January 2022 | Volume 157 |
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Is Your 2022 AACA Membership PAST DUE?
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Your AACA membership runs on a calendar year
from January 1 through December 31.
If you have already renewed your membership for 2022, thank you!!
If you have not renewed your membership yet, please take a few minutes to do it now.
REMINDER: Your 2022 membership dues MUST be paid in order to renew your spaces for Hershey. Your 2022 membership dues MUST be paid before you can receive registration information for any 2022 National Shows or Tours. Your 2022 membership dues MUST be paid to continue receiving your beloved Antique Automobile magazine.
A renewal form was included with your most recent 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. Unfortunately, the membership renewal area of the AACA online store is currently experiencing issues.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 10!!
Don't Miss Your Chance to Have Some Fun in the Florida Sun
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February 24-26, 2022
Winter Nationals
Melbourne, FL
Registration Deadline Extended: February 10
The Cape Canaveral Region would like to extend a warm welcome to all AACA members who are planning to attend the Winter Nationals. The area is blessed with beautiful weather in February boasting a sunny average daytime temperature of 78 degrees and very little rain. We are being hosted by the American Muscle Car Museum in Melbourne, which is only a 1-hour drive from the Orlando resorts of Disney World, SeaWorld, etc. Our host hotel is immediately adjacent to the Melbourne Airport and a little more than 1 hour from both the Orlando International and Orlando Sanford airports, both of which feature low airfares from most of the country. Secondary hotels are a little less than 10 minutes from the show field.
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The Countdown to Vegas is on!
DON’T MISS THIS SHOW!!
WE NEED MORE REGISTRATIONS IMMEDIATELY!!
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WEST COAST SHOW!!
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March 10-12, 2022
Western Spring Nationals
Las Vegas, NV
Registration Deadline: February 18
The 2022 Western Spring Nationals at Lake Las Vegas in March will be here before you know it. Hopefully, if you’re coming out for the show, you have already registered, but if not now is the time to do so. All of the information can be found on the national website and online registration is open. Please keep in mind that if you haven’t paid your 2022 National dues yet, you won’t be able to see 2022 event registrations on the website.
On Thursday, March 10, we have a fun day planned with a tour of the Hoover Dam in the morning and then an hour and a half yacht cruise on Lake Las Vegas in the evening. During the day on Friday, we have the roundtable discussions and Judging School scheduled. In the evening on Friday, we have now added an ice cream social. Of course, on Saturday we have the Judges’ Breakfast, show field judging and the awards banquet in the evening. All of these activities will be held at the host hotel, the Lake Las Vegas Hilton.
If you are a golfer, there are two beautiful golf courses in the immediate area.
Compared to the Las Vegas Strip or downtown Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas is a very placid area. It’s enjoyable to drive around the neighborhood with hardly any traffic at all and take in all of the beautiful scenery.
Come be part of our first ever event in Las Vegas! I know it will be a special and enjoyable time for everyone.
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2022 Hershey Flea Market & Car Corral Pre-Registration DUE NOW!
By "Mac" MacAdam, Flea Market/Car Corral Registration Chairman,
Renewal deadline is February 15!
HURRY! Don't lose your spots!!
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On behalf of the Hershey Region, we thank you for attending the 2021 Fall Meet. We hope you had an enjoyable experience. We are starting to work on the 2022 Fall Meet in which Jay Robertson will be the Fall Meet Chairman with Scott Kopp as his assistant.
We mailed the 2022 pre-registration packet/cards out on December 20th. If you have not received your packet in the mail, you should IMMEDIATELY call 717-566-7720 or email fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org.
As a direct result of substantial increases in the costs we pay to operate the Hershey Fall Meet, we are increasing the flea market space rental fee by $10 per space for 2022. This is not a decision that was made easily. It is important to remember that this event is put on by the volunteer members of the Hershey Region and that this is the first price increase we have had in nearly 10 years. Thank you in advance for understanding!
