October 2024 | Volume 190 | |
Hershey Thank You & Congratulations | |
The biggest THANK YOU imaginable goes
out to all of the volunteers and the
leadership team from the Hershey Region!
Without you, Hershey would not happen.
THANK YOU to the vendors, judges, staff, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, AACA Board and all of the members who showed cars! Without all of you, Hershey would not be the biggest and best antique car event of the year.
THANK YOU to all of you for showing up to enjoy the show! Without you, Hershey would not create the most incredible experiences and memorable friendships that it does.
Finally, a big congratulations to all of our winners!!
Click the above link to view the Hershey winners list.
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What Did You See at Hershey? | |
Enjoy a few photos from Hershey Week, and remember to check out the complete wrap-up article and even more photos in the November/December issue of Antique Automobile magazine...
Photos courtesy of these AACA members: Joel Goldman; Amoi Goldman, AACA Librarian; and Stacy Zimmerman, AACA Communications & Marketing Director.
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Thank you Mother
weather every day
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Nature for perfect
of Hershey 2024!
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Another Phenomenal
Hershey Week for the Books
By Matthew Hocker, AACA Librarian, Cataloger & Volunteer Coordinator, mhocker@aaca.org
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As the AACA Library transitions into November and the winter holiday season, we are still coming hot off the heels of Hershey week. For the library team, it would not be a stretch of the imagination to refer to this occasion as “AACA Christmas.” We spend the entire year preparing for a week of automotive festivities, host our own “Black Friday-esque” event with the Yard Sale, and even get to play the role of Santa in the form of delivering priceless literature files to researchers visiting from all across the globe. Condensing the week’s excitement into one article would be quite the challenge but allow us to make more magic with a quick but informative overview. | |
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Offering compelling research service is at the heart of the library’s mission, and Hershey week saw us assist 89 individuals from throughout the United States, as well as other countries like Canada, Switzerland, and Hungary. Research topics were diverse, covering a plethora of automotive marques from as early as a 1901 Knox to as late as a 2007 Cadillac. Additional unique topics included product safety testing, comparing vague color descriptions to sample color swatches, and more. We even had researchers with familial connections to three different brands engaging in genealogical endeavors related to the 1948 Tucker, the South Carolinian Anderson and Rock Hill Body Company, and Albion of Scotland.
In addition to research, we also raised a grand total of $15,648 selling duplicate material throughout the week. The lion’s share of this figure was achieved during Tuesday’s annual AACA Library Yard Sale event. Under the leadership of Amoi Goldman, new ideas like timed-entry tickets and themed sales areas were implemented with tremendous success and an overall positive reception from attendees. On Friday during the car show, we raised more than $2,200 selling automotive books and had to restock multiple times throughout the day.
In addition to being significant fundraising activities for the library, these sales events have also become social gatherings in their own right. Collectors got to know one another while sifting through boxes of literature, and there was ample opportunity to both meet and mingle with automotive history authors. That night, connections were made, stories were swapped, and friendships between “trading buddies” were kindled.
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Thanks to the generosity of AACA members, we also received several donations of automotive books, sales literature, and manuals. Among the most memorable contributions were items coming from the collection of late AACA past president and Chevrolet enthusiast, Pinky Randall, as well as a 15-box donation consisting almost entirely of Canadian-specific shop manuals and parts catalogs. This material is currently being processed and will be made accessible to researchers for years to come.
The single-greatest thread in allowing us to accomplish all of this is our strong team of volunteers. Whether it is welcoming our visitors to do research or assisting in preparing materials for and staffing the Yard Sale, they play a critical role in our continued success. If you are reading this and feel inspired, perhaps you too will consider becoming a library volunteer.
This is where one might finish the article off by saying that “all good things come to an end” but, for the library, this could not be further from the truth. From the moment one event closes, next year’s is always “right around the corner.” For next year’s Hershey week, rest assured that we are already hard at work figuring out how to make the experience better than ever!
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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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Pre-War & Brass Era Classics Shine at RM Sotheby’s
18th Annual Hershey Sale, Achieving Highest-Grossing Results
with Nearly $17 Million in Sales
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● Sales totaled $16,559,490 with an incredible sell-through rate of 99% over the two-day sale.
● Bidding participation was robust, with 20% of bidders participating for the first time, underscoring the continued strong interest in the pre-war market.
● Bidders hailed from 27 countries and 43 U.S. states, making this one of the most internationally diverse Hershey sales to date.
