September 2022 | Volume 165 |
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Sad News on the Passing of Library Director Chris Ritter
By Matthew Hocker, AACA Librarian, Cataloger & Volunteer Coordinator, mhocker@aaca.org
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Tragedy has hit the AACA Library. This week, Library Director Chris Ritter was tragically killed in an accident while out golfing with his father. We are heartbroken and grieving the sudden loss of Chris and, as much pain as we are in right now, we cannot even begin to imagine what his wife Tam and little boys Pierce and Case are going through right now. They were Chris' life, and he was theirs; please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.
We are also incredibly sorry for all of you, as I am sure many of you were helped or touched in some way by Chris over the years. This is hard news to swallow all around, and we know many of you will be grieving with us. The condolences we have received so far have been overwhelming but greatly appreciated. As far as supporting Chris’ family right now, we do ask that you please respect the family's privacy during this time until they are ready to hear from you. We promise to keep you updated at the appropriate time.
The library isn't the same without Chris, and he will be greatly missed. It's going to be incredibly difficult without him during Hershey week, both for us and for you. He won't be here to warmly welcome you. He won't be able to banter with you about your latest restoration project. He won't be able to reminisce with you about past events, and he won't be able to share in your exciting discoveries on the fields or in the library's stacks.
Even though Chris will not be here physically, he will be here in spirit. We will do our best to push forward by remaining open next week, offering research services, and running the Tuesday Yard Sale. To say this is the way he would have wanted it is hard to say because it feels like it trivializes the situation. However, given Chris' character and how he tackled challenges over the years, I have no doubt that he would want us to do our best during Hershey week. Please bear with us in the coming weeks and months as we navigate this difficult time, and keep Chris' family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts.
The November-December issue of Antique Automobile magazine will include a wonderful tribute to Chris. Please watch the AACA website and Facebook pages for updates on how you can support the family and details about the memorial service for Chris.
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Eastern Fall Nationals
Hershey, PA
TUESDAY, October 4 – FRIDAY, October 7
The Hershey Region AACA invites you to make the pilgrimage to antique car Mecca this October. Come join the more than 250,000 visitors who come each year to experience Hershey. The Hershey show is considered the largest true antique car show in the world and includes a flea market with over 9,000 vendor spaces, a car corral with about 800 antique cars for sale and culminates in a great car show with 1,000+ vintage cars on display.
If you registered for the flea market or car corral, you should have received your packet with your windshield stickers and instructions by now. If you haven’t, please send an email immediately to fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org.
If you registered to show your car on FRIDAY, you will need to pick up your packet on the Chocolate Field at the FOLDER DISTRIBUTION tent located next to the Hershey Region main tent. The FOLDER DISTRIBUTION tent is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Packets will also be available for pick-up on Friday morning at the show vehicle entrance behind the Giant Center.
SAFE TRAVELS! WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU!!
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Important 2022 Hershey Reminders |
Show will run Tuesday, October 4 through Friday, October 7
Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 3
Judging School will be Thursday, October 6, at 2 p.m.
Judges Breakfast will be Friday, October 7, at 7 a.m.
Car show will be Friday, October 7
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Come Visit AACA at the Hershey Show |
AACA merchandise will be at these locations in the flea market:
Chocolate Field in our blue trailer – C3H 5-7, C3I 5-7 (Tuesday - Friday)
Green Field in front of the Giant Center in a large white tent (Tuesday - Thursday)
Note: Official Hershey poster artist David Snyder will be at the blue trailer location
selling and autographing posters Tuesday - Thursday.
AACA merchandise will be adjacent to the show field
in a large white tent on FRIDAY during the car show.
AACA membership will be at these locations in the flea market:
Chocolate Field in front of our blue trailer – C3H 5-7, C3I 5-7 (Tuesday - Friday)
Green Field in front of the Giant Center in a large white tent (Tuesday - Thursday)
Chocolate Field C3G 5-9 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Note: Wayne Carini will be at the C3G 5-9 location on Wednesday from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
He will be available for autographs, photos and selling copies of his magazine.