Please read the following important information regarding the submission of pre-registration cards:
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A "Space Relocation Form" was enclosed in the packet. This will be the only form accepted. If you write your request on the pre-registration card, a separate sheet of paper, etc., it will NOT be accepted. Also be advised we make assignments using the postmark on the envelope. The space(s) must be available after the pre-registration phase in order for you to be relocated.
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Pay close attention to the deadline on the card. The deadline is February 15th! Your spaces will be in jeopardy if the postmarked deadline is not followed. The registered vendor is responsible (not the spouse, the assistant or the secretary to name a few of the excuses we hear).
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If your card or check is not signed, it will be returned to you. That will also delay your postmark position for relocation.
- Checks deposited that are returned for insufficient funds, account was closed, etc., will be charged a $35 administration fee.
- The dates and times for which our telephones will be staffed was printed on the pre-registration card. If you leave a message, please speak slowly and clearly leaving your name, telephone number, AACA member number and a very short message.
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If you have NOT received your new AACA membership card yet, DO NOT WAIT to mail your pre-registration card. Write your AACA member number in the space provided on the card and mail it with your check or money order.
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Political signs, memorabilia, bumper stickers, pins, buttons, etc., are NOT permitted at any National event for sale, swap or display. This should be considered the "suitable warning" for the following policy extracted from the Policy and Procedure Manual of the AACA. Vendors violating this rule will be expelled. Additionally, refunds of flea market spaces will not be given to the violators in accordance with the P & P Manual.
5.9.1 General (Excerpt)
"Nationals are open to the general public. Therefore, their operation and conduct give the public its chief, if not the only, impression of us as a club. When flea markets are held in conjunction with National Activities, it is important that they reflect the family-oriented nature of our hobby and are in keeping with their intended purpose, i.e. to provide a source of parts, accessories, and memorabilia related to our hobby. The meet host reserves the right to expel, after suitable warning, any persons including vendors who conduct themselves in a way that would reflect unfavorably upon AACA."
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2022 AACA Annual Convention Moved
Full Activity & Seminar Schedule Announced
REGISTRATION DEADLINE & SPECIAL AACA ROOM RATE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 4
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AACA Annual Convention, February 10-12
All Friday seminars have limited seating capacity.
Wyndham Gettysburg
95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 339-0020 Dial 0 and ask for the AACA rate
Courtyard Marriott
115 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-5600 and ask for AACA rate
(located just a few steps next door to the Wyndham)
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Well, most of you have heard by now that we had to make a last-minute decision to move the 2022 Annual Convention to Gettysburg, PA. Multiple recent issues and mandates within the city of Philadelphia instituted on January 3rd severely impacted the possibility of holding our event in that city. After several serious discussions by the AACA Board of Directors, it was decided that even at this late date, it was best to find an alternate location. If you made reservations at the Sheraton in Philadelphia, you will need to cancel them – the phone numbers for the Sheraton are 215-448-2000 or (800) 325-3535.
We will be based at the Wyndham Hotel and Courtyard Marriott, where we have held several successful events in the past. Our plan is to host the very best convention possible despite the challenges of the move and using a smaller hotel. We will still have seminars, trade show vendors, First Lady’s breakfast, AACA merchandise, Region Presidents’ Dinner, membership meeting and, of course, our Saturday-night awards gala.
The hotels have given us a great rate of $118 plus tax and there is NO parking fee at either hotel. The Wyndham is where most of the activities will take place. BWI (Baltimore) airport is about 1½ hours away and MDT (Harrisburg) airport is about 1 hour. Philadelphia is about a 2½ hour drive to Gettysburg.
We have called everyone who had already registered for the event in Philadelphia. We have also called all the national award winners. According to what individuals wanted to do, we have either moved their registration to Gettysburg or refunded their money.
If you would like to attend the First Lady’s Breakfast, Region Presidents’ Dinner or the Saturday Awards Banquet, please call headquarters no later than February 4. Anyone who does not want to attend these specific activities can register now or onsite in Gettysburg. Also, for those who wish to come for the day only (i.e. just Saturday for Judging School), you can register now or onsite the day of.
