of the Giant Center in a large white tent (Tuesday - Thursday)
AACA merchandise will be on the show field along the road
in a large white tent on FRIDAY during the car show.
AACA membership will be at these locations in the flea market:
Chocolate Field in front of our blue trailer – C3H 5-7, C3I 5-7 (Tuesday - Friday)
Chocolate Field C3G 5-9 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Green Field in front of the Giant Center in a large white tent (Tuesday - Thursday)
AACA membership will be on the show field along the road near the
merchandise tent on FRIDAY during the car show.
New memberships and membership renewals
will be taken at all of these locations all week.
AACA Headquarters building, including the AACA Library,
will be open to the public Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Don’t forget about the Library yard sale on
Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. behind AACA Headquarters!
Unfortunately, there will not be a Hershey poster for 2024.
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Car Corral Spaces, Race Car/High-Wheeler Event & Juniors at Hershey |
Car Corral Spaces WILL Be Available Onsite
There will be a limited number of car corral spaces available onsite at the Hershey show. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to enter a car into the car corral, you will need to show up at the show at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8. You MUST be a current paid AACA member. The vehicle MUST be 25 years old or older, you MUST be able to drive the vehicle on to the car corral and the vehicle MUST be AACA compliant – no hot rods allowed.
Race Car Condition Run & High-Wheeler Event
Come see the race cars and high-wheelers race around the track in the Hershey Stadium starting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 10. There is a 75+-year history of race cars driving around the stadium, starting with the midget car races during the depression. Today, Hershey is one of the only places where spectators still get to see these cars in action!
Juniors at Hershey
Juniors at Hershey is a project of the Hershey Region Youth Committee. Join us for the 26th Annual Junior Display for youth of all ages. The event will be held on Friday, October 11, from 12 to 2 p.m. in front of the Giant Center. The Hershey Region Chuck Wagon will be on display.
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Special Room Offering for Hershey 2024 Still Available | |
RM Sotheby’s has secured an introductory rate of $289 + taxes at the Hershey Lodge for October 6-11, 2024, which is over $100/night cheaper than their website is offering right now and as we all know, rates tend to go up the closer we get to the event! This deal is currently available to us with no deposits, free changes, and free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival. Help us keep the Lodge as a great place for attendees to enjoy the auction and all that happens there during Hershey week. We need to fill the hotel with AACA members and guests!
We understand that there are other options for accommodations in Hershey – some being less expensive and some being more. Why not take advantage of this special offer and be where all the action is, watch the cars drive into the auction, watch the bidding, and have fun at a bustling hotel.
Click here to take advantage of this special deal and book your room for Hershey!
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LAST CHANCE to Order Your Official AACA Car Sign for Hershey!
Deadline to Order: September 6
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Car sign requests for the Eastern Fall Nationals (Hershey, PA)
and the Southeastern Fall Nationals (Huntsville, AL)
must be received by Friday, September 6.
IMPORTANT: Signs for Hershey MUST be picked up at the
AACA merchandise tent next to the show field on Friday, October 11.
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This is the only official AACA recommended car show sign and is intended for use at AACA events. The AACA car sign format, styled similarly to other Concours signs, when properly weighted or staked would limit potential damage to vehicles if bumped or blown. Signs are 16.5" tall and 12" wide and are made of hard plastic to withstand the elements. These signs are only available to AACA members and are custom created to tell your vehicle's story and history.
AACA car signs cost $45 plus shipping and handling. Add an image or images for $5 each. PA residents also pay sales tax.
Please allow 4-5 weeks for the entire process from start to finish.
Click here for more information and instructions.
Email Jon Curtis at AACA Headquarters if you would like to have a sign made.
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Here’s What’s New at the
Hershey Yard Sale This Year!