AACA membership will be adjacent to the show field on FRIDAY during the car show.
New memberships and membership renewals will be taken at these locations all week.
AACA Headquarters building, including the AACA Library,
will be open to the public Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Don’t forget about the Library yard sale on
Tuesday from 4 - 7 p.m. behind AACA Headquarters!
(Reminder: the Library will close early at 2 p.m. on Tuesday to prepare for the yard sale)
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Car Corral Spaces, Race Car Conditioning Run,
Ladies Luncheon & Juniors at Hershey
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Car Corral Spaces WILL Be Available at Hershey
There will be a LIMITED number of car corral spaces available onsite at the Hershey show. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to enter a car into the car corral, you will need to show up at the show at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4. You MUST be a current paid AACA member. The vehicle must be 25 years old or older, you must be able to drive the vehicle on to the car corral and the vehicle must be AACA compliant -- no hot rods allowed.
Vintage Race Car Conditioning Run & High-Wheeler Event
The event is part of the ritual that is the Hershey show and takes place on Thursday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. inside Hershey Stadium. This year, there are 20 race cars registered for this unique event including oval track, sports cars, Indy cars and motorcycles. There is a 75+-year history of race cars driving around the Hershey Stadium, starting with the midget car races during the depression. Today, Hershey is one of the only places where spectators still get to see these cars in action!
Ladies Luncheon at Hershey
The Ladies Luncheon will be held at the Hotel Hershey at 12 noon on Thursday, October 6. If you need transportation to the Hotel Hershey, please check with Mac or Marianna at the Hershey Region main tent on the Chocolate Field to make arrangements prior to 9 a.m. Thursday morning.
Juniors at Hershey
Juniors at Hershey is a project of the Hershey Region Youth Committee and is for youth of all ages. The event will be held on Friday, October 7, from 12 to 2 p.m. in front of the Giant Center. This year’s Junior program will feature cars from the 1930s era. Three cars will be on display and discussed. Penn College will do a demonstration on model building. Juniors will see a demonstration and participate in electrical systems on cars. A special gift will be given to all participants. The Hershey Region Chuck Wagon will be on display.
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World-Renowned Automotive Artist David Snyder
Creates the Official Hershey Fall Nationals’ Poster
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Over the years, the official Hershey event poster has become a highly collectible and sought-after souvenir. Many of you have met and become friends with artist Ken Eberts who has produced the official Hershey event poster for the last 25 years. Ken has now retired from producing the poster. Ken and his wife Liz send their thanks for all of your continued support through the years and have really missed being able to travel to Hershey to see everyone during the last few years. (Don’t worry, Ken has agreed to continue to create the beautiful images for our Christmas cards!)
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World-renowned automotive artist David Snyder received the honor of creating a unique work of art to grace the 2022 official Hershey poster. Here’s your sneak peek at the 2022 poster…
Where will you be able to get your poster? The posters will be on sale at Hershey Region souvenir tents and at the AACA National merchandise trailer and tent on North Chocolate at C3I 5-7. David will be at the tent on North Chocolate at C3I 5-7 Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to sign posters. On Friday, he will be signing posters in a tent on the show field near AACA National Headquarters during the car show. He will also have a display on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5-10 p.m. inside the Hershey Lodge during the RM Auction.
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AACA Library Yard Sale is Back!
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Exciting things are happening at the Chris & Kathleen Koch AACA Library & Research Center this fall. After a two-year hiatus our famous automotive literature yard sale is back. In conjunction with the Eastern Fall Nationals, the yard sale will be held Tuesday, October 4, from 4-7 p.m. in tents behind the AACA National Headquarters building at 800 W. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.
Our staff and volunteers have been working diligently to prepare duplicate automotive sales literature, manuals, books and more for the return of the yard sale. Special this year is an amazing collection of duplicate materials from the Free Library of Philadelphia purchase. Please join us and show your support for the AACA Library. We look forward to seeing you!
