November 2024 | Volume 191 | | |
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Everyone here at AACA National Headquarters & Library and the AACA Board of Directors wishes you a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving!
Please note that National Headquarters
and the Library will be closed Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29,
so the staff can enjoy the long holiday weekend with their families.
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Six Different AACA Scholarships Available
LAST CHANCE!! Application Deadline: December 1
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Click here to download the scholarship application.
Susquehannock Region Automotive Technology Scholarship (formerly known as the AACA Student Scholarship): Cash award to a student currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning leading up to a degree in antique automotive technology and or restoration.
AACA Young People’s Award: A cash award to an AACA member (student or regular) who has been accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning or is now enrolled in such institution, i.e., a four-year college leading to a bachelor’s degree or a two-year vocational education program leading to a degree. Applicant must be nominated by a Region or Chapter of AACA and must be no more than 25 years old.
AACA Scholarship: A cash award to any AACA member (student or regular) who has been accepted to an accredited institution of higher learning or is now enrolled in such institution, i.e., a four-year college leading to a bachelor’s degree or a two-year vocational education program leading to a diploma. Applicant must be no more than 25 years old.
Louise Bianchi Chiotti Memorial Scholarship Award: Louise (Bianchi) Chiotti was born on June 11, 1914, in San Jose, California. The family’s first automobile was a 1926 Dodge Sedan. Her two younger brothers purchased a 1939 Studebaker and took delivery in January 1939. They wanted to give it to Louise’s son Dave in 1956. His mother thought it too big of a car for a fifteen-year-old in San Francisco and talked him into buying a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe. In 1959 the little Model A was a bit slow, so Dave purchased a 1959 Ford convertible. As Dave sat on the running board of the Ford waiting for the new owner to arrive his mom came and sat next to him. “You really don’t want to sell it do you?” she asked. “NO, I don’t” was my reply.” “Then don’t,” mom said. Dave and Marilyn Chiotti still own the Model A; it is a Senior and First Place Grand National Award Winner. The 1939 Studebaker came to the Chiottis after spending 40 years under a walnut tree. It is now a Senior and First Place Grand National Award Winner. The 1926 Dodge was cut into a truck for ranch use in the 1940s. Dave brought it home in 1976 and built a Woodie. In 2000, they donated it to Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa. After Dave and Marilyn’s uncle’s passing, they acquired their 1968 Cadillac El Dorado. It now lives in the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA. This $1,500 scholarship is based upon the same rules as the AACA Automotive Technology Award and is awarded as funds are available. It was instituted and funded by Dave and Marilyn Chiotti as a way to honor Louise and a way to continue to support youth in the hobby.
AACA John & Janet Ricketts Leadership Scholarship: A cash award to any AACA member, child or grandchild of an active AACA member in good standing for a least 5 years, who has been accepted to an institute of higher learning or is now enrolled in such institution. The award is granted by the family of John and Janet Ricketts in recognition of their love of AACA and their belief in service to the club. It is also in recognition of our first female National President Janet Ricketts in 1999.
Hershey Region AACA Automotive Restoration Scholarship: Cash award to an AACA member currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning leading up to a degree in antique automotive restoration.
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If you have any questions, please contact:
Greg Jackson, AACA National Board of Directors
VP Youth Development & Awards
greg.jackson15@outlook.com or 704-408-6217
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Only One Month Left to Renew Your AACA Membership!
By Karen White, AACA Membership Department, kwhite@aaca.org
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As most of you know, your AACA membership runs for a calendar year – January 1 through December 31. If you have already renewed your membership for 2025, thank you!!
If you haven't already renewed your membership for 2025, you only have one month left to do so. A second renewal form was included with your November/December 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 use our super easy online membership renewal on our website. Renewing online is quick and simple! Just log in with your membership number and PIN, review the information currently listed on your membership record and make changes if necessary. Review your information one more time and choose your payment type. Payment options include Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Your payment will automatically record to your membership record, and you will receive an email confirmation.
