February 2023 | Volume 170
Congratulations to Our 2022 National Award Winners!
Click the above link to view the winners.
 
Thank you to all of the volunteers, AACA staff and Board, hotel staff, presenters, and especially our attendees and award winners for making the 2023 Annual Convention a success!
 
Your new 2023 AACA National Board of Directors was also inducted during the Annual Convention. These Board members are here to serve you and this organization, so please do not hesitate to contact them at any time.

Enjoy this sneak peak of photos from the event and make sure to check out the full wrap-up article, award-winner profiles, and photos in the next issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
AACA Library Annual Convention Wrap-up
By Jen Wolfe, AACA Library Director, [email protected]
This year’s convention was an exciting one for library staff that began with a tour of Colonial Williamsburg and a visit to the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, which houses a specialized collection supporting the research regarding life in the thirteen colonies and the new republic and serves the CW staff, faculty at William & Mary College, and the general public. We had pre-arranged our visit, so the staff was able to pull several items they thought would be of interest to us including information about transportation during the colonial days.

The library’s booth at the trade show was the place to be for used books, and we ended up selling almost everything we brought this year – thank you to everyone who gave our used books a new home and helped support the library through those funds! We’re thrilled to have made just under $1,000 this year through the book sale, and even acquired a few new donations as well.
Prior to convention, we worked with AACA Past President Tom Cox to research and supply illustrations for a unique seminar he was presenting on the history of Virginia-built vehicles. If you are thinking about presenting a seminar at a future convention, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the library for any assistance you made need – we’re always here to help!
As your new library director (just a month or so on the job), I finally got the chance to meet club members and directors face to face, while librarians Amoi Goldman and Spencer Paterick caught up with familiar faces and old friends during the trade show, seminars, pizza party, Regions & Chapters dinner, and the Awards Banquet.

We can’t wait to see everyone
again next year!


(L to R) New Library Director Jen Wolfe,
librarian Amoi Goldman and former Library Director
Kim Gardner enjoying the Thursday night pizza party.
Mini Car Show Held at Annual Convention
By Al Crane, Historic Virginia Peninsula Region AACA, [email protected]
Members of the Historic Virginia Peninsula and Tidewater Regions AACA, Classic Cruisers Car Club – Yorktown, and the Colonial Virginia Model A Ford Club displayed several of their vehicles in a mini car show held in conjunction with the 2023 AACA Annual Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Williamsburg, VA, on Saturday, February 11. The oldest car on display was Tony Miller's 1923 Ford Model T (100 years old and driven from Portsmouth, VA!). Many thanks to Bob Stein for coordinating the display.
We Want to Hear Your Feedback on the 2023 Annual Convention
The Annual Convention Committee is always looking to improve your experience at convention. For those of you who attended the Annual Convention in Williamsburg this year, we are looking for your feedback to help us continue to develop and elevate this event.

What did you like? What didn't you like? Which seminar was your favorite? What would you like to see at future conventions? The Annual Convention Survey is where you can voice your opinions about the event and know that it will be reviewed by the committee.

Attention All Attendees: Please click here to take a quick 10-minute survey online.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey. Your valuable feedback will help us continue to improve this event. The survey will close on April 15, 2023.
Winter 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 Miami, FL!
 
And a very special THANK YOU to the South Florida Region for hosting a great event!

Click the above link to view the winners list.

Thank you to former AACA National Board Director Kelly Adams for sharing
a few of her photos from the event. Make sure to read the official recap article
and photos in the March/April issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
ATTENTION: Region & Chapter Reporting Forms Are PAST DUE!
If you have not yet sent your Region/Chapter Officer Reporting Forms and Roster Reporting Forms to AACA National Headquarters, they are PAST DUE. These forms were mailed to your President back in the fall. If you need another copy of the forms, you can click here to download them from our website, or we can mail you another set if need be.

Please return the forms to Sue at [email protected]. You can also mail them to 800 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.

Please understand that if these forms are not current, we cannot provide you with insurance for any of your local events.
March Library Seminar
How Cadillac Became Cadillac: Marketing and
the Coming of Cadillac (1909-1956)
Presented by Edwin Benson
Date: Saturday, March 11 -- Time: 10 a.m.
Location: AACA Library & Research Center,
800 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033

Until 1930, Cadillac was only one of many options available to luxury car buyers – and far from the biggest player in that marketplace. By 1956, Cadillac was not only the most popular luxury car, but it also totally dominated that segment of the market. In the process, it became a by-word for luxury in the flashy over-the-top world of mid-century America.

