February 2025 | Volume 194

Sights From the 2025 Annual Convention

Enjoy this sneak peak of photos from the event and make sure to check out the oversized complete wrap-up article, award-winner profiles, and photos in the next issue of Antique Automobile magazine.

THANK YOU

AACA Staff &

Volunteers!!

Meet Your New 2025 AACA National Board of Directors

Your new 2025 AACA National Board of Directors was inducted during the Annual Convention in February. If you click the link above, it will take you to the page on the AACA website where the Board is listed. Each listing includes a Board member’s name, position, address and photo. If you click on their name, you can email them directly. These Board members are here to serve you and this organization, so please do not hesitate to contact them at any time.

Will YOU Be Attending the First National Show of 2025?

You still have time to register for Charlotte!!

Registration deadline extended until March 17!

April 3-5, 2025

Southeastern Spring Nationals

Charlotte, NC

Click here for brochure

Click here to register online

Click here to register online to judge

Click here for a printable judge registration form

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 and we are especially pleased that you have chosen to participate in these events. The Spring Nationals are 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.

Overall Schedule:

Thursday, April 3: Charlotte AutoFair Opens

Friday, April 4: Race Car/Bike Condition Run, Judging School, Team Captains School

Saturday, April 5: Southeastern Spring Nationals & Awards, Judges’ Breakfast, Judges CJE, Youth Program, New Owners Clinic, Picnic

Check out this 4-minute video to learn more about AutoFair and the Southeastern Spring Nationals.

A list of recommended hotels can be found in the brochure.

Show Chairman: Phillip Cole, 704-577-8576, lakeholme@att.net 

Registration Chair: Ken Gilmore, 704-841-1990, hornetsnestregionaaca@windstream.net

REMINDER: Your 2025 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2025 National shows and tours.

ATTENTION REGIONS & CHAPTERS:

Your Reporting Forms Are PAST DUE!!

Your AACA membership runs on a calendar year

from January 1 through December 31.

If you have already renewed your membership for 2025, thank you!!

If you have not renewed your membership yet, please take a few minutes to do it now.

If you submitted your national dues to your region or chapter and received a renewal form with your January/February Antique Automobile magazine, please disregard the notice. 

REMINDER: Your 2025 membership dues MUST be paid before you can receive registration information for any 2025 National Shows or Tours. Your 2025 membership dues MUST be paid to continue receiving your beloved Antique Automobile magazine. 

You can pay your 2025 membership dues online, by phone or mail...

Online:

• Go to the membership renewal page.
• Enter your membership number and PIN. 
• Review the information currently listed on your membership record.
• Make changes or corrections if needed.
• Click on payment.
• Review your information one more time.
• Click on credit card.
• Enter your payment information. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
• Verify your billing address.
• Click Pay.
• Your payment will automatically record to your membership record, and you will receive an email confirmation.

If you have a previous year’s membership card, your membership number and PIN are printed on the card. Your membership number does NOT change. If you can’t find your membership card, call National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or email kwhite@aaca.org to get your numbers. 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.

Phone: You can call National Headquarters at 717-534-1910. We will be happy to renew your membership over the phone.

Mail: If available, you can use a renewal form that you would have received with a previous issue of Antique Automobile magazine. You can fill out the form and send it back to the office with a check or credit card information.

It may be a little early for spring cleaning yet, but it’s not too far off! Here at the AACA Library we are fortunate to be the recipients of many donations of automotive materials and documents that come to us from our members and others in the hobby – but did you know there are other items the library can use, too? You might have some yourself or know of an office or local library looking to pass theirs along instead of throwing them out.

There are three items in particular that we are running short of in the archives, and while we can and will purchase more if needed, we prefer to reuse when possible. If you or someone you know is looking to dispose of the following items, consider the AACA Library before the landfill! These are supplies we use on a regular basis, and the ones that we need more of as our collection grows:

Bookends – preferably large metal ones (at least 8 inches tall) in good condition – meaning free of rust, worn or sharp edges, and not bent/warped. We use this style of bookend to help hold up heavy books, shop manuals, and parts catalogs, so that they remain in good condition on the shelves. Items that are allowed to slump over are more likely to get broken spines, which leads to wear, loose pages, and a more fragile item to scan or photocopy.

