June 2025 | Volume 198

LAST CHANCE to Register for the Grand Nationals in Dayton!

Registration Ends TODAY!!

July 24-26, 2025

Grand Nationals

Dayton, OH

Registration Deadline: June 30

Click here for brochure

Click here to register online

Click here to register online to judge

AACA National is excited to welcome you to a new and spectacular venue for our Grand Nationals in the East this year. We have ramped up the quality of our show in the following ways in order to offer the best experience possible to attendees: reduced prices for meals and parking, thanks in part to a generous sponsorship; events at three unique locations in the Dayton area, including a newly renovated host hotel; and the opportunity to visit the stunning USAF Museum, as well as America’s Packard Museum. We can’t wait to treat you to a special and unforgettable weekend at our Grand Nationals and Zenith Competition – we’ll see you there!

Event highlights include a Welcome Reception at America’s Packard Museum, Zenith Display, membership roundtable, Judging School, Zenith Award Ceremony at the Packard Museum, Hawaiian Luau, Judges Breakfast, Grand Nationals car show, and Awards Dinner at the National Museum of US Air Force.

The following hotels may still have rooms available…

Country Inn & Suites

3971 Colonel Glenn Hwy

Beavercreek, OH 45324

$149 + tax, free breakfast

937-429-2222, Group Code AACA

www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/WM00J6

Hilton Garden Inn

3520 Pentagon Park Blvd

Dayton, Ohio 45341

$149 + tax, 2 free breakfast vouchers

937-458-2651, Group Code AAC1

https://tinyurl.com/HiltonGardenInnDaytonAACA

Tru by Hilton

7000 Executive Blvd

Huber Heights, OH

$176 + tax

937-660-9001, Code 903

Questions?

Chairman: Steve Moskowitz, aaca1@aaca.org, 717-534-1910

Registration Chair: Pat Buckley, pbuckley@aaca.org, 717-534-1910

Special Registration Note: If you are taking your vehicle to Auburn over the Fourth of July weekend to get your Senior, and would like to take your car to the Grand Nationals, you must call Pat Buckley on Monday, July 7, and she will take your registration over the phone. Online registration will no longer be open.

ATTENTION ALL AACA JUDGES

Antique Automobile Magazine Delayed

We sincerely regret to inform you that the July/August issue of our magazine has been delayed. The circumstances are beyond our control and the situation was unavoidable. Our printer and staff will do everything possible to mail out this issue as fast as they can, but please bear with us as we are going to have at least a week delay if not more. Again, we apologize. We know you look forward to a timely delivery of Antique Automobile.

Attention Life Members: NEW Pin Available

Get a Friend to Join AACA for Only $25 Right Now!

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

As a way to say thank you for signing up a new member, you can receive an “I Got a Member” pin. To receive credit for encouraging someone to take advantage of the half-year membership, ask them to include your name and member number in the COMMENT field if they apply online. If they apply using a paper application, they can fill in your name and member number on the SPONSOR line. BE SURE TO REMIND THE NEW MEMBER TO MENTION YOUR NAME ON THEIR APPLICATION SO YOU CAN RECEIVE THE PIN!

Many of you (particularly if you live in Pennsylvania or a nearby state) have likely been on a tour of the library and headquarters building since we moved into our Hersheypark Drive location. Group tours are a service we provide as part of the library’s outreach mission. We’ve hosted AACA regions, other car clubs, and even other library and archive associations.

Here is some general information about tours of the facility to take back to your organization:

• The library is able to provide group tours during our regular open hours, including select Saturdays. Please visit our website to see those hours.
• We can accommodate groups large and small! However, please be aware that larger groups require more staff members on hand to assist.
• Groups of 25 or more are best served Monday – Friday when all librarians are present
• Smaller groups can be scheduled on Saturdays when partial staff are present
• Group tours (dependent on size) can include a “behind the scenes” look in the archives, a unique opportunity to experience an area of the library that the general public is not permitted to see.
• Librarians can also customize a display of materials based on your group’s interest, showing an example of the depth and breadth of our collection.
• For small groups (15 or fewer) we are also able to provide research services at the conclusion of the tour, if the tour is during the week. Unfortunately, we are unable to do research for groups on Saturdays, however we are happy to accept research requests with the understanding that we would get back to the individual at a later time.

So far this year we’ve hosted 3 car clubs, and a small group from another archive – we have another 3 on the calendar for later this year, and plenty of opportunity for more. If you’re a member of an organization that would like to tour the headquarters facility, please contact Outreach Coordinator, Amoi Goldman, at agoldman@aaca.org for more information. 