Sometimes, historians attribute that success to good luck. Cadillac, they say, was simply the beneficiary of General Motors’ deep pockets at a time when the Great Depression forced most other luxury manufacturers into bankruptcy. That is true, but it is only one part of the story. Cadillac also benefitted from a cleverly-conceived and well-executed marketing plan that made Cadillac a hallmark of the good life.

In this presentation, Edwin Benson will examine Cadillac marketing from the early days through to the heights of the marque’s glory days. This is not just a car story; it is part of the story of America itself.

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 [email protected] or 717-534-2082.
Visit our Booth at Black Swan Antiquities
Nothing Beats Charlotte in the Springtime
Deadline is Only 3 Weeks Away -- Register Today!
April 13-15, 2023
Southeastern Spring Nationals
Charlotte, NC
Registration Deadline: March 21

The Hornets Nest Region extends a cordial welcome to all fellow AACA members attending the Southeastern Spring Nationals. April is a great time of year to visit Charlotte. The AACA Nationals is being held during the Hornets Nest Region’s Charlotte AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Credentials for Charlotte AutoFair will be provided to each AACA owner registering a vehicle and to each registered AACA Judge.
 
The event schedule includes: Charlotte AutoFair, Judging School, Team Captains School, Judges Breakfast, Judges CJE, Youth Program, New Owners Clinic, the car show of course, awards presentation and picnic.

Recommended Hotels:
Embassy Suites, 5400 John Q. Hammons Drive N.W., Concord, NC 28027, 704-455-8200
Comfort Suites Concord Mills, 7800 Gateway Lane, Concord, NC 28027, 704-761-6803

Questions?
Chairman: Phillip Cole, 704-577-8576, [email protected]
Registration Chair: Shirley Carson, 704-841-1396, [email protected]  
Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer.
Trivia Question
What was the first race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
The Mustang Story
By Frank & Jeri Radio, Franklinville, NJ, [email protected]
This is a member submitted story.
The year was 1984, I was 16 years old and very interested in buying my first car – a late 1960s muscle car was high on the list. One town away I found a numbers matching, original GT (J-Code) Fastback. Although a bit rusted and faded, it had potential. The lady was asking $1,500 and my dad and I discussed making a full offer as others were interested. With every cent I had to my name we purchased my first car!

I drove the car through my senior year, and it was my daily driver for another 4 years. It wasn’t until a fender bender in 1991 did I realize how rusted the undercarriage was. When the bumper supports pushed through the frame rails, it was time to take it off the road and make some serious decisions about the car’s future.

In 1993 I got married and with the support of my wife Jeri, I removed the drivetrain and sent the rolling chassis to Glaziers Mustang Barn where the rusted steel in the undercarriage was replaced.

After getting the car back, life took over as our first born was on the way. The car and the boxes of parts went to the back of the garage to sit and wait. After our second was born, we needed a larger house and built a garage where the car and parts were stored. Kicking around the idea of selling it, Jeri gets credit for saying, “Don’t sell the car, be patient. Someday your time will come.” In 2015, apparently my time had come as my wife said we will finish this car even if we need to take out a loan!
With those marching orders, a decision was made that a nut and bolt restoration was in order. I had all of the components, including the original AM/FM radio with 8-track. After running the Marti report, I found out a few things that made me understand this car was special as its features included blacked out hood treatment, A/C and radial tires! According to the Marti Book of Numbers, only 757 Mustang Fastbacks were produced in 1968 with radial tires – only available on a GT according to the tire decal in the glove compartment.

In 2019, a newly painted rolling chassis would return to my garage. For the next 2.5 years, I would reassemble the car using the Ford assembly manuals as my guide.
For the first time in 35 years, I thought of the young lady I purchased the car from and wondered if I could locate her. I found her name and we decided to test the internet. To our surprise, not only did the internet locate her, but she was on Facebook, and we had 2 mutual friends! In fact, one lives across the street from me!

I asked my neighbor to reach out on my behalf. Jeri and I received her contact info and called her. When we called, her father was with her, and they reminisced about how she bought the car from one of his friends in 1978 (the original owner).