(Reminder: the Library will close early at 2 p.m. on Tuesday to prepare for the yard sale)
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Free Seminars During Hershey Week
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This year when you visit the Eastern Fall Nationals in Hershey be sure to attend a seminar at the AACA Library. You will not want to miss this opportunity to rest your body and activate your brain with these automotive topics:
October 5 at 10 a.m.
Alexander Soultanis presents, “Resurrection of a WWII KdF-Wagen Beetle”
In this seminar, Alexander Soultanis will share the remarkable restoration story of his 1944 KdF-Wagen Beetle type 82e. Soultanis has dedicated over twenty years to this ongoing project even though he has faced many significant challenges. This quest has taken him overseas to find answers, get parts and to meet others who share his passion for the KdF-Wagen Beetle. Through his experiences Soultanis has become a subject matter expert. This seminar will appeal to VW enthusiasts, those interested in antique automobiles and restoration, and anyone who enjoys a captivating personal journey. For more information, visit the KdF Registry website maintained by Soultanis.
October 5 at 2 p.m.
Ronald Sieber presents, “What is a Speedster: A Discussion”
Ronald Sieber is the author of Classic Speedsters and writes a blog about the topic on his website. The content of Sieber’s seminar covers material from his book, blog, as well as current events. The time span for the presentation topic is 1900-2020 (and beyond). Sieber will have copies of his book for sale at the presentation ($80). More information regarding the book can be found on his website. The AACA Library & Research Center has been an important resource for Sieber.
October 6 at 10 a.m.
Pat Mescher presents, “How to Repair, Maintain and Calibrate Speedometers”
As owner of Bill’s Speedometer Shop in Bellbrook, Ohio, Pat will demonstrate how he repairs, maintains and calibrates speedometers. To learn more, visit his website. Pat Mescher was also a presenter at the 2022 AACA Annual Convention in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
All seminars will take place in the classroom adjacent to the library, on the second floor. Each seminar is free and will accommodate up to 45 participants. Questions? Call 717-534-2082 or send an email to agoldman@aaca.org.
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Black Swan Antiquities to Hold Extended Hours During Fall Hershey Week
By Matthew Hocker, AACA Librarian, Cataloger & Volunteer Coordinator, mhocker@aaca.org
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If you plan on attending Fall Hershey this October, you are probably geared up for hunting down all sorts of automotive treasures. Black Swan Antiquities, a local antique mall and friend of the AACA Library, will be having extended hours Monday, October 3, through Thursday, October 6 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dealers will be looking for automotive objects to stock their shelves, and you’ll also want to be sure to visit the AACA Library’s booth for automotive books, literature and more.
For more information on Black Swan Antiquities, be sure to visit their Facebook page or call them at 717-867-4400. |
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NEW AACA Merchandise for Hershey!
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Check it out! We have NEW AACA merchandise just in time for Hershey!
We have several new polos, hats, jackets, and fleeces. We also have a new t-shirt to commemorate this year’s Hershey show.
Make sure you take time to do a little souvenir shopping at the AACA trailer and tents while walking around the flea market and show field.
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RM Sotheby’s Hershey: The Pre-Eminent Auction
Venue for Early Collectibles
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It’s that time of year again! RM Sotheby’s will return to the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, October 5-6, during the AACA Eastern Fall Nationals, for their 16th annual sale.
Rich in car culture, collectors come from across the globe each year in search of rare and sought-after cars, parts, and collectibles. This year is no different as the auction will see more than 100 cars spanning over 80 years of automotive history and ranging from Brass Era through to Pre- and Post-War classics, in addition to a diverse selection of automobilia and collectibles.
Single-Car Highlights
One of 17 known survivors in the Sport Phaeton body style, the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood boasts a distinguished ownership history and is a carefully maintained older restoration in Bottle Green. A Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, it is worthy of continued appreciation and exhibition by its next caretaker (Estimate: $900,000 - $1,100,000).