Book Easels – large or small, plastic-coated preferred, in good condition (free of rust, not bent/warped). Book easels are essential to help present our collection to visitors in the library, at the October yard sale, in our Black Swan Antiques booth, and at the Annual Convention.

Magazine Holders – tall, metal holders preferred, with an open front, in good condition (free of rust and sharp or worn edges, not bent/warped). Magazine holders are an alternate tool we use to store heavy shop manuals, or other softbound books that can’t remain upright on their own, thus keeping their spine and pages intact. The holder also provides stability to the manuals and helps prevent entire shelves of items from sliding down on the person who is using them.

Thank you for your ongoing consideration and support of the library – we are constantly working to keep your collection in good condition and accessible to all. If you have any questions regarding archival supplies that might be useful to us, please reach out to me directly at jwolfe@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.

“Which car should we take home Matthew?” 

“This one Grandpa.”

The question by my grandfather and my answer was the first recollection I have of a new Buick Riviera Gran Sport he and my grandmother purchased in 1965. Although I was only about six years old at the time, I remember being with them at the dealership.

I’m sure most of us remember the first vehicle that “wowed” us. For me, it was my grandfather’s Riviera. First as a young boy, then as a teenager, and even now as an adult, this car has always fascinated me. The fact that I was there when it was purchased and perhaps had some influence on his decision makes the car even more intriguing.

In my mind, the car has always been part of the family. My first memorable experiences of riding in the car were from the backseat. As a little boy, the backseat appeared huge. It was a wide, black vinyl bench seat with a movable center armrest. I could play “cowboy” by pulling down the armrest and sitting on top of it. Or I could raise it up and lie completely down the entire length of the seat. Although seatbelts were installed, wearing them was rarely enforced in the 1960s. Essentially, I had free range of the entire back while we drove along.

Gazing from the back to the front dash was an amazing sight. There were plenty of gauges, knobs and switches set on a woodgrain background with chrome trim. With a flick of a switch, my grandfather demonstrated that he could raise and lower the outside radio antenna. It would magically rise from the hood. I also noticed that he could somehow set a maximum speed on the speedometer. If exceeded, a loud buzzing sound occurred. (Oh, I heard that a lot!) 

Another fascinating feature was the windows. I had never been in a car where all you needed to do was push a button and the windows would magically go up and down. There were also smaller vent windows on the driver and passenger sides that would flip open and shut.

In addition to the antenna, what amazed me the most was the radio. I watched the indicator move back and forth all by itself as it mysteriously scanned for stations. Then, it would automatically stop, and the music would play. How could that be possible? And the horn? Well, it sounded more like a train whistle on a locomotive than a car horn. All heads would turn as they heard us drive by. All of these features mystified a young boy like me. 

As I grew older, I realized that some of the car’s features were the forefront of what we take for granted in today’s cars. I also began to appreciate more of the styling and the mechanics of the car. It was a beautiful car with continuous lines and a striking color that I had always called yellow. Later I found out the true name was “Bamboo Cream.” Also, the car had disappearing headlights. Just like the radio antenna, the headlights would disappear and reappear with a flick of a switch. How cool was that?

The engine was another incredible feature. One day, my father and I visited my grandfather who was cleaning the Riviera. I remember vividly grandpa opening the hood of the car exposing the massive 425 cu.in., 360 hp engine. It was my first glimpse of the motor. I had seen big engines before, but not like this one. The bright chrome air cleaner cover was the center piece and immediately caught my attention. It had the words “Super Wildcat” on it. It was gigantic and it sparkled!

When he removed the cover, there wasn’t one carburetor but two! Now, that was really amazing! Grandpa told dad to start up the car. Dad revved the engine several times. The loud rumble with dual exhaust lured me to want to sit in the driver’s seat, step on the gas, and take it for a spin.

When my grandparents passed, the car went to my uncle. After his death, the Riviera was sold and resold during the early 2000s. As the years went by, I would see the Riviera as it traveled around our community as did my sister and other family members. As I said earlier, the car was family. So, anytime any of us saw the car we would tell the others, “I saw grandpa’s car.” There was no mistaking the looks or the sound. We all would then reminisce about the car and how it would have been nice if it could have stayed in the family.