● Star of the auction, 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster, fetched an impressive $781,000.
● To view all results, please click here.
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RM Sotheby’s returned to the Hershey Lodge for its annual sale in Hershey, Pennsylvania, during the AACA Eastern Fall Nationals. The sale realized a total of $16.6 million in sales, with 99% of lots sold over the two-day auction. RM Sotheby’s achieved its highest results at Hershey 2024, slightly surpassing the previous record of $16.3 million set in 2015. The event once again demonstrated that classic cars, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike, continue to captivate and inspire passion across generations.
“It’s always an experience coming back to Hershey. There’s something about the atmosphere—whether it’s the history, the people, the swap meet, or the cars—that makes it feel like a homecoming. The auction room was packed all week, and with nearly $17 million in sales, the results show the passion collectors have for pre-war and brass-era classics. Hershey is the perfect way to wrap up a busy auction season in North America. We’ve got one more sale in North America this year, and then we’re laser-focused on next year, which already has incredible plans in the works,” said Gord Duff, President - RM Sotheby’s.
The auction showcased five distinct collections, ranging from veteran and Brass Era cars to post-war classics, spanning the years 1904 to 1985. These included The Terence E. Adderley Collection, The Sportsman Collection, The Frank Wright Collection, The William Boucher Collection, and The Charles J. Noto Collection.
The 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster, the top lot of the Hershey sale, sold for $781,000. This original, authentic example of the legendary “boattail” speedster, formerly owned by Jerry J. Moore and Chuck Spielman, boasts a well-kept, attractive older restoration in ideal colors. ACD Club Certified Category 1, it stands as an ideal Speedster for both driving enjoyment and regional showing.
The 1912 Little Giant Model D Jitney Bus “Blue Jitney Line,” offered from The Charles J. Noto Collection, far exceeded its estimate of $120,000–$150,000, selling for an impressive $231,000. This rare survivor, built by the Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, boasts an award-winning, concours-quality restoration, including an AACA Grand National First Prize and National Bus Award. A true crowd favorite, it remains a standout at any event or collection.
The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Seven-Passenger Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood surpassed its pre-sale estimate of $75,000–$100,000, achieving a remarkable $209,000. This exceptional example of Cadillac’s formal V-16, formerly owned by Bob Stubenrauch and Dan Hanlon, features an award-winning older restoration in its original colors and trim. Recognized as a CCCA Full Classic, it embodies the grandeur of Cadillac’s golden era.
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Top 10 Lots
1. 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster – $781,000 USD
2. 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster by LeBaron – $572,000 USD
3. 1902 Packard Model G Rear Entrance Tonneau – $572,000 USD
4. 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Roadster by LeBaron – $440,000 USD
5. 1911 Oldsmobile Model 28 Autocrat Roadster – $407,000 USD
6. 1932 Cadillac V-16 All-Weather Phaeton by Fleetwood – $341,000 USD
7. 1934 Packard 1107 Twelve Convertible Victoria – $308,000 USD
8. 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet – $286,000 USD
9. 1937 Packard 1507 Twelve Coupe Roadster – $277,750 USD
10. 1926 Duesenberg Model A Dual-Cowl Touring by Millspaugh & Irish – $253,000 USD
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LAST CHANCE!!! 2025 AACA National Board of Directors Election | |
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In the September/October edition of Antique Automobile there was a postpaid ballot for the 2025 Board of Directors election. It is your ONLY ballot and must be filled out according to the instructions or it will not be counted.
Please read the biographies of all the candidates listed in the magazine and vote for the 7 of your choice. Our candidates this year come from widely different backgrounds, so please give serious consideration to those who match your ideas of what is important to the future of the club. All ballots must have 7 names selected or they will be considered "not valid" and will not be counted.
Your ballot must be RECEIVED by November 15, 2024.
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Six Different AACA Scholarships Available
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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Youth Outreach with Your Old Car
By Mark Kubancik, Louisville, KY, mark.kubancik@gmail.com
This is a member submitted article.
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Whether you belong to a national car club like the AACA or a local club in your area, it’s likely that a topic of regular discussion within the club is how to get more “younger” members involved. No doubt there have been a lot of changes over the years since many of us were ourselves younger and lusted after our first car. Many kids now have that same enthusiasm for the newest model of smart phone or gaming system. Times change, and with it, our interests.
