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July 2026 | Volume 211

AACA Grand Nationals / Zenith Awards SOLD OUT!!

But... We still need judges! Special Incentive!

HERSHEY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 15!!!

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!

How Do I Get Hershey Registration Materials?

Summer registration is happening RIGHT NOW for the Hershey Flea Market, Car Corral and show vehicles. 

Brochure

Show Car Registration ONLY

To acquire Flea Market or Car Corral space(s), or a paper Show Car registration form, you must contact AACA National Headquarters by:

• EMAILING your name, member number and which registration materials you want (flea market, car corral, and/or show car) to Sue Eitnier at seitnier@aaca.org.
• CALLING National at 717-534-1910 and staff will be glad to put your request in for registration materials.

We recommend that you fill out your registration card(s), write your check and mail everything back to the Hershey Region immediately so that you do not forget/lose it/miss the August 15 deadline.

Don’t forget… You can REGISTER YOUR SHOW CAR ONLINE!

Why wait for the mail carrier? You can do everything online RIGHT NOW!

Just login, register your car, pay with a credit card and receive an emailed receipt immediately – it’s so easy! This process takes less than 10 minutes and you will have the peace of mind knowing that it is done and you are ready for Hershey.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!

Important 2026 Hershey Reminders

• Show will run Tuesday, October 6 through Friday, October 9
• Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 5
• Judging School will be Thursday, October 8, at 2 p.m.
• Judges Breakfast will be Friday, October 9, at 7 a.m.
• Car show will be Friday, October 9

Important Hershey Information

By "Mac" MacAdam, Flea Market/Car Corral Registration Chairman,

Hershey Region AACA, fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org

With a show as big as Hershey, there are a lot of moving parts for our Hershey region volunteers to coordinate. Please help us by reviewing this important information:

1. On the Show Car/Special Events registration card that you request from National Headquarters you can also choose to receive awards banquet tickets and/or antique car trailer parking reservations.

2. There is a $20 parking fee for show car trailers parking on Boathouse Road. The fee covers the period of Tuesday, October 6, at 7 a.m. through Saturday, October 10, at 12 p.m. All vehicles must be removed by 12 p.m. Saturday or they will be towed per order of Derry Township Police.

3. You must return the completed registration card and check to Hershey Region. There will be a pre-addressed envelope enclosed in the packet that you request from National Headquarters. PLEASE read all of the information that accompanies your registration card(s).

4. Cards/checks not signed will be returned for signatures and could jeopardize your request for space(s).

5. If you have a special location request, you should send a note along with your flea market or car corral registration card. Spaces are assigned by the postmark on the envelope. You can ask for your check to be returned in the event we cannot fulfill your request. If you will accept spaces anywhere, you need not send any note. (NOTES written on registration cards will not be honored and you will be assigned at the discretion of the field chairman.)

6. Please read ALL accompanying information that will be enclosed with the registration card(s) you receive from National Headquarters. Your signature on the card confirms you have read, understand and will obey AACA and Hershey Region rules and regulations.

7. Please pay close attention to the firm postmark deadline of August 15 on the registration card. We need ample time to make assignments, enter the data and send the information to our printer. There is a very short lead time to accomplish this task. There is a possibility you will not be included in the Fall Meet Program for cards received after August 15^th.

8. TO RESERVE & RENT A SCOOTER OR GOLF CART: ScooterBug has been contracted for the 2026 Hershey show to provide pre-reserved, single passenger ECVs and double occupant golf carts for those guests who have a valid, state-issued driver's license & handicapped placard in the state in which you reside. Guests can pre-reserve this mobility equipment online at www.scooterbug.com/aaca (preferred) or call 800-726-8284 directly to reserve. There are NO refunds under any circumstances once the payment is received and equipment is reserved. (NOTE: Personal mobility vehicles are not registered by ScooterBug personnel.)

9. YES, YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN SCOOTER: Personal electric mobility vehicles are authorized; however, they must be registered at one of the three registration areas. More information will be available in the literature you receive with your registration card.

10. Flea market and car corral windshield stickers and other important information will be mailed during the 1^st week of September.

11. SALES TAX LICENSE: If you do not have a sales tax license, you can apply online at mypath.pa.gov or call 717-783-1405. Do not use the old pa100 website as it has been discontinued. If you need more information, visit our website at hershey.aaca.com. IMPORTANT: DO NOT wait for your tax license number to arrive. Send your flea market registration card and check to the Hershey Region and simply write "applied for" above the Tax ID space on the registration card.

Thanks once again to our partnership with RM Sotheby’s, we are able to offer all of you a discounted rate at the Hershey Lodge during the 2026 Eastern Fall Nationals happening October 6-9. The auction will back again, and the special room block is already set up. The discounted room rate is $308 a night. Selling out this room block is the best way we can ensure that the auction remains a part of our event. So, if you are ready to make your reservations for this year and have always wanted to stay at the Hershey Lodge, now’s your chance!

Book your reservations online: visit this link and use password AACA2026 (all caps)

Or call 855-729-3108 and ask for the room block for RM Sotheby’s, October 4-8, 2026.