Your membership number and PIN are printed on the renewal form included with your November/December issue of Antique Automobile magazine. It can also be found on your membership card. If you don’t have access to a renewal form or your membership card, call National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or email kwhite@aaca.org to get your numbers. Please DON’T try to pay your dues by using the JOIN AACA tab. This WILL NOT renew your membership – instead, it will create a new one.
REMINDER: Your 2025 membership dues MUST be paid before you can receive registration information for any 2025 National Shows or Tours, including the Annual Convention.
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Regarding Membership Renewal Forms & Antique Automobile Magazine | |
During this time of year, we are receiving membership renewals on a daily basis. Please know that we always try to process them as quickly as possible. Having said that, we do have to send the mailing file for Antique Automobile magazine about 3 weeks before you actually receive it in your mailbox so some renewals may not get processed before the mailing list is created. If you know that you sent your renewal in to us or that your region/chapter sent in your renewal, please disregard the extra renewal notice. Thank you in advance for understanding the situation! | |
Give the Gift of AACA Membership | |
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We can't think of a better gift to give someone who loves this hobby than an AACA membership. Do you have friends and family who aren't current members and enjoy antique cars as much as you do? With the benefits of Antique Automobile magazine and the Library & Research Center alone, how can you go wrong?!
U.S Membership $45 – Non-U.S. Membership $50
Student Membership (up to age 25) $12
U.S. Life Membership $700 – Non-U.S. Life Membership $900
An AACA membership is a unique gift that gives all year long!
Call us today at 717-534-1910 to purchase a gift membership for 2025!
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Pie Recipes: “At Home and On the Road” from Ford Times
By Jen Wolfe, AACA Library Director, jwolfe@aaca.org
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This week we celebrate my favorite meal of the year – Thanksgiving. Those of you who read my column last November know what I look forward to most at the end of that meal…that’s right…pie. Normally, I bake one pie to contribute to the selection that day, and my grams makes the rest. Because we’re a rather large group (and all have a particular pie that we simply must have or it won’t be Thanksgiving), it’s 5 pies in total for the Wolfe Pack: pumpkin, peanut butter, pecan, apple (with sliced Vermont cheddar to put on top), and coconut cream.
The occasional years we tried to go without one of these pies resulted in nothing but misery and disapproval – it’s since been decided that it’s best to just make all the pies, and not complain about the time and work involved. Earlier this year my grams passed away, and I offered to bake the lot this year. Though they certainly won’t taste the same without her, the idea of going without pie altogether was not an acceptable path forward for me or any of my siblings.
I wanted to share one of my family’s recipes with you, but before I do, I was reminded of a book we have in our collection here at the AACA Library, The Ford Times Cookbook: A Traveler’s Guide to Good Eating at Home and on the Road. I had 1974’s vol. 6 on hand, so I paged through it to find some pies that would have been enjoyed on the road at various hotels and restaurants at the time. Ford Times included the “Favorite Recipes from Family Restaurants” feature every month, and it was such a popular column that they started publishing compilations of the recipes in cookbook format starting in 1967.
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Here are a couple from 1974:
Aunt Rebekah’s Pecan Pie (Wayside Inn – Middletown, Virginia)
Beat 4 eggs slightly, then add ½ cup sugar. Stir in 3 cups maple syrup, a pinch of salt and ¼ tsp. vanilla. Add 1 cup pecans. Pour into 9-inch unbaked pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes in 450° oven, then reduce to 350° and bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Black Bottom Pie (Dolores Restaurant – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Add 4 egg yolks to 2 cups scalded milk. Combine ½ cup of sugar with 1 ¼ tbsp. cornstarch and stir in milk. Cook in double boiler for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until mixture generously coats a spoon.
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Remove custard from heat and take out 1 cupful. Add 1 ½ squares unsweetened, melted chocolate to the cup of custard and beat well. When chocolate custard cools add 1 tsp. vanilla, then pour into a 9-inch baked gingersnap crust.
Blend 1 tbsp. gelatin with 4 tbsp. cold water and add to remaining hot custard. Let it cool but not thicken.
Beat 4 egg whites, ½ cup sugar and ½ tsp. cream of tartar into a meringue and fold into cool custard. Add 2 tbsp. rum. As soon as chocolate custard has set, pour this mixture over it. Chill again until set.