Perhaps some of the current concern about younger people’s involvement in the car hobby is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Think about how many times you’ve received a “Look, But Don’t Touch” sign in a goodie bag when registering for a car show. How many times have you seen a sign or decal on an old car that says something like, “Unless you are naked, don’t get close to my car”? And we then wonder why the younger crowd has little interest in old cars.
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As my own little effort to reverse this trend, I’ve begun to disconnect the battery and open the driver’s door when showing my ’55 Firedome at local shows. This October our local AACA Region participated in a car show at Bowmanfest, an aviation heritage festival at Louisville's historic Bowman Field, our in-town municipal airfield. Despite the focus on aviation, a car show has been part of the festival for years. The cars get a lot of attention which is no surprise, since nearly every adult drives a car while only a select few fly a plane. I showed my DeSoto on both Saturday and Sunday, and it garnered a lot of attention from attendees.
Unlike a local car show, where you and the same 100 car guys have seen your car fifty times before, this event saw families with kids, veterans, and neighbors admiring all the old cars. To the average folk, my nice driver looks like a show winner, and that is more gratifying than any local show trophy. On both days I opened the driver's door, inviting anyone who showed interest the opportunity to sit behind the wheel. People, including parents, were shocked that they or their kids were allowed to sit in the car. Hopefully, this "open door policy" will spark a young kid to become a car person later in life.
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Through our website, our local AACA Region was contacted by a teacher at a local public elementary school. He is teaching a class of ELS (English Second Language) students about Cuba. The kids were reading a book about Cuba post-revolution that told the story of a Cuban family working to keep American cars from the 1950s in running condition. Our youth outreach coordinator arranged for some of our members with ‘50s cars to show the students.
On Wednesday, two club friends and I drove our cars to the school where special parking in front of the school was arranged by the teacher and assistant principal. The students had worksheets to complete by inspecting all three cars as we welcomed the well-behaved kids to enter and inspect the cars and take notes. The cars on display were a '59 Buick, '54 Oldsmobile, and my '55 DeSoto. The kids, teachers, and administrators were all very appreciative to us for bringing our cars. The smiles on the kids’ faces says it all!
Moral of the Story: Youth involvement in our hobby
can begin with you and your DeSoto!
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Southeastern Fall Nationals Results | |
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THANK YOU to all of the volunteers, judges, property staff, AACA Board, AACA staff and all of our wonderful members who participated in the show in Huntsville, AL!
And a very special THANK YOU to the North Alabama Region for hosting a great event!
Congratulations to all of our winners!!
Click the above link to view the winners list.
Thank you to AACA member Kelly Adams for sharing several great photos from the event – enjoy them and be sure to read the official recap article in the January/February issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
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Antique Automobile Magazine Honored
with Richard and Grace Brigham Award
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The Brigham Award is presented to the periodical which exhibits the best overall treatment of automotive history over all issues published during the previous calendar year. A publication may receive the Brigham Award only once in a five-year period. Mrs. Brigham and her late husband, both founding members of the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), started the Society’s newsletter, now SAH Journal, and magazine, Automotive History Review. The Brigham Award was first presented in 1990.
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Antique Automobile’s Editor-In-Chief West Peterson graciously accepted the Brigham Award for the publication with the most exemplary editorial, graphic, and historical content published in 2023. Presenting the award and pictured here with West are SAH President Kevin Kirbitz (left) and Andrew Beckman (right), head of SAH’s committee to consider and determine the Richard and Grace Brigham Award winner (and who is also the head archivist of the Studebaker National Museum).
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Congratulations to West and all of the contributors who work so hard to continue to bring you the best publication in our hobby! | |
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It’s Time to Renew Your AACA Membership for 2025
By Karen White, AACA Membership Department, kwhite@aaca.org
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Membership renewal time is one of our busiest times of the year. The first renewal notice for your 2025 membership dues was included with your September/October Antique Automobile magazine. An email was also sent to remind members they could renew their 2025 membership dues online.
Hundreds of members have responded by mailing their renewal payment, renewing their 2025 dues online or calling National Headquarters to renew their membership by phone.
Thank you to everyone who has already renewed their 2025 membership dues!
We are receiving many inquiries from members that paid their membership dues with a check. They are concerned because their checks sent in September and early October have not been cashed yet.
Just this week we were able to process all the renewal payments we have received through the mail. The checks will be deposited very soon. It will be several weeks until the first batch of 2025 membership cards are mailed.
If you haven’t renewed your 2025 membership a second renewal form will be included with your November/December magazine.
Don't forget! You can 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 number, 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 a confirmation email receipt.