Also on offer is a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Limousine by Willoughby. Restored as one of the final cars completed by legendary marque specialist Brian Joseph’s Classic & Exotic Service, J-306 boasts many years of well-known ownership history and is among the finest of its kind. Benefitting from the quality of New York coachbuilders, this impressive Duesenberg is fit for either concours or touring (Estimate: $750,000 - $900,000).
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1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport
Phaeton by Fleetwood
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1930 Duesenberg Model J
Limousine by Willoughby
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Collection Highlight
The St. Yves Collection is set to cross the block and consists of seven pre- and post-war American classics, all coming out of long-term ownership for the first time in decades.
RM Sotheby’s will kick off the sale with their annual Preview Cookout, where donations to benefit the AACA Library and Research Center are welcomed, on Tuesday, October 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. alongside an auction preview from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The auction will then take place over the next two days beginning at 5:00 p.m. nightly, with auction previews each day beginning at 10:00 a.m.
RM Sotheby’s is excited to announce the first “All Roads Lead to Hershey” Rally. On Monday, October 3, cars will depart from the historic Naval Air Station at Grosse Ile, Michigan, just south of Detroit at 8:00 a.m. and enjoy secondary roads through Michigan before making their way down through Ohio to join the Lincoln Highway across Pennsylvania, ending with our overnight stop in Pittsburgh. From Pittsburgh, on Tuesday, October 4, the rally will continue on a scenic back route, riding the hills and valleys of Pennsylvania to finish at a celebratory BBQ at the Hershey Lodge in the late afternoon. The route has been programmed into the Rallista app for easy turn-by-turn directions along the entire journey.
All lots in RM Sotheby’s’ Hershey sale can be viewed here.
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IMPORTANT!!! 2023 AACA National Board of Directors Election |
In the September/October edition of Antique Automobile is a postpaid ballot for the 2023 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 postmarked by November 15, 2022.
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LAST CALL for 2023 AACA Annual Convention Speakers
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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 October 15. This will be the LAST CALL for speakers.
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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The 2023 Convention will be held February 9-11 in Williamsburg, VA.
Registration and hotel information will be available soon.
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Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer. |
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Twenty-five years ago, GM introduced an automotive innovation that might have changed the industry landscape as we now know it. Simultaneously, they were also accused of sabotaging its existence for political reasons… including a possible conspiracy with the oil industry. What was this “would have, could have, should have” industry milestone? |
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Hershey: The Early Years, Part 1
This is a member submitted story.
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In the forty-nine years since my first trip to Hershey, the event has grown beyond belief. In the early 1960s while I was still in the Midwest and a member of the CLC and the Classic Car Club, I had heard references about the event in Hershey, PA. I didn’t quite understand the excitement it generated among some of the other members. “What’s the big deal? I like chocolate bars too, but so what?”
After relocating to Western New York in 1965, I finally joined the AACA. Again, I started hearing more about Hershey and what a great event it was for those of us who were into cars. It still took me a few years to finally get around to planning and making the trip, which would end up being the first of many.
When it was final that I was really going to do this, I found out that the first thing other members had warned me about was absolutely true… The closest motel that we could get for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday was located in York, PA. So, on Thursday Joyce and I threw our belongings in the Ford Station Wagon and away we went. The weather was a little “damp” (light rain). We arrived at the motel, checked in and turned around, got back in the car and drove up to Hershey. We might have made it to Hershey a little sooner, but my bride insisted on stopping at a restaurant so she could get something to eat. You know how testy women can be if you don’t feed them two or three times a day. 😉
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When we arrived at Hershey, I was able to park in the stadium parking lot and I was looking out the windshield at the Blue Field. Remember the Blue Field? By now it was somewhere around 1600 hours, and I told Joyce that I wanted to take a “quick look around.” The weather was still somewhat “damp,” but it didn’t matter. As I walked through the field, I thought this is unbelievable. It was great.