We left an open invitation for her to visit and one year later she did. We really enjoyed being reunited after all of these years, not to mention spending time with our first car. And yes, I let her drive it, too!
Jeri and I have been taking our Mustang to car shows since the spring of 2021. It has been very rewarding to be recognized by our peers or certified judges. The awards received include Carlisle Ford Nationals – Second Place (‘68 Stock), and the AACA First Junior award at the Hershey Fall Nationals.

I would like to thank all of my family and friends who pitched in along the way on this project, especially my restoration director Dom Paino. Also, I want to dedicate the restoration to my father Frank Radio, Sr. and my brother Jeffrey Radio, who unfortunately passed away before the car was finished.
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 [email protected].
Thank You to Our 2023 Philadelphia Auto Show Volunteers
Thank you to Mike Jones, our 2023 Philadelphia International Automobile Show Exhibit Chair, and all of his amazing volunteers (listed below) who helped pull off our beautiful exhibit. With 27 cars this was the largest display we had ever done for the show!

A very special thank you to all of the wonderful owners who shared their antique cars with the hundreds of thousands of attendees. It was a showstopper of a week for AACA – not only did everyone attending the show see our name and the gorgeous cars, but we also gained more than 100 new members. Click here to read about the displayed cars.
Bob Broeze
John Daino
Bob Dare
Nick Fiorani
Sam Fiorani
Wicker Francis
John Fruncillo
Alex Giacobetti
Kathy Gray
Tony Gray
Dwayne Heckert
Bob Hobaugh
Char Hutchison
Dave Hutchison
Mike Jones
Andy Kavulich
Stan Kemp
John Lignelli
Gene Mosteller
Steve Moulden
Mike Riebe
Rich Rosen
David Santmann
Harlan Schufeldt
Michael Stinson
Jack Stoll
Dan Tinsman
Howard Wellens
Steve Wilcox
Membership Corner: Brake Pads, Heaters and Wipers, OH MY!
By Paula Ruby, AACA National VP Membership, [email protected]
The month of March marks National Women’s History Month. Have you ever stopped to think about the important roles that women have played in the automotive industry? Where would the automobile be today if it weren’t for the roles that women have played? Strong women have creative ideas, tenacity and those traits show in the roles they have played.

Bertha Benz – Brake Pads and the First “Road Trip” – Bertha took her children out for a long-distance trip in her husband’s motorcar and during that trip the wooden brakes failed. Needing to find a solution to get her family safely home, she developed the first brake pad, made of leather.

Margaret Wilcox – Car Heater – In 1893, Margaret received a patent for the interior car heater that pulled heat from the engine into the vehicle for the passengers to be warm.

Mary Anderson and Charlotte Bridgwood – Windshield Wipers – While on a trolley ride and not able to look out the widow due to accumulating snow, Mary thought up a spring-loaded arm with a rubber blade that would wipe the windshield when activated from within the car. Charlotte took that design and updated it a mere 14 years later to be electrically operated and use rollers instead of a blade.

Florence Lawrence – Turn Signals – This very elementary design which raised and lowered a signal arm was placed on the back fender of the vehicle and would indicate a stop or a turn. The patent was never issued but certainly transpired into what we know today as turn signals and brake lights.

June McCarroll – Road Markings – While driving her Ford Model T down the roads of California, a ten-ton truck took a bit more of the roadway than she desired. It was then that she launched a letter writing campaign for painted lines, which became California law in 1924.

Gladys Mae West – GPS System – Gladys worked as a mathematician in the U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory when she and her team built the GEOSAT satellite creating simulations of the earth’s surface. This work on the GEOSAT and other satellite systems emerged into the GPS system we have today in our vehicles.

This is certainly not an all-inclusive list of women’s roles in the development and progression of the automobile, but it is of interest that many of the features mentioned above are safety features that are so important today.

How does this information tie into membership? When sharing your membership opportunities to new individuals, think outside the box and pay attention to the women who come to the shows and tours with their own vehicles. The teenager or young girl who is hanging out with their grandfather or father at the event you are hosting are our future. Those ladies, regardless of age, already have the automobile hobbyist spark, so don’t miss the opportunity to recruit them into the best car club around.
Is Your 2023 AACA Membership PAST DUE?
By Karen White, AACA Membership Department, [email protected]
Your AACA membership runs on a calendar year
from January 1 through December 31.
 
If you have already renewed your membership for 2023, thank you!!
If you have not renewed your membership yet, please take a few minutes to do it now.