By Jen Wolfe, AACA Library Director, jwolfe@aaca.org
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Ahhhhhh – Hershey is almost here and we’re so excited for this year’s Yard Sale!!! One of the best parts of Hershey for us is to see and spend time with YOU, our members and friends, and we can’t wait to see you there! The library staff is always looking for ways to make this event better than the year before – here’s what you can expect to see at the AACA Library Yard Sale 2024…
General Information
If this is your first time attending, here is some general information for everyone:
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The Yard Sale is held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 4-7 p.m. on the show field lawn behind the AACA National Headquarters & Library Research Center
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This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE, no registration required
- Parking is available on the property for this event, but the lot may be somewhat limited
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Library staff and volunteers will be wearing green lanyards this year to help them be more easily identified by attendees – if you need help or have a question, look for the green lanyards!
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Pack your galoshes and sunhats, because this event is RAIN OR SHINE – hot or cold, wet or dry…the sale must go on!
Who’s Gonna Be There This Year?
The library wants to welcome back the Buick Heritage Alliance! Spencer Paterick will be running the BHA Tent again, so be sure to stop by for his selection of Buick and GM-related literature, manuals, and more.
Also returning this year is Bob Barr in the New Books Tent with your favorite automotive authors ready to sell, sign, and talk about their books! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and support these important and valued members of the car community – with 24 authors and a collective 30 titles to peruse, you’ll definitely want to stock up on some new automotive books while you’re here.
And lastly, your own AACA Library staff is thrilled to host the event with two tents full of our ever-popular duplicate material! It’s the thrill of the hunt for car enthusiasts, and this year’s selection will include:
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Sales literature – sales brochures and catalogs, owner’s manuals, dealer data books, and more
- Books – by marque, general interest, historical/biographical, best of decades, etc.
- Manuals – factory repair manuals, parts lists/catalogs
When Does This All Happen?
We’re making some changes to the event this year to help make the procedure more convenient for attendees:
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Visit the authors in the New Books Tent early, starting at 3:30 p.m.
- BHA Tent opens at 4 p.m.
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To ensure a pleasant experience and to control crowding, you will need an Entry Time Ticket this year to get into the 2 library tents
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Starting at 3 p.m., make the new Registration/Information Tent your first stop when you arrive to pick up an Entry Time Ticket
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Library Tents open at 4 p.m.! Pay attention to the Entry Time printed on your ticket; volunteers will be collecting tickets at the tents (no ticket required after 5 p.m.)
- Event ends at 7 p.m.
We hope you’re looking forward to the Eastern Fall Nationals as much as we are! If you have any questions about the library’s activities that week, reach out to Jen at 717-534-2082 or jwolfe@aaca.org.
Members interested in volunteering at the library during Hershey should contact Matt Hocker at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082. Let him know if you want to volunteer in the library that week, or at the Yard Sale on Tuesday night, and he’ll get you signed up for a shift.
Remember that the library is CLOSED on Friday for the car show – we’ll be out on the field with books for sale (weather pending!), so the headquarters building will not be open for the public that day.
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Interested in becoming a volunteer with the AACA Library?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Matthew Hocker,
at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.
Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?
More information is available on our website.
Visit AACA Library or contact our Reference Librarian, Amoi Goldman,
at agoldman@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.
Visit our Booth at Black Swan Antiquities
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ATTENTION: All AACA Judges – We need YOU!
Register to Judge at Loveland, Hershey and Huntsville NOW!
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By now, you should have received your July 2024 issue of The Judge newsletter in your mailbox. If not, please click here for the digital version.
This issue includes the registration forms for the following shows:
-- 2024 Western Fall Nationals, Loveland, CO
-- 2024 Eastern Fall Nationals, Hershey, PA
-- 2024 Southeastern Fall Nationals, Huntsville, AL
Just a reminder that you can also register to judge online on the AACA website.
Not a current judge, but interested in becoming one? Just attend one of the Judging Schools at any of the Nationals to get started.