Friday morning, I couldn’t get there fast enough. Joyce decided she would see what all the excitement was about with an antique car flea market. The day was a little “damp” again, but we were able to park in the stadium parking lot again. Joyce walked a few rows with me and then said, “You’ve got to be kidding! I think I’m going to go sightseeing. Have a good time.” I had filled the gas tank up and she had 50 cents with her, so she was all set for the day.
I had a great day! I went up and down those rows in the Blue Field and I knew I had found my “sandbox.” If you were hungry during the day, all you had to do was visit “Strawberry Alley,” where some fraternal organizations had set up food stands. Across the road at the old airport, they offered rides in a Stearman biplane. I’m pretty sure it was a Stearman. When Joyce picked me up later, she informed me what a great day she had exploring the Hershey area. So, everything was right with the world!
On Saturday morning, we had breakfast and headed for the car show. As I recall, the show was located in the field where the maintenance building currently stands. There were also more cars inside the stadium. After looking at all the cars, I went back to the flea market. Joyce took off to do some more sightseeing. (She hadn’t spent all of her 50 cents yet.)
On Sunday morning, we checked out of the motel and went to breakfast. At breakfast Joyce asked me if I was planning on coming back next year. I said, “Yeah! Except I’m going to come down on Wednesday! This was a really great time!”
Stay tuned for Hershey: The Early Years, Part 2 in the next issue of Speedster.
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We want to hear from you! We are always looking to feature articles from AACA members in Speedster. We'd love to share your personal accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other stories you think other AACA members would enjoy hearing about.
Stories should average about 500 words or less. And, we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Stacy Zimmerman at szimmerman@aaca.org. |
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Multiple Scholarships Available Through AACA
Application deadline for all scholarships is November 1
Click the links below for more information and to download the applications for each scholarship.
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How do I apply?
Completed applications should be returned to:
Debbie Nolen, AACA VP Youth Development/Scholarship
5805 Centralia Rd, Richmond, VA 23237
REMINDER: All scholarship applications are due by November 1 and will be awarded at the AACA Annual Convention in February.
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Can I Drive My New Classic Car Home to Florida?
This is a member submitted story.
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Another frequent question we get here at Classic Auto Mall is “Can I drive my new (to me) classic home to ________ (fill in the blank)”? The answer is usually yes you probably can, but you really shouldn’t. The reason it is discouraged to drive your purchase home is first and foremost, it’s an unfamiliar vehicle to you and therefore might have some features and systems that you aren’t used to. The last thing you want to be doing is cruising down the highway and something happens. The brakes and steering will certainly have a different feel to them than the vehicle you just got out of. If the car has drum brakes as opposed to modern disc brakes, it will require a much longer distance to stop the car. The wipers, headlights, blinkers, and emergency brake may all be in different places than you are used to. Does it have bias ply tires? You certainly may not be used to how they differ from modern radial tires. It is much better to be on your home turf the first few times you drive it to get to know your new ride.
Another reason? A lot of these classics have sat for many years with limited use and might need a little sorting out before attempting a longer drive. Also, if something goes wrong on the trip, finding parts might be a challenge and there is nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road waiting for that special part that your car needs. Another consideration is the fuel available when traveling. We recommend, when at all possible, using non-ethanol gas in your older cars. It’s probably easy to find this in your hometown but could prove difficult in a town you’re not familiar with. The vehicle you bought may look new but remember a new looking 1995 automobile is now 27 years old and qualifies as a classic (it’s painful for some of us to hear how long ago that was). So, be cautious in assuming it will behave like its new.
So, how do I get it home? Find a reputable shipping company or con your buddy with that fancy new trailer into a road trip! It will be a memorable experience and will get your classic home safely. Classic car ownership is so much fun and driving it will put a smile on your face every time. Just be aware of the limitations of older cars and you will have many, many years of enjoyment ahead.