Whip 1 cup whipping cream and spread on top of pie. Shave 1 square of bitter chocolate over pie and serve.
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Friends, if the spirit moves you, bake ‘em up and let me know if either recipe holds true 50 years later. (Forgive me, I think I just aged all of us by mentioning that it’s been half a century since the book was published!) If you’d rather spend your time and ingredients on one that’s tried and true, however, here’s one from my grams… | |
| (Jen’s Grand)Ma’s Pumpkin Pie
1 ¾ cup mashed, cooked pumpkin
½ tsp. salt
1 ¾ cup milk
2 lg eggs (1/2 cup)
2/3 cup brown sugar |
2 tbs. sugar (white)
1 ¼ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. ginger
½ tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. cloves | | |
Beat above together, pour into pastry shell. Make shell a little thicker. Bake till knife inserted into side of filling comes out clean. Center may still look soft but will set later. Bake 425°, 45-55 min. | |
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The library collects Ford Times and other company magazines, so be sure to ask about them the next time you visit us, or contact the librarians via phone at 717-534-2082, or our online research request form to inquire about these materials.
Happy Thanksgiving from the AACA Library & Research Center!
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Interested in becoming a volunteer with the AACA Library?
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Matthew Hocker,
at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.
Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?
More information is available on our website.
Visit AACA Library or contact our Reference Librarian, Amoi Goldman,
at agoldman@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.
Visit our Booth at Black Swan Antiquities
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Bringing a Positive End to 2024
By Steve Moskowitz, AACA National CEO, aaca1@aaca.org
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With Hershey having its best weather in years and the Huntsville show being at such a unique venue, we finished off 2024 with a bang! Even though it’s the end of the year, your club is not sitting back and taking it easy. We are constantly working to make your member experience better and continue our quest to preserve automotive history. Of course, we need your help to do this!
As you consider your year-end taxes and philanthropy, hopefully you will consider making a special tax-deductible gift to your club. We hope that those who are required to take a mandatory distribution from their retirement accounts will consider AACA as part of your tax savings plans. Please discuss this with your accountant.
Many of you have already given, some have not. Our sincerest THANK YOU to everyone who has continued to support this club with your time and donations! We hate to ask again as we truly realize there are many deserving charities you can choose from for your charitable donations. However, the club is continuing its quest to become stronger each year and your generosity helps us to maintain and grow our member services.
So, we are asking you to please seriously consider making a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the year – it will make all the difference for the future of this club. You can make a general donation to the club, or you can specify your donation to go to the library endowment or the building fund endowment. You can make your donation one of three ways:
Click here to donate online – easy and fast!
Call us at 717-534-1910 and we will take a donation
via credit card over the phone.
Mail a check off to us right away.
Send to: AACA, 800 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Remember, you do not have to itemize to take this deduction and any donation amount is appreciated! We will send you an acknowledgement letter for your records.
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ATTENTION REGIONS & CHAPTERS:
Your Reporting Forms Are Due January 31
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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 current President or Secretary two weeks ago. If you need another copy of the forms, you can click here to download them from the AACA website, or we can mail you another set if need be.
Please return the forms to Sue Eitnier at seitnier@aaca.org. You can also mail them to AACA, 800 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
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Introducing My Students to the Ford Model T
By Joseph Phillips, Industrial Arts Instructor, Southeast Polk High School,
Pleasant Hill, IA, joseph.phillips@southeastpolk.org
This is a member submitted article.
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In my Automotive I class, we just finished a unit on the history of the automobile. In that unit, we discussed Henry Ford, the assembly line, and the influence of the Model T in American Society which truly transcends into today. To culminate this activity, Scott Diehn, president of the Des Moines Region AACA brought his very own 1923 Model T in for the students to view.
Mr. Diehn gave an in-depth discussion on the options available for the Model T, as well as how they run, drive and operate. Did you know that when the Model T first came out a windshield and headlights were optional? This was a fantastic experience that many of our students enjoyed. He discussed navigating the mud roads at the time, and even anti-theft mechanisms invented for the car. When time allowed, he even gave short rides around the parking lot. The car is 101 years old and gives students a glimpse into just how much technology has advanced when it comes to our daily transportation.