Again, we deeply regret having to take this action, but we did it in the best interest of our membership. It is not easy on the club or its members but as we have proven in the past, we will make lemonade out of lemons.
REMINDER: You must be a paid 2022 AACA member in order to register for the Annual Convention. If you need to pay your dues, please call AACA National HQ at 717-534-1910 and we will renew you over the phone with a credit card.
We hope you will consider joining us for this very special annual event!
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Chris & Kathleen Koch AACA Library to Host
2nd Pinewood Derby at Annual Convention
By Matthew Hocker, AACA Librarian, Cataloger & Volunteer Coordinator, mhocker@aaca.org
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The 2022 AACA Annual Convention has been moved to Gettysburg, but our 2nd Annual Convention Derby is still good to go! Our booth will be the place to be for registration for the event. By participating, you can help us make our derby a smashing success.
Both children and adults alike are welcome to enter the 2022 Annual Convention Derby. There is a $35 entrance fee to participate, with proceeds benefitting the Chris & Kathleen Koch AACA Library. New for this year will be a PVC track for better performance. Racers will be vying for trophies and some sweet prizes, including a lifetime membership to AACA and a custom LEGO kit depicting the AACA Library Bookmobile!
The date for the derby is Friday, February 11, 2022, immediately following the Region & Chapter Presidents’ Dinner. Weigh-in and inspection will be held earlier in the day between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The library will not be selling any car kits, but they can be found via online retailers like Amazon or in many local toy and hardware stores. Click here for more information, including the complete list of rules. Good luck to all who enter and see you next week!
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Interested in doing research
with the AACA Library?
More information is available on our website.
You can also visit the AACA Library or contact
our library director Chris Ritter at
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Thank You to the 2021 AACA National Awards Committee |
Every year in December, the AACA National Awards Committee makes the trek to Hershey, PA, to meet for a long weekend at your National Headquarters to choose your National Award winners for that year. Once the committee has done its work, all of the National Award winners are notified that they have won an award which will be presented to them at the Annual Convention in February. They are not told what award they have won, just that they have won one. This is our way of still keeping some surprise and mystery about the awards.
Many thanks to the 2021 AACA National Awards Committee! We are looking very forward to honoring our 2021 National Award winners next week in Gettysburg.
(L to R moving up the stairs) Ray Fischer, Hulon McCraw, Sonny Sain, Mike Petersen, Rick Lay, Tom Howard,
Kelly Adams, Terry Bond, Mike Jones, Chuck Carisch, Jim Elliott, John McCarthy, Wayne Tuck,
Doc Stanley Stratton, Bob Parrish, Eric Marsh
(in attendance but missing from photo: Tom Cox, John Harvey, Steve Moskowitz)
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Membership Corner: The Annual Convention Experience
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When someone first joins AACA, most do not realize the size and importance which AACA offers to our collector car hobby. I remember learning the basics of AACA while browsing through my first Antique Automobile magazine.
Soon after joining, I discovered there was an AACA tour scheduled less than 100 miles from home. It sounded interesting, so I signed up to go on the tour. I was impressed with the overall organization of the event and the genuine cordiality of the members and particularly our AACA National Directors.
I went on a few more tours, as well as attended a few National shows as a spectator. As is the case with many of our members, I was busy with life and never considered attending our Annual Convention in Philadelphia. About 10 years ago, after some persuasion, I decided to sign up for the event and really learn about our national club.
When I walked through the revolving doors at the downtown Philadelphia Sheraton, I literally felt like I had entered a different dimension. I received a hearty welcome from some of the AACA members I had met across the country, as well as cordial greetings from people I had yet to meet. In the evening, I attended a "meet & greet" in a hospitality suite on one of the upper floors, where I met several of our directors as well as many other AACA members.