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AACA’s Oral History Project |
AACA has hired an outside company named PCI to coordinate the Oral History Project for us. Yes, this is a legitimate project and a credible company. No, you do not have to purchase anything to take part in the Oral History Project. We have included several articles about this project in recent issues of Speedster, as well as a lengthy article in Antique Automobile magazine. If you still have questions, please read this short FAQ sheet.
We are sorry if you are upset about receiving the yellow postcards in the mail or email messages about this project. These are the only ways we are allowing the company to contact you on our behalf. If you do not want to receive these notifications about the project anymore, all you have to do is give us a quick call at AACA National Headquarters (717-534-1910) and request that your name be removed from the list. We will be happy to help you.
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VROOOOM! VROOOOM!
U.S. Postal Service Releases Pony Cars Forever Stamps
This story submitted by the U.S. Postal Service.
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Over the past six decades, fast and fun pony cars have become a uniquely American obsession. Since their emergence, these performance coupes and convertibles have brought a youthful spirit to the automotive world.
These stamps celebrate five iconic U.S. automobiles — the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 GT and the 1969 AMC Javelin SST. Painted using oil paint on panels, the stamp artwork, with bold colors and dramatic light, captures the energy and mystique of pony cars.
In the mid-to-late 20th century, American automakers began catering to a segment of their customer base that was rapidly growing — younger drivers. They craved sporty, affordable cars that looked and felt different from what was in their parents’ garages. Several manufacturers initially produced models that fit that description, but the pony car trend didn’t begin in earnest until 1964.
Pony cars were hot. But in truth, the new classification of vehicle didn’t have a name until Car Life editor Dennis Shattuck is thought to have given it one. Inspired by the Ford Mustang, he coined the term “pony cars” to describe the customizable automobiles that were becoming wildly popular.
More recently, automakers have reintroduced many of the beloved models first launched in the genre’s heyday. Today, adventurous young — and young-at-heart — drivers enjoy the thrill of driving pony cars.
The Pony Cars Commemorative Forever pane of 20 stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. In addition to the stamps, there are a variety of Pony Cars collector items available including art prints and stamp pins. Click here to visit the USPS store where you can purchase the pony car stamps and products. You should also be able to go to your local Post Office to purchase the stamps.
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Official 2023 AACA Calendar Now Available |
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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 2023 to January 2024 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 $12 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 was included with your most recent issue of Antique Automobile magazine.
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It's Never Too Early 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 artist Ken Eberts, whose paintings have graced Antique Automobile magazine covers. This year, we have two new designs...
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“All the Presents Are Loaded
in the New Mercury”
1954 Mercury Monterey
Inside: Season’s Greetings
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“Christmastime at Pop’s Station”
1953 Ford F100 pickup and
1949 Mercury station wagon
Inside: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
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The cards come in packs of 12 and include envelopes. Each pack is only $12 (plus shipping). An order form was included with your most recent issue of Antique Automobile magazine. You can also purchase them in the AACA store on our website or call AACA Headquarters to place your order (717-534-1910).
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Membership Corner: Keeping Membership Alive
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As we progress through the year, it is natural to reflect on where we are now and think about how we can get to a new destination. I would like to ask each of you to reflect on how to maintain our current members and strategize on how to increase our membership.
In reflection, we have positive events and resources for our current members of AACA. Things such as our nationwide National shows and tours, which allow for camaraderie and participation doing what we love to Antique Automobile magazine and our new National Headquarters and library. While these things are beneficial to our current members, we must reflect on what we are doing for individuals who are considering membership or those we meet who have not yet heard of the benefits of our organization. Attracting new members, including younger families, should be our top priority.
For example, our recent event held this summer at Headquarters in Hershey, PA, known as “CarMania” was a gigantic success. This event was open to all types of automobiles which attracted individuals who would not have otherwise participated in a traditional AACA show. Bringing together car enthusiasts with different interests resulted in an event that was well received and well attended. Moving forward, let’s think about hosting more activities like this one to bring the car community together and showcase the diversity of our hobby.