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AACA Selling 1930 Lincoln 7-Passenger Touring for Benefit of Library | |
The club has generously been given a significant number of cars over the years and from time to time we sell donated cars. These sales are few and far between as we would prefer to keep as many as possible, but until the club has sufficient storage that won’t be possible.
This year we are selling a wonderful 1930 Lincoln Model L that would make a fabulous tour car. It comfortably holds seven passengers and all your “gear” for a tour. It has recently been refurbished including a new battery and has gone through a mechanical freshening as well. It has all the side curtains and rods to install. It has a beautiful trunk as well.
This car was reported by the previous owner to have been owned by the President of Cuba in 1930, along with two others in his fleet. It does not sport its original color but certainly makes a beautiful statement.
If you are looking for an early tour car that has power and room this could be your car. RM Sotheby’s will be graciously selling this for us at their annual auction during Hershey week in October. Online and phone bidding will be available if you can’t join us in person.
If you have any questions about the car, please contact Steve Moskowitz at AACA National at 717-534-1910 or aaca1@aaca.org.
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Special Eastern Fall Nationals Results | |
THANK YOU to all of the volunteers, judges, staff, property staff, AACA Board and all of our wonderful members who participated in the show in Hampton, VA!
And a very special THANK YOU to the Historic Virginia Peninsula Region for hosting a great event!
Congratulations to all of our winners!!
Click the above link to view the winners list.
Thank you to AACA member Bob Stein for sharing several great photos from the event – enjoy them and be sure to read the official recap article in the November/December
issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
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Volunteers Made It Happen!!
By Al Crane, Tabb, VA, cranejra@aol.com
This is a member submitted article.
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After months of planning, the Historic Virginia Peninsula Region (HVPR) Show Committee (Scott Dayton – Show Chair) and volunteers (young and young at heart) from HVPR, the Tidewater Region (TRAACA) and family members finally came together at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA, to meet, greet and register Special Eastern Fall Nationals participants and guests. As participants arrived, volunteers welcomed them and helped them park their trailers and RVs. | |
On Thursday, August 22, registration commenced, AACA and HVPR merchandise sales were opened, and more than 50 handmade gift baskets from AACA members were on display for raffle bidding. This was followed by the tour of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and a welcome reception pizza party.
On Friday, August 23, registration continued, judging schools and a membership roundtable were held, photos of vehicles were taken, and golf cart shuttle rides were provided to/from the hotel and parking areas. The exhibit hall was marked off, early exhibit hall parking started, and then folks were treated to a Hampton Queen Twilight Cruise.
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On Saturday, August 24, registration continued, the parking of show vehicles was finished, shuttle service provided, and photography continued. Then it was show time! The opening ceremonies started with the singing of the National Anthem by HVPR member CMSGT Pete Romeo USAF (Retired) and was followed by visitors enjoying almost 180 vehicles on display. AACA judging commenced, and guests patronized the merchandise sales raffle and event vendors. An antique automobile themed scavenger hunt was held for younger spectators as well.
The event was enjoyed by hundreds of automotive enthusiasts from the local area and visitors to Hampton Roads who appreciated the efforts of AACA and the vehicle owners to preserve our automotive history and heritage and share memories. An awesome banquet and awards presentation concluded the event at the host hotel – Embassy Suites Hampton.
None of this would have been possible without our 25 hard-working and dedicated volunteers. All of you deserve a standing ovation for all of the hours you put into planning and executing this wonderful event. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! (Let us know when you’re ready to do it again 😉.)
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Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer. | |
Throughout the 1920s, Studebaker design remained somewhat staid… until the President came along, and a new decade dawned. There was a logical reason why the automaker -- better known for value and durability -- was late to the styling party. What was it? | |
Member Story: Reunited and It Feels So Good
By David Muffley, Clear Spring, MD, d.muffley@myactv.net
This is a member submitted article.