A couple of years ago, I happened to be telling our friends Al and Mary Zamba about my grandparent’s car. I told the story of how at only age six, I pointed to the car they ended up buying. The Zambas are car enthusiast and have a very nice collection of vintage automobiles. So, I thought they would enjoy the story of my memories of the Rivera and how it had impacted me. I also shared with them how wonderful it would be to sit in it again and admire once more all of the wonderful features.

Al looked at me and smiled. He then said, “I know who owns your grandfather’s car.” My reply was, “Are you kidding me?” A meeting was soon arranged with the then owner, “Jack.” Jack had a very impressive collection of cars himself; I gathered he was more a buyer then a seller. I doubted if he would ever sell us the car. My sister accompanied me and Jack listened intently as we told him about being at the dealers in 1965, our memories of riding in the car, and our desire to return the car back to the family that cherished it.   

Jack told us that our grandparents ordered the Buick Riviera Gran Sport edition with every possible accessory. He shared with me several features I didn’t even know the car possessed and explained why it is a wonderful and highly sought-after car. When it debuted in 1965, the car was a huge success for General Motors and is now a classic. Jack told us that it is rare for a car such as this to go through several owners and still stay within a 20-mile radius of where it was first purchased. We were extremely touched when Jack ended his comments by saying, “This is your car, and it belongs back with your family.” A few weeks later it was parked in our garage.

As I look back almost 60 years ago, I know that my grandfather did not buy the car because of a six-year-old’s suggestion. No doubt he had already purchased the car and merely positioned me in front of it to stage the question knowing what my reply would be. Nonetheless, I will continue to say that I chose the car. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! 

When I drive it now, I love telling whoever is with me, particularly my granddaughter, to watch the radio and look for the outside antenna to appear. Then, with a flick of a switch, the memories continue for the next generation.

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. 

As a thank you for your longtime passion for and dedication to 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 your 50 years of membership.

AACA is proud of the many members who have already received this pin and who wear it equally as proud. If you believe you have been a member for 50 years or more, contact Jon Curtis at jcurtis@aaca.org for review of your membership history.

On January 21, the northern weather got a little lost and found itself all the way down here in Mobile, Alabama. After the storm was over, we found ourselves in a world that had been transformed. The snow, still thick and heavy, gleamed under the crisp sunshine, as if the whole sky had been wiped clean. It was overwhelming in the best possible way, like nature had just pressed the reset button, and everything was quiet, still, and impossibly beautiful. The air had that perfect chill, the kind that makes you feel alive with every breath.

We took a trip to our friend’s house to get Eleanor, our 1930 Model A, out of the garage for a snow day adventure. Her old-fashioned charm against the backdrop of pristine snow and the sun’s glow made for a scene out of a dream. We couldn’t resist capturing the moment, snapping photos of her in the snow, the old car standing proudly like a relic of a time gone by, and the world around her frozen in winter’s embrace.

It was one of those days where the beauty of it all just hits you in the chest. You can’t help but feel grateful for the moment, for the snow, the sun, and the memories that were already taking shape, even as the snow began to melt away.

Most automobile manufacturers have specific areas to test the assorted components they produced to complete the cars they were manufacturing. The independent car manufacturers were no different and what you view here is the Research Laboratories of the H.H. Franklin Manufacturing Co. of Syracuse, NY, in 1930. This was an era when Franklin made a major change to the way their engine was cooled with air to blow across the vertically inline-six cylinders being directed from the left side to the right as a ‘cross draft’ from the previous ‘down draft’ which blew down to the top of the cylinders.

The photos came to me in 1986 from a fellow who became a student engineer at Franklin after graduating from the University of New Hampshire.

Herbert B. Reed lived in Keene, NH, at the time of our conversations and was born in 1907. His vivid memories of his time at Franklin were an insight into the history of the Franklin car and the personalities that worked there. I had made an effort to meet and get to know other Franklin employees, so Herbert was so pleased to hear and read their names again.