REMINDER: Your 2023 membership dues MUST be paid before you can receive registration information for any 2023 National Shows or Tours. Your 2023 membership dues MUST be paid to continue receiving your beloved Antique Automobile magazine. 
 
If your 2023 membership dues weren't paid, a renewal form was included with your January/February issue of Antique Automobile magazine. Simply fill out the form and send it back to the office with a check or credit card information. You can also renew your membership by calling National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 (between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST) with a Visa/MasterCard/Discover. 
AACA is Looking for a Few Good Men and Women
Serving on AACA’s Board of Directors is a high calling and a great honor; however, it is not for everybody. If you feel that you can serve the membership and possess the following qualifications, we need to talk to you.

First, you must have a genuine love of the antique automobile hobby. You must have the ability to serve at the national level. This requires you to devote the time, energy, and personal resources necessary to participate in meetings, nationals, tours, and regional activities.

You must be able to function in a team atmosphere by being a team player and/or team leader. You must be able to support your fellow board members and maintain strict confidentiality as required.

Directors need to have the respect of their fellow club members, gained as a proven and successful leader. Experience in chairing or working with AACA committees is important, and background in chairmanship of national level activities is valuable. A track record of active involvement in the hobby, and recognition as a selfless and hard worker for the fun and enjoyment of others is critical.

The best directors are those who rise into the highest offices of AACA and those who work hard so others may enjoy their hobby. To them, knowing that AACA has been successful is more important than their own individual recognition. Still, one of the intangible benefits of leading AACA is the respect and recognition you will receive from the members. It is their thanks for your friendship, your concern for the hobby and their enjoyment of the club, and your wholehearted devotion to AACA.

If you feel that you qualify for consideration by the AACA Board of Directors, please contact Jim Elliott, Chairman Nominating Committee, at 757-880-3343 or [email protected].
ATTENTION: All AACA Judges
You will be receiving your first 2023 issue of The Judge newsletter in your mailbox soon, so please keep an eye out for it. The issue will include registration forms for the following shows:

-- 2023 Southeastern Spring Nationals – Charlotte, NC
-- 2023 Eastern Spring Nationals – Gettysburg, PA
-- 2023 Central Spring Nationals – Auburn, IN
-- 2023 Special Eastern Spring Nationals – Hamilton, NY

There will also be articles from AACA’s VP of Judging, several of your chief judges for these shows, a list of the approved changes to the Judging Guidelines for 2023 and the 2022 Judging Awards recognition list.

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.
Kansas’ Oldest & Largest Swap Meet
By Margaret Barnes, Lawrence Region AACA, [email protected]
The Lawrence Region AACA was established first as an affiliate of the Topeka Region AACA. As founding members were traveling to Topeka from the Lawrence area and beyond for meetings and events, members decided to establish their own chapter and host events. The Lawrence Region charter and by-laws were adopted in 1976 and have been ongoing since that time.
 
This is the 59th Annual Swap Meet hosted by the Lawrence Region at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, Kansas. The swap meet takes place the first full weekend in May. It has been a very successful event and draws business and dollars to the Douglas County community. 
This swap meet has been established as the oldest and largest in Kansas. There is just about anything automotive available from Model As to Z-28s and a multitude of related items besides. It is a busy, fun-filled event for vendors and others alike. The food and parking are supported by local 4-H Clubs that depend on this fundraiser for their annual income.

In appreciation, the Lawrence Region hosts a Bean Supper provided by the 4-H Clubs on the last night free to the vendors. The income that the Lawrence Region gets from the swap meet supports our scholarship program, local charities and our free annual car show event in October.

Please consider making a trip out to Lawrence for this great event. Click here to download an informational flyer. If you have any questions, please visit www.lraaca.org or call 785-843-2222.
Join Us in Historic Gettysburg for the Eastern Spring Nationals
May 17-20, 2023
Eastern Spring Nationals
Gettysburg, PA
Registration Deadline: May 1

Join the Gettysburg Region as they kick off their 70th anniversary celebration by hosting the Eastern Spring Nationals. This is a big year for the region and what better way to show their AACA spirit than to host all of you for a national show in their historic hometown.

The event schedule includes a: flea market, car corral, tours of Bill Wessels Cadillac Collection and the World War II American Experience Museum, cruise-in, membership roundtable, Judging School, BBQ with entertainment, Judges Breakfast, Judges CJE, Owners Briefing, the car show of course, closing banquet and awards presentation.