AACA Grand Nationals/Zenith Awards (Allentown, PA) - August 22, 2026

500 vehicles are registered for the show! Only 100 field judges are signed up!!

We NEED YOU desperately!!



Click here to learn more about a special incentive!

You should have received your printed newsletter by now. Here is the digital version of The Judge – July 2026.

This newsletter contains the judge registration forms for the Grand Nationals in Allentown, PA, and the Hershey show. Or you can always register online here.

The only official AACA recommended car show sign intended for use at AACA events. 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.

Cost: $45 plus shipping and handling. Image(s): $5 each. PA residents pay sales tax.

Please allow 4-5 weeks for the entire process from start to finish.

Library Merch

The new AACA Library merch is now available in the online store! Show your love and support for America’s Automotive Library with vinyl stickers, window decals, and a book tote bag (which, of course, holds automobilia as easily as books). Visit the AACA Store, the Gift Shop at AACA Headquarters, or one of our events (we’ll be at the Grand Nationals) to purchase. 

The Liberator: 1942 Harley Davidson WLA

By Rod Rajkovich, AACA Morehead City, North Carolina

A longer version of this article holds the honor of being the first Motorcycle on the cover of the North Carolina AACA Regional Newsletter. For details of this historic vehicle visit Johan Willaert’s web site in Belgium: www.theliberator.be

During WWII the US Army contracted Harley Davidson to provide motorcycles for use by Messengers and Military Police. The model WLA was produced under seven contracts totaling over 57,000 motorcycles. It has a 45 cubic inch engine putting out 23HP and is equipped with one seat for the driver, no passenger seat. “Solo” is the official descriptor.

From late 1941 through 1945 all WLAs were registered as 1942 WLA, making it easy for the Army Quartermasters. Each of the seven variants retain interchangeable parts although each contract held unique visual differences. Of all the WLAs built, the majority were shipped to the USSR under the Land-Lease program where we provided equipment support to our allies in WWII. About 7000 were provided to other countries and some 26,000 were delivered to the US Army. Odd, more Russians were driving the WLA in WWII than US Army Soldiers… Even more distressing, the Russians would add a sidecar and a buddy seat for three soldiers and a heavy weapon. I suspect that the soldier on the buddy seat was pushing a lot of the time.

The American WLA was known as “The Liberator” since it was generally the first US Vehicle to enter a city in Belgium and France as they were liberated from the German occupation.

After the war, the Lend-Lease program equipment was to be returned to the US. But the cost of shipping was too much for anyone to cover so they remained in Europe. In 2005 a technician with the US Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, located my WLA in a warehouse with a little over 13,000 miles on her odometer. He bought it for $2,500.00 but found that as a temporary employee he did not have export privileges.

Preston Hatchel was the Embassy facilities manager and enjoyed the challenge of restoring an antique vehicle. Preston was transferred to the Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand and brought the WLA with him in his Household Effects. He mailed the engine and transmission to the USA via the APO (Army Airforce Post Office) for rebuild. Using eBay, he was able to source parts, mostly New-Old-Stock (NOS) specifically for a Type V WLA.

Here I enter the picture. Preston was planning to retire to the USA and run a Motorhome across the United States. Preston did not have a motorcycle driver’s license or a place to store the WLA while he traveled the country.



I bought it and finished the restoration. After driving it on New Zealand for two years I returned with it to the USA. In a little over 60 years this WLA has physically traveled around the world taking the long way around from Milwaukee to Beaufort, NC. 

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 500 words or less. And we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Chrissy Arnold. 

NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY – AUGUST 17, 2026

Each year on August 17, National Nonprofit Day recognizes organizations that serve their communities and preserve important parts of our shared history. It’s also a good reminder of something you may not think about often: AACA is a nonprofit, and everything we do is made possible by our members.

As a member-supported organization, AACA exists for a purpose that goes beyond events or publications. Our mission is to preserve and share automotive history while supporting the hobby for current and future generations. Simply put, what you contribute through your membership helps keep that mission moving forward.



What It Means for You as a Member

Being a nonprofit means that AACA’s resources go right back into the hobby and the member experience. You see that in a number of ways:

• Events that bring members together at the local, regional, and national level
• Judging standards that help maintain authenticity and historical accuracy
• Publications like Speedster and Antique Automobile that capture vehicles and the stories behind them
• Educational efforts for both long-time collectors and those just getting started
• The AACA Library & Research Center, which preserves automotive history and makes it accessible to members and researchers
• A network of regions and chapters that keeps the community active year-round

All of this is designed with members in mind and with the long-term preservation of automotive history as the goal.

And at the center of it all is you. Your involvement, your knowledge, and your continued support are what make these programs possible.

Preserving the Hobby for the Future

Automotive history does not preserve itself. It depends on people who care enough to maintain vehicles, document their stories, and share what they know.

That includes preserving original materials, photographs, and documentation. The AACA Library & Research Center plays an important role in this work by safeguarding historical resources and making them available for future generations.

AACA provides a place for all of this to come together. Whether you’re attending your first event or have been involved for decades, the organization offers opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute in meaningful ways.