The wear test lab in the Engineering Development Laboratory was familiarly known as the “Dog House” to those who worked at the factory. The two men shown running tests are Jack Flannery and Bob Merrithew. The other two photos show the new ‘side draft’ engine that was developed for the 1930 series 14 and later Franklins. Herbert Reed wrote to me that he was under the direction of chief engineer Carl Doman and that he “was one of the finest men it has been my pleasure to know.” As a student engineer there was a ride in a test car fitted with the then experimental V-12. This engine was fitted into a lengthened chassis that was used for the 6-cylinder Airman cars. Herbert also got to meet E.G. “Cannonball” Baker who drove Franklins coast to coast in unbelievably short amounts of time.

Herbert Reed’s memories of working for Franklin are a treasure of first-person experiences. The only “help” I gave him was the mention of several people I knew who worked for Franklin at the same time. The tests of all the engine components in the engineering research laboratories were extensive. Parts made by Franklin, as well as the outside suppliers, were put to their limit to make sure that they were satisfactory. The information supplied is a priceless record of Franklin cars mechanical development and application. All observations were from an engineer who was there when it was happening at the Franklin Company “Dog House.” 

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.

Who’s Ready to Dual in the Desert?

By Roy Ireland, Tucson Region, rlireland@aol.com

May 1-3, 2025

Western Spring Nationals/

Special Grand Nationals

aka, Dual in the Desert III

Tucson, AZ

Registration Deadline: April 15

Click here for brochure

Click here to register online

Click here to register online to judge

Click here if you would like registration information mailed to you (please specify Western Spring Nationals or Special Grand Nationals)

The Tucson Region is looking forward to hosting our third Dual Nationals. Online vehicle registration is now open – just click here. Take note that your AACA membership must be current to register.

Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates Mexico defeating the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, is a huge celebration in Tucson.

One of the events that celebrate this historic occasion will be held at the Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater (AVA) on the campus of Casino Del Sol. The event is FREE. So, take this opportunity to stay over a day (or two!) and enjoy the activities. Details can be found here.

Tucson has made the BBC’s list of the “Best Places to Travel in 2025.” It’s one of only three U.S. destinations on the global list! Ranked number 7 out of 25, Tucson earned its spot on the list for its vibrant culture, rich history, dedication to sustainability and distinction as the first Unesco City of Gastronomy in the United States. Read more about this prestigious honor here.

Plan to come early and stay later to take advantage of the many attractions and points of interest in Southern Arizona! Special group rates apply for 3 days before and 3 days after the event. Note: Extended stay dates CANNOT be booked online. They must be booked by calling the Reservation Desk at 855-765-7829.

Host Hotel:

Casino Del Sol Resort & Casino, 855-765-7829

5655 W. Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757

www.casinodelsol.com

Special AACA Rates:

The Casino Tower features luxury deluxe king and queen rooms at a special group rate of $169/night. Rooms are also available in the Estrella Tower adjacent to the Casino for $149/night.

Contact the Resort at 855-765-7829 for reservations. Online registration is also available. See instructions at tucsonaaca.org/registration.html.

Group name: AACA National Meet/Grand National

Use group code: 8385

RV parking is also available on-site for a full-hookups rate of $50/night. Click here to reserve your spot.

Questions?

Event Coordinator: Dave Green, 520-904-7325, alpgavegr@msn.com

Western Spring Nationals Chair: Andy Neal, 520-405-5490, nihoto560@gmail.com

Grand Nationals Chair: Tom Mulligan, 520-325-7247, tmulligansr@aol.com

Registration Chair: Roy Ireland, 520-591-1140, royireland802@gmail.com

Tucson Region Website: tucsonaaca.org

REMINDER: Your 2025 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2025 National shows and tours.

Double Your Grand National Pleasure in 2025!!

Enter your Senior car in the show in Tucson and then in July head to Dayton, OH. This is a rare year with two Grand Nationals to serve the East and West. Conceivably you could get your First and Senior Grand National both in 2025! Plus, what a neat opportunity to see more of our great country.

Who’s Up For a Plain & Fancy Tour?

June 1-7, 2025

Vintage Tour

Lancaster, PA

Registration Opens: March 1

(35 car limit!)

Click here for brochure

Click here if you would like registration information mailed to you (please specify Vintage Tour)

Join us for an interesting and informative week in and around historic Lancaster County, PA. Hosted by the Buzzard’s Breath Touring Region, this tour promises to be a relaxing, informative, and fun event for our automobiles up to 1931. Plus, there will be the first ever AACA (miniature) Golf Tournament! This will be a tour you do not want to miss!