How Do I Get Hershey Registration Materials?

Click here for Hershey brochure

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

To acquire space(s), you must request a registration card from AACA National Headquarters by using the Activity Request Card enclosed in the plastic covering of the May/June issue of your Antique Automobile magazine.

Please DO NOT send any money at this time. You are simply requesting that registration materials be mailed to you at this time. If you have lost your Activity Request Card, you can always call AACA Headquarters (717-534-1910), and we can fill one out for you. You can also send an email with your name, member number and which registration materials you want (flea market, car corral, or show car) sent to you to Sue Eitnier at seitnier@aaca.org.

For those who have already requested registration materials:

• Show car registration materials have been mailed and continue to be mailed out daily.
• Flea market and car corral registration materials were mailed out last week.

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 strict August 15 deadline.

Guess what…. Hershey SHOW CAR ONLINE REGISTRATION is open!

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!!

FIRM DEADLINE: August 15

Important 2025 Hershey Reminders

Show will run Tuesday, October 7 through Friday, October 10

Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 6

Judging School will be Thursday, October 9, at 2 p.m.

Judges Breakfast will be Friday, October 10, at 7 a.m.

Car show will be Friday, October 10

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. SHOW CAR REGISTRATION ONLY: You may register online here right now. You can pay for your show car registration online with a credit card OR you can print the registration form and submit it along with your check to: Jill Bower, Hershey Region AACA Show Car Chairman, 1015 Kunkles Mill Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339.

3. There is a $20 parking fee for show car trailers parking on Boathouse Road. The fee covers the period of Tuesday, October 7, at 7 a.m. through Saturday, October 11, 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.

4. 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).

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

6. 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.)

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. TO RESERVE & RENT A SCOOTER OR GOLF CART: ScooterBug has been contracted for the 2025 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.)

10. 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.

11. Flea market and car corral windshield stickers and other important information will be mailed at the end of August.

12. 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.

Volunteer opportunities include the following…

Library Welcome Duty

(Monday, October 6 – Thursday, October 9):

Refer to our schedule for available shifts.

Library Yard Sale (Tuesday, October 7):

Volunteer opportunities will include working registration, monitoring the sales tents, helping customers, etc. We also need help with the moving and setup of literature earlier in the day. 

Yard Sale Preparation (July-October):

Lastly, we will need help sorting literature and manuals in the months leading up to the event and will be ramping up this process over the summer. With so much to do, we can use all the help we can get!

For more information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Matthew Hocker by email or phone – 717-534-2082.

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!

What better place for a car guy or girl to be born and raised than the Motor City in the forties and the fifties? The auto industry was booming, putting the nation on wheels, and creating the middle class in America. What optimistic and unbridled times!

Living in Detroit in those days, your family and friends most likely worked in the auto industry. That certainly was the case with me and, of course, the main topics of conversation were usually about the newest models or newest developments. And so it began, my passion for the automobile as art and all they represented as an industry and for people in all walks of life.  

Success in my professional career has brought ownership of many iconic and milestone automobiles. And because they were treasured art forms to me, I had them restored to top original condition and delighted in sharing them and telling their stories at concours events and shows around the country.

While I had owned many of the top marques, I had not had occasion to own a Rolls-Royce, although trips to Britain and Hong Kong had demonstrated the majestic stature of these proper motor cars wafting through London’s West End or standing out front of the Peninsula Hotel in their regal Emerald Green.

With the help of friends and a search within Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club (RROC), in 2021 I was able to come upon a 1987.5 “SZ” Rolls-Royce Corniche II owned by a fellow RROC member in historic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where I have lived for over thirty years. My Corniche was originally sold by Carriage House Motor Cars (CHMC) in NYC to a gentleman in NJ and had only one other NJ owner before the gentleman in PA from whom I acquired it. This Corniche II was regularly serviced by Palma Classic Cars, and I have every service record from new at CHMC.

The prior owner had driven the car to RROC National Meets at Biltmore Estate, NC (2016), and French Lick, IN (2017), where it received Touring Class Awards. I wanted to elevate the car to Concours Class and in 2021 engaged my longtime friends at Borneman’s Restorations and Customs in Virginville, PA, to address cosmetic and mechanical issues in precise detail to bring the car to like-new concours level.

With kind assistance and advice from John Palma, suppliers like Albers and Flying Spares, and fellow RROC members, I am pleased to report that the car has received successive AACA Junior (2021) and Senior (2022) First Awards at AACA Hershey, PA, Nationals, and a RROC Class 115 Concours Class First Place Award at the RROC National Meet in Gettysburg, PA (2023). It has also been invited and shown at the Greenbrier Concours (2022) and the Radnor Hunt Concours (2024) where it received the Hagerty Youth Judging First Place Award.