A huge thank you to Mr. Diehn and the local AACA Region for making this experience possible. It is experiences like these that advance the hobby with our youth, and we had some students that were absolutely mesmerized by the Ford Model T. Even those that were not, still appreciated it for its age and advancements to American Automotive Culture. The hobby is alive and well thanks to the contributions of people like Scott Diehn.
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Of the Era: the Famous Studebaker Pledge Plan
By Walt Gosden, Guest Contributor, coachworklines@aol.com
This is a member submitted article.
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In the 1929-30 era Studebaker developed and offered to perspective customers of their used cars the famous “Studebaker Pledge” plan. This program embraced the idea of giving a person who was interested in the possible purchase of a used Studebaker a "5-day's driving trial" to use the car they chose to see if it would be something they would commit to purchasing.
That indeed seems to be a very generous offer to have a car for a down payment to drive on license plates and insurance of the dealership. Nowadays, it’s almost hard to comprehend to even allow that to happen for just half a day!
Studebaker’s sales flyers noted, "more than 150,000 thrifty motorists bought Pledge-backed used cars," and "MOST Pledge-backed used cars have been thoroughly reconditioned to give a new-car appearance and performance." If that car did not satisfy, "you may return it within 5 days and apply your payment to any car in stock, used or new."
It is an interesting way to entice customers and sell cars, and it seems that the sales pitch was aimed at people that the dealer knew and looked favorably at Studebakers. The sales flyers that I have are not dated but seem to be from the 1929-30 era.
The Studebaker Pledge is a great example of the attitude and mindset of that era – long before the current ongoing bombardment by word and visual media that we are subjected to today. It gives me a great perspective of the larger image of life in general, as well as the promotion of new vehicles nearly a century ago. I find these small bits of automotive history fascinating, and I hope you do too.
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Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer. | |
When Packard introduced its first Post-War II cars, the company opted to retain a straight-eight engine. Obviously, tooling dictated the decision. But what else prompted Packard to stay the straight-eight course? | |
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Member Story: Musings of a New Jersey Picker
By Terry Golda, Ringoes, NJ, xtaggatx@gmail.com
This is a member submitted article.
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I’m not talking about picking a guitar or a banjo but rather picking up and acquiring objects I call archeological antiquarianism. My profession has taken me on many New Jersey back roads, and I’ve investigated more than four-thousand buildings. Often, hidden treasures abound. I’ve always said that I have looked at more buildings per week in my 40-year career than a realtor. If you name a town in New Jersey, I can tell you exactly where it is located.
One of my best finds was an antique gas pump. While attending Texas Tech University in 1970, I took a course in photography. One of our assignments was to photograph three objects that were related. Of course, I chose an automotive theme. I photographed the nickel-plated radiator shell of a Model A Ford and a rutted dirt road. Then I remembered an old gas pump at an ancient auto repair shop on Avenue H in Lubbock, Texas. I had never seen an old visible gas pump with its tall glass cylinder on top in person, only photographs. The pump was well weathered, and the shop proprietor used it to sell kerosene. I was amazed at how tall it was – over nine feet! This became my third image and it always stuck with me.
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Photography Assignment
Lubbock, Texas, 1970
| About four years later and back in New Jersey, I drove past an old overgrown farmstead in Tranquility and spotted a rusted visible gas pump near the barn. I stopped and knocked on the door of the house. An elderly man answered the door. I asked if he was interested in selling the gas pump. He said, “Why sure, twenty dollars.” I whipped out my wallet as fast as I could and handed him twenty dollars. Now I had to figure out how to move it. | |
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The pump was in remarkably good condition. It only had some surface rust and the glass globe on the top was missing. It was a Bennett pump. By the serial number, I found out it was manufactured in 1934. Visible gas pumps were popular from the mid-1920s to the late 1930s. The customer could tell how pure the gas was by seeing it and knew how much gas he was getting by the graduations on the cylinder.