Tour highlights include the Seiverling Pedal Car Museum, Weavertown Coach, Cal High collection, special guided tours of historic Lititz, PA, Herr’s Chips, Robert Fulton birthplace, Rock Ford Plantation, Railroad Museum of PA, Strasburg Railroad, AACA Miniature Golf Tournament, Wheatland and Ephrata Cloisters, Hans Herr House and Barry’s Car Barn.

Host Hotel:

Holiday Inn Express, 717-455-4700

1900 Historic Drive, Strasburg, PA 17579

AACA rate: $127 per night, breakfast included

For more information, contact Tour Chairman and Registration:

Charlie Steffy, 407-261-9318, Chas1963@hotmail.com

REMINDER: Your 2025 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2025 National shows and tours.

Join Us in Auburn to Celebrate Independence Day

July 2-5, 2025

Central Spring Nationals

Auburn, IN

Registration Deadline: June 9

Click here for brochure

Click here to register online

Click here to register online to judge

Click here if you would like registration information mailed to you (please specify Central Spring Nationals)

The Crossroads of America Region welcomes you to Auburn as AACA returns to DeKalb County in 2025 for the Central Spring Nationals, July 2-5. The event showcases an impressive array of antique automobiles, offering a glimpse into automotive history. Held in the "Classic Car Capital of the World," it’s a perfect opportunity to admire meticulously restored vehicles, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the rich heritage of classic cars.

Event highlights include historic home bus tours, Garrett Heritage Days Parade, Garrett Heritage Days Car Show, membership roundtable, Judging School, downtown Auburn cruise-in, Garrett fireworks, Judges Breakfast, Judges’ CJE, owners briefing, Central Spring Nationals car show, and the dinner/awards ceremony.

Hotel and lodging information can be found in the brochure.

For more information, contact:

Cam Moore, 260-925-7410, or Keith Flesher, keiflesher@aol.com

REMINDER: Your 2025 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2025 National shows and tours.

79th Revival AAA Glidden Tour Explores Western Kentucky

September 7-12, 2025

79th Revival AAA Glidden Tour®

Hosted by VMCCA

Owensboro, KY

Registration Deadline: June 15

Click here for tour application

Remember: You must be a current AACA or VMCCA member to participate. Your application must be post-marked between March 15 and June 15, 2025.

The 79th Revival AAA Glidden Tour will take place in Owensboro, KY, September 7-12, and it will be the perfect setting for antique vehicles from 1942 and earlier. The western Kentucky terrain is brass car friendly with miles and miles of flat, rural roads. Owensboro is on the Ohio River, which separates the Bluegrass State from Indiana. Half of the tour will take place in the southern part of the Hoosier State.

Tour highlights include Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home, the John Audubon Museum, the Evansville Wartime Museum, the Santa Claus Museum, Squire Boone Caverns, Bill Monroe's Birthplace, and a world-class distillery.

For more information, call 423-385-4414 or email 2025gliddentourky@gmail.com.

REMINDER: Your 2025 AACA membership dues must be paid

prior to registering for any 2025 National shows and tours.

Last year, in conjunction with RM Sotheby’s, we were able to obtain a discounted rate at the Hershey Lodge during the Eastern Fall Nationals which most simply refer to as “Hershey.” Thanks to AACA members who took advantage of this deal, we were able to sell out the entire block of 900 room nights. Selling out this room block is the best way we can ensure that the auction remains a part of our event. The auction is back in 2025 and we already have the block set up to take reservations. Please consider making your reservation now clicking here. This year’s rate is $299 a night. Thank you all for your support last year!

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 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Below are several exclusive deals on live events including concerts, sports, shows and more. Check out these and more deals by clicking here.

Disneyland Resort –

Kids’ Special Ticket Offer

SeaWorld - San Diego

Busch Gardens - Tampa Bay

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Empire State Building

Georgia Aquarium

Daytona 500

Monster Jam

Morgan Wallen

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.

Antique Automobile Club of America

AACA.org | 717-534-1910

America’s Premiere Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community

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.