Your membership number and PIN number were included in an email sent September 11, 2024, to remind members that it was time to renew 2025 membership dues. Your member number and PIN number are printed on the renewal form included in the magazine package of the September/October Antique Automobile magazine. You can also find your numbers on your membership card. If you don’t know your membership number and/or PIN number, you can call AACA National Headquarters at 717-534-1910 or email membership@aaca.org. 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.
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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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Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer. | |
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According to Norman Bel Geddes (Magic Motorways, 1940), there were four basic gospels of good road construction, which all must be achieved in unison. And it seems that they still need to be, but often aren’t.
What were/are they?
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Member Story: My 122 mph Ride on the Schuylkill Expressway
By Mark Coplan, Boca Raton, FL, mbcoplan@icloud.com
This is a member submitted article.
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I have owned many classic cars. However, at the time they were my daily drivers. I have many interesting stories, but I am going to confine this to one in particular.
When I was 19 years old, I bought a 1954 Jaguar XK 1:20M roadster from a friend of mine for $1,600. I lived in an apartment house across from the art museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At that time, the Schuylkill Expressway was under construction. It was the first interstate highway in the Philadelphia area. There was an entrance to it on Spring Garden Street, not far from where I lived. It opened for traffic on November 25, 1958.
The night before, the evening of November 24, 1958, I decided to see if my Jaguar would actually do 120 mph. My best friend and I got into my car and went to the Spring Garden entrance, which was blocked, but only by a very easily removable blockade. We moved the blockade, got through, put the blockade back in place, and took off on the never been driven on superhighway. When the speedometer showed approximately 122 mph, I took my foot off the gas, and we coasted to City Line Avenue. It was my first automobile experience of a lifetime. I have owned more than 90 cars, quite a few of which are now classics.
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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: New Event Highlights Revealed | |
The 2025 AACA Annual Convention will be held February 6-8 in the Charlotte/Concord, NC, area at the Embassy Suites by Hilton.
We are working hard to iron out all of the details and food pricing with the hotel so we can open registration soon, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, we are excited to announce several new event highlights that have been confirmed:
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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
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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LAST CHANCE! 2025 AACA Annual Convention Call for Speakers | |
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 ASAP!
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.).
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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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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 Fall 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... | |
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Legislative Corner: Keeping You Informed
By Fred Trusty, AACA National VP Legislation, bearcamp1988@gmail.com
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The September issue was our first installment of the Legislative Corner and, quite frankly, we weren’t sure if articles dealing with legislation would be well received and if anyone would read them. So, we said that we’d appreciate feedback from the membership to determine if it would be useful for us to routinely update the membership, perhaps every other month, via an article in Speedster.
Wow! We missed the mark on that one. Not only did you guys read the article in detail, but you provided so much feedback that the internet cable to my computer was smoking hot from all the emails I received. You guys passed that test.
CORRECTION:
The article in the September issue of Speedster stated:
“Availability of lead-free gasoline: There are many states, including New Jersey, where it is illegal to sell lead-free gasoline for over-the-road use. This will become even more of an issue as it is likely that EPA will be supporting the sale of E15 or even E20, which will be even more detrimental to our vehicles than E10.”
The statement should have said:
“Availability of non-ethanol gasoline: There are many states, including New Jersey, where it is illegal to sell non-ethanol gasoline for over-the-road use. This will become even more of an issue as it is likely that EPA will be supporting the sale of E15 or even E20, which will be even more detrimental to our vehicles than E10.”
We really appreciate your feedback. Please email your thoughts, including any topics of interest, to Fred Trusty.
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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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Don't Forget to Order Your Holiday Cards | 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). | |
Treat Yourself to an Official AACA Car Sign This Winter | |
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Our next batch of car signs will be for the holiday season. To ensure delivery
in time for the holidays, sign requests must be received by Friday, November 8.
All requests received now through November 8 will be processed in November. Requests received after November 8 will not be available until January 2025.
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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.
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Are You Taking Advantage of Your Access to MemberDeals? | |
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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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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Per Bel Geddes, the four basic tenets of good road construction are, or should be...
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Safety: “the safe guiding of the individual along the highway.”
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Comfort: “a high degree of ease. It must be built into the automobile and the roadway.”
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Speed: “the time it takes to travel, achieved not only by fast moving automobiles, but by laying out highways along the shortest possible distance.”
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Economy: “not only in the financial sense: the economy of time and energy, as well as money.”
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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. | | | | |