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From 1982 through 1984, I did my first professional restoration for a client. His name was Gary, and he inherited a 1930 Model A Coupe from his grandfather. Gary was also my boss at the time when we worked in the engineering department of a company that made blast equipment. |
I borrowed a car trailer and went with Gary to transport this car from his grandfather’s barn to his home garage. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of the car as we saw it then. But I do remember that the rumble seat and the rest of the rear body and parts were removed to make room for a wooden box fabricated to turn the car into a small truck. The rest of the body was in fair shape. I agreed to help Gary with his project that over time turned into a complete tear-down restoration. I’m sure some of you have stated this question more than a few times, “Well, we’ve gone this far, why don’t we do this next?”
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After roughly 3-1/2 years and as I recall about $11,000 in parts and outside services (at 40 years’ ago prices), we were ready to take this car on its maiden voyage. My first experience to drive a Model A!!! And what an experience of things I was not accustomed to like engine vibration and scary brakes. My previous “old car” experience was my own work on my personal car, a 1949 Chevrolet Deluxe 4-door… a very modern car in comparison.
One of my conditions for work on this car was driving it in our local Halloween parade and I was privileged to do this in the fall after completion. I was then 24 years old and felt quite proud of the work we had done.
I saw this car again at a local antique car show event a few years later. But I lost track of Gary after that having left the blast company to move on with a career of engineering and manufacturing auto parts.
Fast forward about 40 years to July 2023. My sister and brother-in-law were visiting from Florida, and we were having a family gathering on a Sunday afternoon. Somehow, and I cannot recall how, the conversation we were having evolved into me bringing up the Model A and wondering whatever happened with the car. I had knowledge that Gary had passed away something like 10 years prior and I wondered if his sons got the car or whether Gary had sold it during his years. For some historical reference here, my sister that was visiting from Florida had dated Gary’s son, Bryan, for a time while I was working on this car. After I said I wondered what had happened to the car, my sister said, “Well, I’m still friends with Bryan on Facebook. I’ll ask him.” Great! At least I will have an idea of what happened to it.
That evening, my sister informed me that Bryan and his brother inherited the car from their dad. Not only this, but they have it up for sale! This was one of those moments when opportunity combines with excitement! Interesting… So, I had two questions: 1) what condition was it in? and 2) how much?
So, I talked with Bryan. The price was just below market and when asked about the condition Bryan said, “It’s just like when you finished it.” Even more interesting! But was it really just like when I finished it? A visit was scheduled, and my wife and I went to see it; for me it had been at least 35 years since the last time. It was just as Bryan had said. It was like I was transported back in time. There were only a few nicks on the fenders where I had sprayed 20+ light coats of hand-rubbed black lacquer. The horn still needed tuning, the speedometer and gas gage still didn’t work, and the brakes were still scary. And the engine still had the same vibration; why wouldn’t it?
Out came the cash and this gem got loaded into my trailer. I am still in disbelief. Since August, the speedometer and gas gage have finally been fixed. The engine was professionally redone around 1983 and I suspect that Gary did not drive the car more than 500 miles. I have pulled the engine to check it over anyway and to check the balance of the flywheel and pressure plate.
With renewed interest in this special hobby, I joined AACA and look forward to engaging with others in the coming year (with a never-ending smile!)
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BTW…the 1949 Chevrolet? I turned it into a 2-door street rod over the years. I have new plans for it now!
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We want to hear from you!! | |
We are always looking to feature articles from AACA members in Speedster. We'd love to share your personal accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other stories you think other AACA members would enjoy hearing about.
Stories should average about 500 words or less. And we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Stacy Zimmerman at szimmerman@aaca.org.
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2025 AACA Annual Convention Hotel Reservations Now Open |
The 2025 AACA Annual Convention will be held February 6-8 in the Charlotte/Concord, NC, area at the Embassy Suites by Hilton. We are working on one or two exciting pre-convention excursions for Thursday that you will not want to miss, so you may want to consider coming in on Wednesday.