On Friday and Saturday, I attended several seminars including my first ever AACA Judging School. I took time to walk through the trade show, which was interesting and educational. I also attended the Region & Chapter Presidents’ Dinner on Friday evening as a representative from our Suwannee River Region. The last event on Saturday afternoon was the National AACA Membership Meeting, where club business was conducted as well as our new AACA President was sworn in. In the evening, I attended the closing awards banquet – a gala event. I’ve heard many members refer to it as the AACA Oscars.
My first Philadelphia Annual Convention experience got me hooked and I have been involved on the national level with judging, newsletters, membership and in other ways. Whether you are a new or long-term member, I highly recommend attending the Annual Convention.
The times being what they are, this year’s convention was just recently moved from Philadelphia to Gettysburg, PA. Even though the location will be different, the Annual Convention Committee has worked hard to give you everything you normally expect at your National Convention just on a little bit smaller of a scale. Won’t you consider joining us next week in Gettysburg from February 10-12? I promise you will learn so much more about AACA’s mission, meet some great people and have a wonderful time.
You may also choose to take in the historic battlefields in Gettysburg. However, I would recommend coming a day early or staying a day after, as there is so much to do and see at the convention. Happy motoring!
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Please scroll all the way to the end of the Speedster to find the answer. |
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Once upon a time there was an Ohio engineering student who wired his Lehigh University dorm room so he could close the window electronically to avoid getting up out of bed. He would go on to become a prominent electrical goods manufacturer and then set his sights on the then-fledgling automotive industry… due to dissatisfaction, and then a dare, after buying his first car in 1898. Who was this early automotive entrepreneur? |
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Driving Home For My 50th Year High School Reunion
This is a member submitted story.
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The summer of 2015 got off to a slow start with many rainy weekends and some travel for family events. All this kept my old '41 Dodge mileage down to only around 4,400 miles for the summer, one of the lowest for the last ten summers. But I did have one very outstanding trip planned in my old Dodge to my 50th class reunion in my old hometown.
I grew up in a small town on the southern shore of Lake Erie 60 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio, called Ashtabula. (That is Indian for "River of Many Fish.") The reunion was after that little car event the Kyana Region put on in Louisville, KY, for the AACA's 80th anniversary, so I was able to make plans to attend the reunion. What better way to go than a road trip in the old Dodge? So the planning started, looking for back roads as much as I could. What to take? I have spare ignition parts, a fuel pump and a few light bulbs, but what about spare generator, starter, transmission… wait a minute – lets not get carried away with this. So, I just went with what I normally carry. I always have my tool box, so that should do for the trip.
When I told my daughters, who live near Ashtabula, my plans to also see them, they told several nieces and a nephew who live in several other states and they all decided to meet me the day after the class reunion for a family reunion. Then my son who lives in Oklahoma said he would like to fly to Louisville and ride up with me. So my little adventure turned into a grand adventure.
Now looking at the map, Ashtabula is a very long days drive or a nice two-day drive. The niece who was going to come to Ashtabula just happens to live in Vandalia, Ohio, which is where I drove the old Dodge to the summer before. That was a good trip, so that was a good way to go and spend the night there.
My son Scott flew into Louisville on July 24th and the next evening we went to a car cruise in Shelbyville, KY. The next morning we were off to Vandalia. The weather looked good for the next week or so and we had a great trip through Madison, IN, up Rt. 421 to Rt. 50 towards Cincinnati where we did use I-275 for fifteen miles to Rt. 127, then north to Rt. 40 East to Vandalia. The drive was great, windows down, air blowing around and the radio playing "oldies." I ask you what could be better? I asked Scott if he was bored and he said, "no, this was great seeing all the houses, yards, farms and all." I don't think he had ever spent this much time in an old car with no air conditioning, bench seats and going less than 70 miles an hour. He was having a great time.
We spent that evening with my niece Kay and her husband Ted who were going to follow us two days later. During dinner and evening refreshments, Scott and I talked so much about the fun day we had that Ted said he would like to ride back from Ashtabula with me. Scott was going to fly from Cleveland to Oklahoma, so I would have an open seat for him. Kay said that would be okay with her as her sister was riding with them anyway. His reservation was confirmed.