I enlisted the help of my wife’s uncle, who was a furniture delivery person. He could lift anything. I measured and the object of my desire would fit in the back of my 1965 Ford station wagon with a foot or so hanging out. So, off we went on our adventure. The concrete base the pump was anchored to was so deteriorated the anchor bolts pulled out without any resistance. A simple pipe wrench disconnected it from the buried fuel tank. Man, that thing was heavy! We loaded it up and off to my grandparents’ farm we went to store it.
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The pump had been moved around through the ensuing years, but I always had the dream to restore it. Finally, the time was right for this project. The pump went to Country Road Auto Restoration to be sandblasted and painted. A friend dug the hole and poured the concrete foundation. We used stainless steel anchor bolts. Electrical wiring was run to the pump to light up the glass cylinder and globe. The last item needed was a new globe at the top. I always liked Esso gasoline, so I secured a reproduction globe at the AACA fall swap meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Brian, from Country Road Auto Restoration, and I researched the correct colors and placement on the pump. Then the big day came… Brian brought the finished pump down on his rollback truck. We both struggled to lift the pump over the anchor bolts and into place, then connected the wiring, and finally it was done. The placement of the pump next to the barn (my garage and office) looks like it has always been there.
By the way, the restored pump is now worth several thousands of dollars. I’d say that was some very successful picking!
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We want to hear from you!! | |
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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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Are You 65+ With a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan?
If You Qualify, This Program Gives You FREE $$$!
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AACA is excited to share a special offer from our partner, Grouper, for members aged 65 and older. This program encourages social activities like car shows and tours, club meetings and get-togethers, etc., which are all beneficial to your health.
If you have a Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan that includes social benefits, you can receive a $50 check and $20 wellness payments every three months just for staying active, helping to reduce the risks of social isolation.
Instantly check your eligibility by visiting hellogrouper.com/AACA.
| For any questions, the Grouper Member Engagement Team is available at 833-445-2400 or info@hellogrouper.com. | |
2025 AACA Annual Convention: Event Highlights & Hotel Information | |
The 2025 AACA Annual Convention will be held February 6-8 in the Charlotte/Concord, NC, area at the Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Event highlights include:
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Thursday pre-convention excursion to the NC Transportation Museum
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Thursday pre-convention excursion to the Hendrick Heritage Center
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Friday luncheon hosted by AACA’s First Lady with keynote speaker Lyn St. James
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Friday evening Roaring ‘20s Speakeasy Casino Night
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Saturday evening National Awards Banquet
Book your rooms now – do not wait!! This hotel WILL sell out!!
Here is the full hotel and reservation information, so you can book now and start your planning:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte/Concord Golf Resort and Spa
5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW, Concord, NC 28027
Only 20 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Room Rate: $159 + tax, includes complimentary hot breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, parking
Reservation Link: AACA Annual Convention (hilton.com)
Reservation Phone: 704-455-8200 (mention AACA Annual Convention)
Reservation Deadline: January 16, 2025
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2025 AACA Annual Convention Trade Show Registration Open | |
Trade show registration has begun! If you have a business that AACA members should know about, then you should have a trade show booth. If you use a service or have a friend who owns a company that AACA members should be using, a trade show booth is the answer. At only $200, this is the most cost-effective target marketing you could ever do!
If you want to spend some quality time sharing what your company does with AACA members, you NEED to be in the trade show! Click here for more information about the benefits of being a trade show vendor at the convention and a registration form.
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2025 Hershey Flea Market & Car Corral Pre-Registration Information
By R.J. "Mac" MacAdam, Flea Market/Car Corral Registration Chairman,
Hershey Region AACA, fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org
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On behalf of the Hershey Region, we thank you for attending the 2024 Fall Nationals. We hope you had an enjoyable experience. On a side note, please ignore the many FALSE RUMORS in reference to the Eastern Fall Nationals moving from the current site at the Hershey Entertainment Complex – none of them are true! (And yes, they are still flowing!)
As a reminder, the Eastern Fall Nationals will again be held the first full week in October starting Tuesday and ending with the judged car show on Friday. Mark your calendar for the 2025 show October 7-10. We have already begun working on the 2025 show in which Vance Wolfe will be the Fall Meet Chairman and Bonnie Kulikowski will be his assistant.