Here is the full hotel and reservation information, so you can book early and start your planning:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte/Concord Golf Resort and Spa
5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW
Concord, NC 28027
Only 20 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Room Rate: $159 + tax, includes complimentary hot breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, parking
Reservation Link: AACA Annual Convention (hilton.com)
Reservation Phone: 704-455-8200 (mention AACA Annual Convention)
Reservation Deadline: January 16, 2025
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2025 AACA Annual Convention Call for Speakers EXTENDED |
Have you ever thought about speaking or putting on a seminar at the Annual Convention? Well, now's your chance! If you would like to be a possible speaker, please fill out this form and send it in no later than October 15.
Have an idea for a workshop? What topics would you like to hear a panel of experts discuss? This is YOUR Annual Convention, and we want to know what you want to learn about. Please email Stacy with your seminar ideas and/or speaker suggestions (membership, leadership, chapters/regions, marketing, cars, technical, fun, historical, ladies-focused, etc.).
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IMPORTANT!!! 2025 AACA National Board of Directors Election | |
In the September/October edition of Antique Automobile is a postpaid ballot for the 2025 Board of Directors election. It is your ONLY ballot and must be filled out according to the instructions or it will not be counted.
Please read the biographies of all the candidates listed in the magazine and vote for the 7 of your choice. Our candidates this year come from widely different backgrounds, so please give serious consideration to those who match your ideas of what is important to the future of the club. All ballots must have 7 names selected or they will be considered "not valid" and will not be counted.
Your ballot must be RECEIVED by November 15, 2024.
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John & Lynn Heimerl AACA Oral History Center
Opens at National Headquarters
Be sure to stop by during Hershey week to check it out!
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At long last, the programmers have finished the software project for our Oral History Center so graciously funded by John and Lynn Heimerl. We already have 3,000+ oral histories loaded into the kiosk. These are stories from our members in their own words and voices. AACA is excited to add this feature to our new building and allow families to come in and hear stories from their loved ones or simply browse to listen to stories.
This will be an ongoing project to help us create a listening database of our history and experiences. There is a microphone and recording apparatus available to capture new stories, so if you are visiting AACA National HQ and want to record your own story you will be able to do so. We have made this new program extremely user-friendly for our guests, so they will find it simple and easy to use.
We are currently upgrading the search feature to make it better and will be adding artwork to the wall, but the system is currently available for use. Our expectations are that during Hershey week in October many of you will help us add even more stories to the center.
Our sincerest appreciation and thanks to John and Lynn for their support and making this project happen!
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AACA Offers Six Scholarships
Application Deadline: December 1
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Click here to download the scholarship application.
Susquehannock Region Automotive Technology Scholarship (formerly known as the AACA Student Scholarship): Cash award to a student currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning leading up to a degree in antique automotive technology and or restoration.
AACA Young People’s Award: A cash award to an AACA member (student or regular) who has been accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning or is now enrolled in such institution, i.e., a four-year college leading to a bachelor’s degree or a two-year vocational education program leading to a degree. Applicant must be nominated by a Region or Chapter of AACA and must be no more than 25 years old.
AACA Scholarship: A cash award to any AACA member (student or regular) who has been accepted to an accredited institution of higher learning or is now enrolled in such institution, i.e., a four-year college leading to a bachelor’s degree or a two-year vocational education program leading to a diploma. Applicant must be no more than 25 years old.