The next morning after Kay and Ted were off to work, Scott and I set off east on Rt. 40. Another great day driving on the Buckeye's back roads and through villages, towns and small cities. The only stops were breakfast, a late lunch and a gas stop in Randolph, Ohio. We did manage to find a few "oldies" radio stations along the way, which wasn't always easy with my radio dial pointer not working.
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Late in the afternoon, we rolled into Mentor at my daughter's house and we weren't all that tired. After dropping Scott to spend time with his sisters and a visit with them, I drove on to Ashtabula and checked into a motel for the weekend. We used that motel as a center for the family activities and my reunion. It was a little mom and pop motel but very clean and all the people were nice, like all little motels used to be.
I set aside some time to drive around the old hometown and see some friends who stayed there. They raised their families and found work, even though most of the industries moved out or just closed down. I have a lot of respect for all the folks who were able to do that. I even visited the old neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Davis, who still live across the street from my old house, and I had a very nice visit. We sat on their back porch and reminisced about the people who had come and gone over the last 50 years. Mr. Davis still has the same Model A Ford he had when I lived there and still goes to shows and cruises. He was planning to go to the cruise on Sunday evening that I was planning to go to at Lake Shore Park on the shores of Lake Erie. They enjoyed looking and talking about the old Dodge in their driveway.
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While driving on Rt. 20 in Ashtabula, I noticed another old car so I turned around and stopped. It was sitting outside of a building next to the road. It was a 1937 Dodge coupe. Soon the owner Bob came out and we started talking. He restored it in the eighties and didn't drive it too much. It was a fantastic car. Soon he had to go, but he said he might go to the car cruise at the lake Sunday. Sad to say he didn't show up.
My sister and husband were also in town for the reunion and we had dinner with some friends who used to live in the same neighborhood. They couldn't believe I drove the old Dodge all the way there.
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Friday morning I had breakfast with Darrel and Candy. They both graduated in the same class with me. He lived in the neighborhood and his dad had a salvage yard down the street where I worked one summer. Great friends. Seeing the "kids" from the neighborhood and later the ones I worked and went to school with was a great time. While driving through the harbor, I had to wait for the lift bridge to let boats go up the river. It is one of only a few operating counter-weighted bridges in the country. While taking a detour due to a traffic accident, I drove past the old train depot. I had to stop and take photos. I remember when trains stopped there on the way to Cleveland or Erie. I'm not sure if they even have a bus station in town anymore. The last day I lived there I boarded a bus for Cleveland, the USAF and beyond. So long ago. |
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Friday afternoon my nieces and a nephew started arriving at the hotel along with my daughters and son. They were going to spend the evening together after they all got to the hotel, while I was going to my reunion get-together.
Friday evening the class reunion had a get-together at a place called Geneva-on-the-Lake. Around 150 former classmates met at The Fire House Winery and had a great time! Seeing all my classmates was great. Some I had not seen in a long time, some I had not seen since graduation day. We all talked and talked and I sipped a little wine remembering I still had to drive back to the hotel. There was a lot of talk about that old Dodge with the Kentucky plate parked next to the tent were the get-together was. Time went far too fast and around midnight the few that were still there started for home.
After getting to my room and ready to sleep, that gang of kids came home to the hotel. They were telling me all about their evening at Geneva-on-the-Lake! Well, I should have known that is where they would go because that is where everyone went even decades before I lived there. Saturday the gang and I roamed around town and I told stories about their dads and I growing up there. I had different riders each time we stopped, so everyone got to ride in the old Dodge.
Saturday evening was the big party at the Elks Club. (That is where all the big events take place in Ashtabula.) Another great time talking to everyone. One of the smartest guys in the class with the third highest grades ended up being a sheet metal fabricator in Florida. He said even with his Masters Degree, the best paying jobs at the time were in manufacturing. He had sure changed from the old days. The highest guy in the class had a 20+ year tour in the Air Force. He said he enjoyed it so much he stayed in.