We will be mailing the 2025 pre-registration packet/cards mid-December. If you do not receive your packet in the mail by January 20, 2025, you should call 717-566-7720 on Monday or Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. eastern time or email fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org.
Please read the following important information regarding the submission of pre-registration cards:
1. A "Space Relocation Form" will be enclosed in each vendor's packet. This will be the only form accepted for space relocation. If you write your request on the pre-registration card, or 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. (Additional spaces are NOT SOLD during pre-registration. The May/June issue of Antique Automobile magazine will include the procedure for acquiring spaces during summer registration.)
2. Pay close attention to the deadline on the card. The pre-registration postmark deadline is February 15, 2025. Your spaces will be in jeopardy if the postmarked deadline is not followed. The registered vendor is ultimately responsible for the timely submission of the pre-registration material.
3. If your card or check is not signed it will be returned to you. That will also delay your postmark position for relocation.
4. Checks deposited that are returned for insufficient funds, account was closed, etc., will be charged a $35 administration fee.
5. The dates and times for which our telephones will be staffed will be 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.
6. If you DO NOT receive your new 2025 AACA membership card by January 20th, 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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Who’s Ready to Dual in the Desert? | |
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May 1-3, 2025
Western Spring Nationals/
Special Grand Nationals
aka, Dual in the Desert III
Tucson, AZ
The Tucson Region welcomes you to the 2025 Western Spring Nationals in Tucson, AZ. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson boasts a vibrant blend of Southwestern charm, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty! Known as the “Old Pueblo,” Tucson offers visitors a multitude of fascinating attractions to explore during your visit.
Just two of such attractions are:
• Pima Air Museum is an aerospace museum featuring a display of nearly 400 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres. It has also been the home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame since 1991.
• Old Tucson Movie Studios is a movie studio and theme park just west of Tucson, adjacent to the Tucson Mountains and close to the western portion of Saguaro National Park. Built in 1939 for the movie Arizona (1940), it has been used for the filming location of many movies and television westerns.
There are many more local attractions that can be visited in Tucson. More attractions will be highlighted in future issues of Speedster. Plan to come early and stay later for the Dual in the Desert III.
Host Hotel:
Casino Del Sol Resort & Casino, 855-765-7829
5655 W. Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757
Special AACA rates:
$149/night, plus tax, Estrella Tower OR $169/night, plus tax, Del Sol Tower
Ask for AACA National Meet/Grand National rate (available until April 15, 2025)
RV overnight parking available at $50/night. Call 855-765-7829 for reservations.
Questions?
Event Coordinator: Dave Green, 520-904-7325, alpgavegr@msn.com
Western Spring Nationals Chair: Andy Neal, 520-405-5490, nihoto560@gmail.com
Grand Nationals Chair: Tom Mulligan, 520-325-7247, tmulligansr@aol.com
Registration Chair: Roy Ireland, 520-591-1140, royireland802@gmail.com
Tucson Region Website: tucsonaaca.org
REMINDER: Your 2025 AACA membership dues must be paid
prior to registering for any 2025 National shows and tours.
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ATTENTION: Regions & Chapters
$5,000 Grants Available to Regions Hosting National Shows & Tours
That Have NOT Hosted for Over Ten Years
By Wayne Tuck, AACA VP National Activities, rwtuck@comcast.net
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The AACA National Board of Directors realizes that the financial risk involved with hosting a national show or tour has caused many regions and chapters to be hesitant to volunteer to host a national event. Some regions simply do not have the funds available to even think about hosting.
At the National Board Meeting in Hershey, PA, the board approved a $5,000 grant for any region receiving board approval to host a national event that has not hosted one for more than ten years.
There are many opportunities to host one of these events. We have Winter Nationals available and will schedule up to three years in advance. Spring and Fall National shows are available to schedule for Eastern, Southeastern, Central and Western Divisions, also up to 3 years in advance.
Touring events share the same opportunities. Founders Tour, Sentimental Tour, Vintage Tour, Reliability Tour, Glidden Tour and all four Divisional Tours have available openings for your region to reserve for up to three years in advance.