Louise Bianchi Chiotti Memorial Scholarship Award: Louise (Bianchi) Chiotti was born on June 11, 1914, in San Jose, California. The family’s first automobile was a 1926 Dodge Sedan. Her two younger brothers purchased a 1939 Studebaker and took delivery in January 1939. They wanted to give it to Louise’s son Dave in 1956. His mother thought it too big of a car for a fifteen-year-old in San Francisco and talked him into buying a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe. In 1959 the little Model A was a bit slow, so Dave purchased a 1959 Ford convertible. As Dave sat on the running board of the Ford waiting for the new owner to arrive his mom came and sat next to him. “You really don’t want to sell it do you?” she asked. “NO, I don’t” was my reply.” “Then don’t,” mom said. Dave and Marilyn Chiotti still own the Model A; it is a Senior and First Place Grand National Award Winner. The 1939 Studebaker came to the Chiottis after spending 40 years under a walnut tree. It is now a Senior and First Place Grand National Award Winner. The 1926 Dodge was cut into a truck for ranch use in the 1940s. Dave brought it home in 1976 and built a Woodie. In 2000, they donated it to Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa. After Dave and Marilyn’s uncle’s passing, they acquired their 1968 Cadillac El Dorado. It now lives in the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA. This $1,500 scholarship is based upon the same rules as the AACA Automotive Technology Award and is awarded as funds are available. It was instituted and funded by Dave and Marilyn Chiotti as a way to honor Louise and a way to continue to support youth in the hobby.
AACA John & Janet Ricketts Leadership Scholarship: A cash award to any AACA member, child or grandchild of an active AACA member in good standing for a least 5 years, who has been accepted to an institute of higher learning or is now enrolled in such institution. The award is granted by the family of John and Janet Ricketts in recognition of their love of AACA and their belief in service to the club. It is also in recognition of our first female National President Janet Ricketts in 1999.
Hershey Region AACA Automotive Restoration Scholarship: Cash award to an AACA member currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning leading up to a degree in antique automotive restoration.
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If you have any questions, please contact:
Greg Jackson, AACA National Board of Directors
VP Youth Development & Awards
greg.jackson15@outlook.com or 704-408-6217
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2025 AACA Membership Renewals Start Soon
By Karen White, AACA Membership Department, kwhite@aaca.org
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As most of you know, your AACA membership runs for a calendar year – January 1 through December 31. From about mid-September through the end of the year, AACA Headquarters gets a little crazy with membership renewal phone calls and mail. It's not uncommon for us to receive several hundred renewals in a day. Even though it's our busiest time of the year, making sure we get our 45,000+ members renewed is always our top priority.
Look for your first opportunity to renew your membership for 2025 with your September/October issue of Antique Automobile magazine. A renewal form will be included with this issue of the magazine. Simply fill out the form and send it back to the office with a check or credit card information.
Starting Sunday, September 1, you can also use our super easy online membership renewal on our website. Renewing online is quick and simple! Just log in with your membership number and PIN number, review the information currently listed on your membership record and make changes if necessary. Review your information one more time and choose your payment type. Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Discover or PayPal. Your payment will automatically record to your membership record, and you will receive a confirmation email receipt.
Your membership number and PIN number can be found on your membership card. If you don’t know your membership number and/or PIN number, you can call AACA National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or email membership@aaca.org. Please DON’T try to pay your dues by using the JOIN AACA tab. This WILL NOT renew your membership – instead, it will create a new one.
If you're going to be at Hershey, you can also stop by the AACA trailer or tent and renew your membership in person with us.
We look forward to seeing or hearing from all of you very soon!
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78th Revival AAA Glidden Tour® Registration CLOSED |
Message from the Tour Chairman…
Rob Burchill, hattiesgarage@comcast.net
We have to advise you that the registration for the 2024 Glidden Tour is now closed.
We are honored to have received such a quick and overwhelming response to this year's tour, reaching the maximum number of people we can accommodate only 20 days after opening registration! We wish we could accommodate more, but unfortunately we cannot.
The Sugarloaf Mountain Region looks forward to hosting everyone who will be joining us for the tour – see you all in September!
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Official 2025 AACA Calendar Now Available |
The AACA Calendar is always a hot item this time of year, so be sure to order yours before they are gone! This 13-month calendar runs from January 2025 to January 2026 and highlights AACA National Activities in addition to moon phases, all Federal Holidays and many other observances. The best part of the annual calendar is getting to see the fabulous member cars showcased each time you flip the month. At a cost of only $13 postpaid, these calendars also make great, inexpensive gifts for all of the car-lovers in your life!