So, these wonderful lifetime experiences of Nature, Nurture, and Evolution have brought me to the epitome of the motorcar as art – ownership of a stunningly beautiful Rolls-Royce Corniche! And I am eternally grateful to so many who have helped me along this wonderful life road! Thank you all!

During the photo op with Miss Pennsylvania, she said that my Rolls-Royce Corniche was her “all time dream car!” As you know, the Rolls-Royce Corniche was the first choice of royalty, celebrities, and the rich and famous around the world.

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. 

The Music City Region hosts a weekly Cars & Coffee every Saturday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Starting its third year, the event continues to grow in reputation and size with up to 250 cars coming out on Saturday mornings.

Scouts from the church are on hand providing coffee, water and breakfast items. Attendees are happy to support the scouts by purchasing items. It’s a WIN – WIN for all involved!

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, a fully restored 1967 Ford F100 pickup pulled into the event. A husband and wife and 2 grandchildren exited the cab and walked the lines of cars, trucks and even a few motorcycles. (Photo: Gov. Lee with Music City AACA Vice President Jerry Dyer)

Music City discovered they had a knowledgeable car enthusiast as well as a special guest: Governor Bill Lee (the current Tennessee governor) along with his wife and two of their ten grandchildren. The Governor shared the truck had been in the family since its initial purchase (belonged to his grandfather) and he had restored it. It is encouraging to discover that the love of “cars” spans a wide range of individuals and occupations.

Governor Lee and his family spent considerable time looking and talking with many of the attendees. His wife Maria shared with members of Music City their expectations for the event were exceeded…. And said they would be coming back soon!

We look forward to their return.

Gov. Lee (in brown shirt) talking with a friend

of the club Jeff Billings

Gov. Lee exiting his truck upon arrival

Questions about the where, when, and how to celebrate our club’s upcoming 70-year history were quickly changed to a “this is what we’re going to do” thanks to a lot of teamwork. Plans for the usual third Thursday of the month’s evening general membership meeting and the summer picnic were scrapped for a return to a former meeting place.

Tony Hernandez, who obtained the venue at the Miami Outdoor Club where our club met many years ago, was the DJ for us, and provided the camera for our self-portraits. Yovanna Hernández, Myriam Padilla, and Millie Garcia handled the decorations and catering details for the tapas buffet. Ed and Gina Medina handled the emails, gift bag items, and registrations. George Harvey brought his late father’s 1934 Plymouth 4-door sedan and obtained photos from his father’s memorabilia (Lanzo Harvey, member 1960-2003) for a slide presentation created by Ed Medina. Ben Cardonne provided the souvenir mugs, and Mike Penn obtained the gift bags from Williamson Cadillac. Former editor Bob Mayer brought several vintage issues of Sidelights from the mid-late ‘90s. (Photo: Immediate Past President Millie Garcia presented President Tomás Hernández with a certificate sent from National AACA.)

A view from the clubhouse. 

The casual dress code

was noted.

Former club presidents gather.

Current board members behind

the birthday cake.  

George and Cathy Harvey by their 1934 Plymouth which originally belonged to his father, Lanzo Harvey.

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.

You’re Invited to Experience Early Texian History

Submitted By Debra Lankenau, Texas DFW Region, Debra@kipmotor.com

October 18-22, 2025

Central Divisional Tour

San Antonio to Galveston, TX

Registration Deadline: September 2

Click here for brochure

NEW! Click here to register online

Why should you consider joining us for this four-day progressive tour from San Antonio to San Jacinto?

1. You'll learn about Tejanos – Spanish and Mexican settlers who settled in the 'outback' called Tejas.

2. You'll learn why Anglo settlers came to Tejas that was home to numerous Native American tribes and Spanish settlements.

3. And why did the Tejanos and early Texians rebel against Mexico?

3. You'll follow the early Texian Army and settlers as they flee Mexico's dictator, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, after the fall of the Alamo.

4. You'll experience the birthplace of Texas' independence, Washington-on-the-Brazos.

5. You'll gain insight into the sacrifices these Tejanos and Texians made for their freedom and the Republic of Texas. 

Online registration is available for this tour and it's open right now!

Questions?