Staying Involved: How You Can Support the Mission

If you’re already a member, you are part of what makes AACA work. There are also a few simple ways to stay involved and help strengthen the organization:

• Renew your membership to support the programs and resources you value
• Invite a friend or fellow enthusiast to join, helping bring new energy into the hobby
• Attend events, whether close to home or at the national level, and stay connected
• Volunteer when you can, through your region, at events, or in judging
• Share your experience, your vehicles, and your stories, helping preserve knowledge for others
• Consider making a donation, which can help support preservation efforts, the Library, educational programs, and future initiatives

None of these need to be large commitments. Even small steps help keep the organization active and ensure the hobby continues to grow.

New AACA Store Experience!

We're excited to introduce AACA's new and improved online store at store.aaca.org.

The store features a growing selection of apparel, accessories, and gift items designed to celebrate the collector car hobby and the AACA community. Whether you're looking for a hat to wear at your next event, a gift for a fellow enthusiast, or a new way to show your AACA pride, our new online store makes shopping easier than ever.

This launch is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the member experience. We will continue to expand our product offerings throughout the year, so be sure to check back often for new arrivals.

2026 Holiday Cards - 1965 Mustang

Pack of 12 (5” x 9”) Holiday Cards featuring a 1965 Ford Mustang.

Inside verse reads: "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year"

$12.00

2026 Holiday Cards - 1948 Town and Country

Pack of 12 (5” x 9”) Holiday Cards featuring a 1965 Ford Mustang.

Inside verse reads: "Happy Holidays"

$12.00

2027 AACA Calendar

AACA's Official 2027 Event Calendar featuring 2026 AACA President Vicki Bolton.

All AACA Nationals & Tours are highlighted.

$14.00

Overseas Overland

By Walt Gosden, Guest Contributor, coachworklines@aol.com

This is a member submitted article.

Vehicles built in the USA were popular in Europe and England due to the somewhat easy ability to import them in the holds of passenger ships. American car manufacturers had good representation in cities like London and Paris. The annual Motor Show exhibits each year had a decent number of American cars. The biggest factor on the importing and sale of a car was the tariff imposed, which could determine the final sales price. By the spring of 1928, quotas on the number of cars imported “was under discussion by the European motor car manufacturers,” as reported by the Associated Press in a car industry magazine – Autobody. 

If a car was imported as a running chassis, with dashboard, firewall and perhaps a hood and fenders but no body/coachwork, then it was not considered a complete car. As a result, the tariff was much less. 

What you see here is a circa 1914 Overland with a “5-seater” body. The car was made complete with coachwork and fenders when it arrived in England. The Belgravia Motor Coach works in Southwest London completed the car. The Belgravia Works (workshops) were located in the S.W. London area of Westminster.

The body, windshield, splash aprons and fenders were all made by Belgravia Motor Bodies. Note the bead around the doors matches the detail in the splash aprons. The fenders, body, hood, and radiator shell shared one color, while the wheels a different shade but a complimentary color. Painted headlamps and tires most likely were a gray color.



Production of commercial bodies took over for most of the years during the First World War.

Sign Up a New Member for Only $25

By Karen White, AACA Membership Manager, kwhite@aaca.org

Do you want to help promote AACA membership? There is no better time than right now!

New members can join the club for only $25 for the second half of the 2026 membership year, covering June through December. New members will receive three issues of Antique Automobile magazine (July/August, September/October, and November/December). They will also be eligible to participate in national shows and tours.

To show your support for AACA, you can sponsor a new member by covering the $25 fee. It is quick and easy to apply online.

Be sure to include a note with your name and member number in the comment field at the bottom of the online form indicating that you are sponsoring the new member. You will receive an “I Got a Member” pin to proudly wear at your next AACA event, showing that you helped promote the club.

If you have any questions regarding the half-year membership program, feel free to contact me.

If you prefer to mail a check, use this application form.

2027 AACA Annual Convention Call for Speakers

February 4-6 – King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Have you ever thought about speaking or putting on a seminar at the Annual Convention? Well, now's your chance! If you would like to be a possible speaker, please fill out this form and send it in no later than September 15.

Have an idea for a workshop? What topics would you like to hear a panel of experts discuss? This is YOUR Annual Convention, and we want to know what you want to learn about. Please email Stacy with your seminar ideas and/or speaker suggestions (membership, leadership, chapters/regions, marketing, cars, technical, fun, historical, ladies-focused, etc.).

As a thank you for your longtime passion and dedication to the automotive hobby, AACA awards members who have been in the club for 50* years or more with a commemorative 50-year pin. 

Receive your pin at an AACA Nationals or region event, or by mail.



Email Jon Curtis at JCurtis@AACA.org to verify your eligibility.

*Membership years do not have to be consecutive

Check out these offers and more by visitng our AACA MemberDeals site.

You don’t need to complicate trying something new.

Inside Hello by Grouper, AACA members have been exploring everything from Tai Chi to brain games to guided movement classes.

It’s easy to jump in for a few minutes or stay awhile — whatever works best for your schedule and interests.

See what’s happening inside: join.hellogrouper.com/aaca 

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.