Host Hotel:
Wyndham Gettysburg, 95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA 17325, 717-339-0020 (press 3)
Ask for rooms in the AACA Eastern Spring National Block, Reservation Code: 051623AAC
$144.00/night plus taxes

Questions?
Co-Chairman: Don Barlup, 717-582-3209, [email protected]
Co-Chairman: Karl Krouch, 717-576-7241
Registration Chair: Sue Gingrich, 717-525-4759, [email protected]  
Book Your Hotel Now for the Founders Tour
July 16-22, 2023
Founders Tour
London, Ontario, Canada

Our AACA London to Brighton hub tour will be at the Four Points by Sheraton London1150 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6E 1M3, and will be combined with the American AACA Founders tour, so please take this opportunity to book your hotel room early.

We have secured rooms with king beds or 2 queen beds for $149 per night including hot breakfast, indoor swimming pool, restaurants onsite and within walking distance. We have also secured a limited number of accessible rooms, so please book early.

Our tour dates will be Sunday, July 16 to Friday, July 21 with departure on Saturday, July 22, 2023. You will need to enter in your exact dates for your room reservations and select the correct number of guests. Upon making your reservation, you may elect to arrive a day early or stay a day later at the same $149 per night price.

You are also welcome to call the hotel directly at 1-519-681-0600.
If you collect Marriott Bonvoy points, please have your number ready upon booking.

Questions?
Tour Chairman: Andrew Sommers, 905-305-7747, [email protected]
Check Out These Upcoming AACA National Activities...
Order Your Official AACA Car Sign Now for the 2023 Car Show Season
This is the only approved AACA car show sign and is intended for use at AACA events. These signs are only available to AACA members and are custom created to tell your vehicle's story and history.

Please allow 4 weeks for the production of your sign from start to finish. Signs are 16.5" tall and 12" wide and are made of hard plastic to withstand the elements. The signs cost $45 plus shipping, and an image can be added to your sign for an additional $5.


Contact Jon Curtis at AACA Headquarters if you would like to have a sign made: [email protected] or 717-534-1910.
How Long Have You Been an AACA Member?
As a thank you for your longtime passion and dedication for the automotive hobby, AACA awards members who have been in the club for 50 years or more with a beautiful 50-year pin. This stunning award can be bestowed upon a long-time member at an AACA Nationals or regional event, or simply by sending it to you in the mail.

To receive this pin, you must be a member for at least 50 years, which do not have to be consecutive. You (or your region/chapter) must then contact National Headquarters. We will research our archives to confirm 50 years of membership.

If you believe you have been a member for 50 years or more, contact Jon Curtis at 717-534-1910 or [email protected]. AACA is proud of the many members who have already received this pin and who wear it equally as proudly.
Grab Your AACA Merch Now and Be Ready for the 2023 Car Season
We've got shirts, hats, sweatshirts, polos, jackets, fleeces, etc. We have license plate frames, trailer hitches and window decals. We even have shirts for the kids and grandkids! And don't forget the light-up USB car chargers and drink koozies that look like stacks of tires.
 
We've got a great variety of AACA-branded items, so you are sure to find something you will love!

 
Can't find something in the online store? You can always call AACA Headquarters to place your order as well (717-534-1910, M-F 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST).
Schedule a Tour of AACA National Headquarters & Library Research Center
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? We even have a back patio with picnic tables where your group can host lunch. 

If you would like to book a tour, please reach out to Amoi Goldman, AACA Reference Librarian & Outreach Coordinator, at 717-534-2082 or [email protected].

Do You Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member?
The Military Sponsorship Program is available to all of the Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending a limited number of complimentary 2023 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Join/Renew and drop down to Military Discount, or simply click here.

These complimentary 2023 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants and are limited by the funds available for this program. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.
Be Social With Us
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.
 
AACA is on Instagram! @antiqueautomobileclubofamerica 
Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong
Trivia Answer
The first competition to take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway occurred on June 5, 1909…and it was a balloon race. Due to persistent rain, the track remained unfinished, but Speedway President Carl Fisher was insistent that a competitive event take place. Motorcycles ran there next on August 14, 1909, and then cars finally began to compete five days later. The first Indy 500 occurred on May 30, 1911, and the rest, as they say, is history.
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.