To order, please call AACA Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or go online to the AACA Store. An order form will also be included with your next issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
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It's Never Too Early to Order Your Holiday Cards | AACA Christmas and holiday cards are an annual tradition for many members. These beautiful 5x7 cards feature artwork from renowned artists Ken Eberts and Dan Reed. Here are this year’s new designs... | |
1970 Ford Country Squire LTD
Artist: Ken Eberts
Inside: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
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Lincoln Station 1940
Artist: Dan Reed
Inside: Happy Holidays
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The cards come in packs of 12 and include envelopes. Each pack is only $12 (plus shipping). You can purchase them in the AACA store on our website or by calling AACA Headquarters to place your order (717-534-1910). | |
Attention Regions & Chapters:
FREE Lanyards Available for Your Events
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While doing some cleaning here at AACA National Headquarters, we came across a large supply of RM Auctions lanyards. We are offering these lanyards to any region or chapter who would like them. They are completely FREE – you just have to pay shipping. Here are the specific details:
18” Grey RM Auctions Lanyard
7/8” Band
Available in packs of 100
Plastic ID holder NOT included
Only Pay Shipping!
Email Jon Curtis your order including the number of packs you would like and your shipping address. Jon will email you back with your shipping cost and instructions for payment.
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Are You Heading Out on Any of the National Tours This Year?
Are You Driving Your Car to Your Local Region/Chapter Events?
Then the Mileage Award Program is For You!
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If you enjoy driving your antique vehicle, start your engine and get recognized for driving your AACA-approved vehicles throughout the calendar year with the Mileage Award Program (MAP).
Participation is voluntary and tracking mileage is your responsibility. Any time a vehicle is driven – anywhere for any reason – the mileage counts towards the award levels. Once you sign up, you will receive a badge and awards at 2,000, 5,000 and each 5,000-mile increment thereafter. The cost to become a MAP member is a one-time fee of $25.
Click here for a Mileage Award Program application.
If you have any questions, please email us.
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Check Out the Latest Deals on MemberDeals! | |
Schedule a Tour of AACA National Headquarters
& Library Research Center
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Would your AACA region or chapter like to visit?
What about any of the other car clubs you belong to?
If you are planning a tour or day excursion for a group near the Hershey area, why not include a stop at our building as part of your itinerary?
If you would like to book a tour, please reach out to Amoi Goldman, AACA Reference Librarian & Outreach Coordinator, at 717-534-2082 or agoldman@aaca.org.
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Do You Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member? |
The Military Membership Program is available to Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending complimentary 2025 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Membership and drop down to Military Program, or simply click here.
These complimentary 2025 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.
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AACA hosts online forums! AACA hosts a massive online forum area on our website that you can read and/or join in on the conversations on all sorts of topics. People post some really interesting material and pictures on an everyday basis. If you haven't used the forums before, just use the sign-up button in the upper right corner to create your user account. Anyone can join the online forums and it's completely free.
AACA has Facebook! AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, ask questions and discuss everything and anything car-related. LIKE our Facebook page and ask to JOIN our Facebook group. Don't forget to connect with the AACA Library on their official Facebook page as well.
Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong
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During the early/mid 1920s, Studebaker was still migrating what was previously E-M-F production (the cooperative relationship which turned into an acquisition that allowed the company to enter the auto industry in a truly meaningful way) from Detroit, Michigan, to South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Studebaker’s previous horse-drawn heritage was primarily in utilitarian wagons, as opposed to fine carriage construction…which they were still producing through 1920. Eventually, Studebaker would be best remembered for its focus on design distinction…particularly, after WWII. | |
Antique Automobile Club of America
AACA.org | 717-534-1910
America’s Premiere Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community
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The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community. Since its formation in 1935, the Club, through its national office, publications, and membership, aids individuals, museums, libraries, historians and collectors dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of automotive history. | | | | |