We all went outside and watched the sun set over the lake and it was beautiful with light thin clouds turning golden colors. It was picture perfect and many pictures were taken. I will always remember that evening.
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The next morning when I went out to the car, I found it had been covered in tree sap from the night before. Well, you remember when I was thinking of what to bring on this trip? Guess what I didn't bring. How dumb! I don't know why because I did on all my other long trips. Okay, we are talking about car wash. Not to worry, there is a truck stop across the street. I'll just get some car wash there and use the trash can from the room. I could start a mechanics garage with all the things they sell there EXCEPT car washing liquid of any kind. The car cruise was that evening.
What to do? Dust was sticking to the sap. I improvised and washed the sap off the car without a hose, just using two trash cans. I hate to admit it, but I used a very small amount of shampoo and a large amount of water in one of the trash cans. Well, it worked fine and didn't harm the finish at all. The whole gang came out to help and talked the whole time. They were a big help, even my daughters. We all had a good time and the car looked great again.
Early that afternoon my sister and her husband, a neighborhood friend Lois, and all the gang went to the Crows Nest for dinner which is near Lake Shore Park and then to the park for the cruise. Mr. and Mrs. Davis parked their Ford next to my Dodge. About 70 to 100 cars showed up that evening. We all walked and talked and looked and had a great time. Several classmates showed up with their cars and we had a mini reunion at the park. Again, the sunset over the lake was great! The day went too fast. Tomorrow we all would go home.
In the morning, we all said our goodbyes and were on our ways. Remember Ted had a reservation with me as Scott was flying home to Oklahoma from Cleveland. The weather was good for the next two days and we had a great trip to Vandalia. Ted helped navigate and we only missed one little turn, but quickly found our way back onto Rt. 30 West.
We stopped at the edge of Mansfield to gas up and a block down the road we found a drive-in called Porky's. They only had about 25 seats with 8 at the counter. Great hamburgers, fries and milkshakes. I haven't had food as good as that in many years! While we were enjoying each bite, a lady came out from the back and asked if we were in that old car. It seams once a month they host a car cruise and she invited us to come for the cruise. I thanked her, but when I told her I lived 7 hours from there she didn't know what to say. She had to look at the Kentucky plate before she believed me. (A great overnight trip in the future?)
We arrived in Vandalia in the early afternoon and had a good evening visiting with my nieces and sister-in-law. Ted has a great "man cave" full of refreshments.
The next morning, I was off for the Ohio Ocean (River) and home. I missed having a seat cover on the last leg, but still enjoyed every mile. I covered 1,238 miles without a problem. I stopped once each way for gas and my face hurt for a week from smiling so much. I think I must have been smiling the whole time I was driving. Old cars are so much fun.
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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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ATTENTION: Region & Chapter Reporting Forms Due TODAY! |
Just a reminder that your Region/Chapter Officer Reporting Forms
and Roster Reporting Forms are due by January 31.
These forms were mailed to your Secretary 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 seitnier@aaca.org. You can also mail them to 800 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033. |
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Cruise the Gulf Coast
Deadline to Register Only 15 Days Away!
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March 20-26, 2022
Founders Tour
Mobile, AL
Registration Deadline: February 15
Mobile has been hosting visitors for over 300 years. The city overflows with genuine southern hospitality and knows how to throw a party being the original home of Mardi Gras. The Deep South Region is dedicated to making your Mobile experience one you will remember and discuss with your friends for years. You will discover historic Mobile’s activities and venues all sporting a southern accent.
Tour highlights include: learn about the secret Mardi Gras Societies and visit the AirBus Complex; Dauphin Island and the fishing community of Bayou La Batre; Biloxi, Mississippi, and tour the home of Jefferson Davis; drive under 300 year-old oaks and visit homes in the midtown historic districts; Automobile Alley Historic District; Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay with stops in Fairhope, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a local potter and coffee stops; two university campuses; and the USS Alabama Battleship.