For AACA Regions/Chapters, you have a great resource available to you in your Region Development & Support Directors. There are four Directors – one for each area of the country. These Directors’ main responsibilities are to offer assistance in any way they can, especially when it comes to membership. They can provide information and answer questions. They can brainstorm ideas with you. They can talk about what they are seeing in other regions and chapters. They can help you coordinate membership-building activities such as fairs, car shows and cars & coffee mornings. Not only do these activities provide membership recruitment opportunities, but they also build friendships and strengthen community relationships.
If anyone would like to discuss specific membership opportunities or challenges, please feel free to contact me at any time.
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It's Time to Renew Your AACA Membership
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As most of you know, your AACA membership runs for a calendar year – January 1 through December 31. From now through the end of the year, AACA Headquarters gets a little crazy with membership renewal phone calls and mail. It's not uncommon for us to receive several hundred renewals in a day. Even though it's our busiest time of the year, making sure we get our 45,000+ members renewed is always our top priority.
A renewal form was included with your September/October issue of Antique Automobile magazine. Simply fill out the form and send it back to the office with a check or credit card information.
If you're going to be at Hershey, you can also stop by
the AACA trailer, tent or any of the special membership stands
and renew your membership in person with us.
After the Hershey show, you can also call AACA Headquarters (717-534-1910) to renew with a credit card over the phone.
We look forward to seeing or hearing from all of you very soon!
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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? We even have a back patio with picnic tables where your group can host lunch.
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 Sponsorship Program is available to all of the Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending a limited number of complimentary 2023 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Join/Renew and drop down to Military Discount, or simply click here.
These complimentary 2023 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants and are limited by the funds available for this program. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.
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AACA hosts online forums! AACA hosts a massive online forum area on our website that you can read and/or join in on the conversations on all sorts of topics. People post some really interesting material and pictures on an everyday basis. If you haven't used the forums before, just use the sign-up button in the upper right corner to create your user account. Anyone can join the online forums and it's completely free.
AACA has Facebook! 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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AACA National Activities Calendar |
October 4-7, 2022
Eastern Fall Nationals
Hershey, PA
January 26-28, 2023
Winter Nationals
Miami, FL
February 9-11, 2023
Annual Convention
Williamsburg, VA
April 13-15, 2023
Southeastern Spring Nationals
Charlotte, NC
May 1-3, 2023
Southeastern Divisional Tour
Oak Ridge, TN
May 18-20, 2023
Eastern Spring Nationals
Gettysburg, PA
June 25-28, 2023
Eastern Divisional Tour
Denver, PA
July 16-22, 2023
Founders Tour
Ontario, Canada
July 26-29, 2023
Eastern Summer Nationals
Norwich, NY
August 10-12, 2023
Grand Nationals
Bettendorf, IA
October 3-6, 2023
Eastern Fall Nationals
Hershey, PA
October 22-27, 2023
Revival AAA Glidden Tour (VMCCA)
Thomasville, GA
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Mark your calendars now
for all of the 2023 National shows and tours you would
like to participate in...
then let the planning begin!
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In 1996, GM introduced the first mass-produced, now antique, all-electric car in the modern era. A total of 1,117 subcompact EV1s were manufactured and leased through 1999…when the program was discontinued (and the cars were scrapped). According to THE NEW YORK TIMES (January 28, 1994), “General Motors is preparing to put its electric vehicle act on the road, and planning for a flop. With pride and pessimism, the company, the furthest along of the Big Three in designing a mass-market electric car, says that in the face of a California law that requires that 2 percent of new cars be ‘zero emission’ vehicles beginning in 1997, it has done its best but that the vehicle has come up short.... Now it hopes that lawmakers and regulators will agree with it and postpone or scrap the deadline.” Ten years later, along came Tesla. And now, the rest of the industry’s playing catch-up... including GM.
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Antique Automobile Club of America | AACA.org | 717-534-1910
America’s Premiere Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community
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The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community. Since its formation in 1935, the Club, through its national office, publications, and membership, aids individuals, museums, libraries, historians and collectors dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of automotive history. |
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