Tour Director: Kip Lankenau, Kip@KipMotor.com, 214-498-0531

Tour Registrar: Tammy Keith, AACATXDFW1@gmail.com, 469-338-6358

Website: texas-dfw.aaca.com/runawayscrape/

Y’all Come on Down to the Texas Coast

October 23-25, 2025

Central Fall Nationals

Galveston, TX

Registration Deadline: September 26

Click here for brochure

Click here to register online

At its Golden Era in the late 1800s, Galveston Island was known as the “Playground of the South” – a booming tourist destination built on its attractive beaches, convenient location, high-traffic port and numerous attractions. Galveston has reclaimed that title in recent years with an influx of new attractions and cruise ships that keep drawing visitors to this charming historic beach town on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Region is excited to host this show and anxiously awaiting your arrival! 

Event highlights include a Texas Rangers presentation, welcoming day party activities, technical session on chrome plating, driving tour to the Galveston Ferry ride to Port Boliver Peninsula, Judging School, membership roundtable, Island Banquet with band and silent auction, Judges Breakfast, CJE, Owners Briefing, lots of southern hospitality and awards presentation.

Host Hotel:

Moody Gardens Resort and Spa

One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554

Call 409-683-1299 Monday-Friday between 7AM-8PM to make a reservation for the Antique Car Club room block. Group rate is $182.

Book online: tinyurl.com/2025TXnationals

Hotel Reservation Deadline: September 30

Questions?

Chairman: Jim Johnston, telcopressure@att.net, 832-693-4008

Registration: Sandra Johnston/Thomas Kidd, 2025galvestonmeet@att.net, 713-542-9481

This year marks the 16th consecutive commemoration in what is now an annual holiday to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

I know every day is Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) for many of us but having a specific day when EVERYONE is celebrating brings visibility to our hobby and reinforces the importance of old cars. Now, if you can’t celebrate on July 11th, that’s okay – just make sure you set aside some time during the month of July to do something special.

Here are just a few ideas on how to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day:

1. Organize or attend a car show.

Organize a car show and invite local collectors and admirers to come together and celebrate the beauty of collector cars. Make sure there are awards and prizes in place. No time to plan a show? Then just find one to go to and/or participate in.

2. Take a drive.

Simply take a drive in your collector car. Head out on an open road adventure and enjoy the scenery or take a scenic route for some sightseeing. Either way, it's sure to be a memorable experience.

3. Visit a classic car museum.

Visit a classic car museum and admire the beauty of these historic vehicles. Learn about the history of each car and get up close to see them in all their glory.

4. Join a collector car club or sign up a friend for a $25 half-year AACA membership.

Join a collector car club and meet other enthusiasts like yourself. Meet up with other members for events, car shows, and more. Already belong to enough clubs (AACA being the best one, of course!)? Why not sign up a friend who you think would enjoy all the benefits AACA has to offer?

5. Restore an old car/work on your current project.

If you're feeling ambitious, why not restore an old car? Find an old classic and spend time restoring it to its original glory. It's sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Help promote this special day by posting on social media using the hashtags #CCAD and #AACA. If your Region/Chapter is having an activity for Collector Car Appreciation Day, please share a few sentences and photos with us so we can publish them in Speedster. Send them to Stacy at szimmerman@aaca.org. 

AACA has established a new Judging Class (4D) that specifically recognizes Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles.

JDM has proven to be a fast-growing segment of the antique automobile hobby that particularly appeals to younger hobbyists. These vehicles were designed and built exclusively for Japan and never officially imported and sold in America. They are small, reasonably affordable and include unique performance and styling features of interest.  

According to AACA VP Judging Dave Bowman, “We’re pleased to welcome members with unmodified Japanese Domestic vehicles to our National show fields and have already featured them in Antique Automobile magazine. We encourage the new crop of JDM owners to join AACA and enjoy the myriad of membership benefits and camaraderie.”

Examples of JDM cars include the Nissan Figaro, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Mazda Autozam AZ-1, Mitsuoka Le Seyde and many, many others.

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 August 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.).

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.

Kennywood Amusement Park

Club World Cup Soccer

Legends in Concert -

Myrtle Beach, SC

Dollywood

Lady Gaga

Silver Dollar City - Branson, MO

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.

If you enjoy driving your antique vehicle, start your engine and get recognized for driving your AACA-approved vehicles throughout the calendar year with the Mileage Award Program (MAP).

Participation is voluntary and tracking mileage is your responsibility. Any time a vehicle is driven – anywhere for any reason – the mileage counts towards the award levels. Once you sign up, you will receive a badge and awards at 2,000, 5,000 and each 5,000-mile increment thereafter. The cost to become a MAP member is a one-time fee of $25.

Click here for a Mileage Award Program application.

If you have any questions, please email us.

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.