Host Hotel: Mobile Marriott, 3101 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606, (251) 476-6400
Ask for the AACA 2022 Founders Tour Rates $109 per night
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Springtime in Charlotte is the Best |
April 7-9, 2022
Southeastern Spring Nationals
Charlotte, NC
Registration Deadline: March 14
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, 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
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Join Us at This Year’s Dual Nationals in Paradise |
April 21-23, 2022
Special Nationals & Grand Nationals
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Registration Deadline: March 10
The Puerto Rico Region is excited to finally be able to welcome all of you back to paradise! Two shows will be hosted during the 3-day event – a Special Nationals on Friday and a Grand Nationals on Saturday. Here are the schedule highlights:
Thursday: Judging School & Round Table at Coliseum Quijote Morales, Guaynabo City
Cocktail Event at Toyota Museum, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Friday: Judges Breakfast, Special Nationals, Awards Presentation on Show Field
Saturday: Judges Breakfast at Coliseum Quijote Morales, Guaynabo City, Grand Nationals
Evening Social, Awards, Banquet at Coliseum Quijote Morales, Guaynabo City
Special note to judges with at least 10 field judging credits: We REALLY need you at this event. The Puerto Rico Region offers some of the best hospitality you will ever experience. Join us for two days of judging, fun and experience all that Puerto Rico has to offer. Make this a vacation! Airfare to the island is very reasonable from most locations, so join us for a very special time in beautiful Puerto Rico!!
Book your hotel now!
Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar
801 Ponce de León Avenue, San Juan PR 00907
AACA Rate: $159 + taxes
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the event chairman Mike Nolla at mnollajr@gmail.com. |
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Head to the Beach for This Year's Grand Nationals
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May 19-21, 2022
Grand Nationals
Virginia Beach, VA
Registration Deadline: April 19
Host Region: Tidewater Region AACA
When: Thursday-Saturday, May 19-21, 2022
Where: Virginia Beach, VA
Host Hotel: The Founders Inn (Hilton Tapestry Collection) located on the grounds of Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. You can make reservations now at 757-366-5700. Ask for the AACA Grand National rate.
Alternate Hotel: Delta Hotel (Marriott), Chesapeake, VA (4 miles from host hotel). You can make reservations now at 757-523-1500. Ask for the AACA Grand National rate.
The Tidewater Region is planning a great show with a lot of fun activities (and delicious food) for you to enjoy. Both the host hotel and the primary alternate hotel have beautiful rooms, their own restaurant and bar, are near other local and national chain restaurants and shopping and are just off I-64. Plus, there are plenty of fun and historic places to explore in Virginia Beach and nearby Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
Why not make a vacation of it? Come to win your antique vehicle’s well-deserved Grand National Award but arrive a few days early and stay a few days after to visit the beach and explore the local area.
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ATTENTION: All AACA Judges |
You should have recently received the January 2022 issue of The Judge newsletter via the mail. If you'd prefer to view a digital copy, just click here.
This issue includes registration forms for the following shows:
-- 2022 Winter Nationals - Melbourne, FL
-- 2022 Western Spring Nationals – Las Vegas, NV
-- 2022 Southeastern Spring Nationals - Charlotte, NC
-- 2022 Special Winter Nationals - Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
-- 2022 Special Grand Nationals - Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
-- 2022 Grand Nationals – Virginia Beach, VA
There are also articles from each of your chief judges regarding these shows, a list of the approved changes to the Judging Guidelines for 2022 and the 2021 Judging Awards recognition list.
Just a reminder that you can also register to judge online on the AACA website here.
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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Where Should You Be Mailing Things?
The forwarding order for mail sent to our old address of 501 W. Governor Rd., Hershey, PA 17033, has expired. Any mail sent to that old address is now being returned to the sender.
We recently closed our post office box. Any mail sent to PO Box 417, Hershey, PA 17033, is being forwarded to our current mailing address, but can take up to two extra weeks to be delivered.