For more information, please contact Wayne Tuck, VP National Activities, at rwtuck@comcast.net or 609-240-1561.
Don’t miss this opportunity to host a national event. Take advantage of this special grant program while the National Board has this offer available!
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Check Out These Upcoming AACA National Activities... | |
AACA Merchandise Makes Great Gifts for Your Favorite Antique Car Fans | |
Looking for that unique gift for the antique car fan in your family? Well, look no further than the AACA merchandise store. Shirts, hats, sweatshirts, polos, jackets, fleeces, etc.
We have license plate frames, trailer hitches and window decals. We even have shirts for the kids and grandkids! And don't forget the stocking stuffers like light-up USB car chargers and drink koozies that look like stacks of tires.
We've got a great variety of AACA-branded items, so you are sure to find something they will love!
Click here to visit the AACA store.
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.).
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Official 2025 AACA Calendar Makes a Great Holiday Gift | |
The AACA Calendar is always a hot item this time of year, so be sure to order yours before they are gone! This 13-month calendar runs from January 2025 to January 2026 and highlights AACA National Activities in addition to moon phases, all Federal Holidays and many other observances. The best part of the annual calendar is getting to see the fabulous member cars showcased each time you flip the month. At a cost of only $13 postpaid, these calendars also make great, inexpensive gifts for all of the car-lovers in your life!
To order, please call AACA Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or go online to the AACA Store. An order form will also be included with your next issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
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LAST CHANCE! Order Your AACA Holiday Cards Today! | AACA Christmas and holiday cards are an annual tradition for many members. These beautiful 5x7 cards feature artwork from renowned artists Ken Eberts and Dan Reed. Here are this year’s new designs... | |
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1970 Ford Country Squire LTD
Artist: Ken Eberts
Inside: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
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Lincoln Station 1940
Artist: Dan Reed
Inside: Happy Holidays
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The cards come in packs of 12 and include envelopes. Each pack is only $12 (plus shipping). You can purchase them in the AACA store on our website or by calling AACA Headquarters to place your order (717-534-1910). | |
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Are You Taking Advantage of Your Access to MemberDeals?
HOLIDAY DEALS! HOLIDAY DEALS! HOLIDAY DEALS!
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Below are several exclusive deals on live events including concerts, sports, shows and more. Check out these and more deals by clicking here. | | |
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Mickey's Very Merry
Christmas Party
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How The Grinch Stole Christmas | |
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Dutch Wonderland -
A Kingdom for Kids
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Six Flags Magic Mountain -
Los Angeles, CA
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Nutcracker!
Magical Christmas Ballet
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Radio City Christmas Spectacular | |
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Complimentary Copy of Automobilia Resource | |
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As a thank you for reading Speedster all year,
we would like to offer you a complimentary copy
of the latest digital-flip edition of AutoMobilia Resource magazine this holiday season! Enjoy!
Click here to check it out!
Collect More, Better, and Smarter
with AutoMobilia Resource Magazine.
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Schedule a Tour of AACA National Headquarters
& Library Research Center
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Would your AACA region or chapter like to visit?
What about any of the other car clubs you belong to?
If you are planning a tour or day excursion for a group near the Hershey area, why not include a stop at our building as part of your itinerary?
If you would like to book a tour, please reach out to Amoi Goldman, AACA Reference Librarian & Outreach Coordinator, at 717-534-2082 or agoldman@aaca.org.
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Do You Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member? | |
The Military Membership Program is available to Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending complimentary 2025 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Membership and drop down to Military Program, or simply click here.
These complimentary 2025 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants. 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! AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, ask questions and discuss everything and anything car-related. LIKE our Facebook page and ask to JOIN our Facebook group. Don't forget to connect with the AACA Library on their official Facebook page as well.
Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong
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With Ford having introduced the V-8 for every man/woman in 1932, Packard’s Chief Engineer Jesse Vincent believed that there was no prestige in such an engine anymore. The straight-eight was clearly quieter and more refined, and didn’t require as much of a need to routinely adjust valve lash. Of course, such resistance wouldn’t last long before Packard acquiesced to the V-8 onslaught in 1955. | | |
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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. | | | | |