If you are mailing something to AACA National Headquarters, please use our new address: 800 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
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January/February 2022 Issue of Antique Automobile Magazine |
Many of you have probably figured out by now that your January/February 2022 issue of Antique Automobile is late. Unfortunately, it was delayed about two weeks due to issues beyond our control. You should receive your printed magazine very soon.
In the meantime, we have come up with a temporary solution for our members…
If you have paid your 2022 membership dues, you will be able to click here, login with your member number and pin to view the magazine digitally. Once logged in you will see AACA Magazine on the left-hand side of the page, simply click on that and it will take you to the new issue of the magazine.
If you have NOT paid your 2022 membership dues, you will be unable to use the members only area of the website. Please feel free to call us at 717-534-1910 to renew immediately.
We hope this is a workable solution for so many of you who are anxious to read the latest issue. Thank you once again for your patience during these unusual times!
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Looking for New Advertisers |
Are there services and businesses you use related to your antique cars that you love and think other members would love them, too? Who do you trust for your restoration projects? Upholstery? Chrome? Where do you find most of your parts? Do you use a special transporter to take your cars to shows? What car covers do you recommend?
We are looking for a few new advertisers for Antique Automobile magazine. Our award-winning magazine delivers an advertiser’s message directly to 55,000+ hobbyists every time. Ad rates for the magazine run anywhere from $60 to $1,586 per issue, so there is an ad size to fit anyone’s budget. Even in these trying times, we remain committed to producing one of the best magazines in this hobby by delivering great content and keeping our advertising affordable so every business that needs to reach our members can.
If you know of a company that could benefit from advertising to AACA members, please email Stacy with the company name and a contact if you have one. We will reach out then to let them know about this great opportunity. |
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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 2022 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under member information and drop down to Military, or simply click here.
These complimentary 2022 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.
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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! What better way to connect with each other during these times than through social media? AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, asks 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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AACA National Activities Calendar |
February 10-12, 2022
Annual Convention
Gettysburg, PA
February 24-26, 2022
Winter Nationals
Melbourne, FL
March 10-12, 2022
Western Spring Nationals
Las Vegas, NV
March 20-26, 2022
Founders Tour
Gulf Shores of AL & MS
April 7-9, 2022
Southeastern Spring Nationals
Charlotte, NC
April 21-23, 2022
Special Winter Nationals
& Special Grand Nationals
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
May 19-21, 2022
Grand Nationals
Virginia Beach, VA
May 22-25, 2022
Eastern Divisional Tour
Johnstown, PA
June 16-18, 2022
Eastern Spring Nationals
Beckley, WV
August 11-13, 2022
Central Fall Nationals
East Moline, IL
September 11-16, 2022
Sentimental Tour
Gettysburg, PA
September 18-23, 2022
Reliability Tour
Shepherdsville, KY
September 25-30, 2022
Revival AAA Glidden Tour
Central New Jersey
October 4-7, 2022
Eastern Fall Nationals
Hershey, PA
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Would you like registration information and materials about any of these 2022 National Activities? You can:
1. Fill out the activity request card
that came with the last issue of
Antique Automobile magazine
and mail it in to us.
2. Sign into the members only area of the AACA website to print your own registration form and brochure.
3. Call us at AACA Headquarters and we will fill out a request for you
and mail you the materials.
Call 717-534-1910 Mon-Fri from
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
REMINDER: Your 2022 membership dues MUST be paid prior to registering for
any 2022 National Activities.
If you request registration materials for a show or tour and those materials are not finalized and printed yet, you will be put on the mailing list to receive them as soon as they are available.
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James Ward Packard created his four-wheeled namesake after buying the thirteenth Winton made on August 13, 1898. He tried to have Alexander Winton make good on what proved to be a problematic product, and after what escalated into an argument, Winton told Packard…"If you’re so smart, why don’t you make your own car." So, Packard did. His (and his brother William Doud’s) original electrical component company became the Packard division of General Motors. It ended up under the Delphi umbrella, which was spun off from GM in 1999 and later acquired by BorgWarner in 2020. |
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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. |
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