September 2025 | Volume 201

Only 1 Week Until the Hershey Show!

Will We See YOU in the Sweetest Place on Earth?

Eastern Fall Nationals

Hershey, PA

TUESDAY, October 7 –

FRIDAY, October 10

Click here for brochure & full schedule

The Hershey Region invites you to make the pilgrimage to antique car Mecca this October. Come join the more than 200,000+ visitors who come each year to experience Hershey. The Hershey show is considered the largest antique car show and flea market in the world boasting some 9,000 vendor spaces in its flea market, a car corral with 800+ antique cars for sale and culminates in a great car show with about 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.

JUDGES DEADLINE EXTENDED TO TODAY!!

Judges' registration for Hershey is open online here.

Here is a link to the last Judges Newsletter,

which includes the Hershey registration form.

If you have questions about the flea market or car corral, please send an email to fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org. If you have questions regarding the car show, please send an email to carreghershey@gmail.com.

SAFE TRAVELS! WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU!!

Important 2025 Hershey Reminders:

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

Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 6

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

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

Car show will be Friday, October 10

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)

AACA merchandise will be on the show field along the road

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)

Chocolate Field C3G 5-9 (Tuesday - Thursday)

Green Field in front of the Giant Center in a large white tent (Tuesday - Thursday)

AACA membership will be on the show field along the road near the

merchandise tent on FRIDAY during the car show.

New memberships and membership renewals

will be taken at all of these locations all week.

AACA National 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: Library closes at 2 p.m. Tuesday to get ready for the sale.)

Car Corral Spaces WILL Be Available Onsite

There will be 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 7. 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. (If not a current AACA member, you can renew and/or join onsite at the car corral office.)

Race Car Condition Run & High-Wheeler Event

Come see the race cars and high-wheelers race around the track in the Hershey Stadium starting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 9. There is a 75+-year history of race cars driving around the 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!

Juniors at Hershey

Juniors at Hershey is a project of the Hershey Region Youth Committee. Join us for the 27th Annual Junior Display for youth of all ages. The event will be held on Friday, October 10, from 12 to 2 p.m. in front of the Giant Center. The Hershey Region Chuck Wagon will be on display.

By the time Speedster lands in your inbox, there will be only 1 week left until the Eastern Fall Nationals begin – we can’t wait to see all of you! AACA Library staff have been working hard to prepare the facility for the arrival of old car enthusiasts the world over. Duplicate material is priced, organized, tagged, and boxed up for the Yard Sale, the library is scrubbed clean from top to bottom, 50 volunteers have been added to our ranks to help out in various ways throughout the week, and we have planned, organized, and prepared for the masses of antique car hobbyists soon to be on their way.

We are so excited to welcome everyone to Hershey and the AACA Headquarters & Library building. Even if you’ve been here before, there is likely something new to see since your last visit. The library is open all week (except Friday) for research and self-guided tours, so be sure to leave room in your schedule if you’d like to access material from the archives.

Last reminders for the important stuff:

• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (building is closed on Friday)
• 2 p.m. closing on Tuesday for Yard Sale setup
• Yard Sale is Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. behind AACA HQ
• Parking is available in our lot for library visitors and for those attending the Yard Sale (Monday-Thursday)

If you have any questions, the library staff can be reached at 717-534-2082, or you can email me directly at jwolfe@aaca.org. 

Safe travels, and we’ll see you soon!

Jayme Deibler from Pittsburgh, PA, has been an AACA member for two years. He loves early ‘90s Toyota Celicas and has already taken two of them through the AACA judging system from First Juniors all the way to Grand National winners. He joined because he loves the cars and the competition but has also already discovered that the people in this club are the best part. Jayme recently posted a great video about his experiences showing his cars at AACA National shows and how he’s getting ready to make the trip to Hershey next week to start the award run with yet another Toyota Celica. Good luck, Jayme, and thanks for helping us spread the word about AACA!

Click here to watch the video.

Check it out! We have NEW AACA merchandise just in time for Hershey!

We have color block polos in blue and black, baseball shirts in blue, and Active Wear moisture-wicking hats in grey. We also have new t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, and sweatshirts specifically designed for the 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. These items will not be available in our online store until November, if there’s anything left!

Headlined by the Suzy Q Collection and highlighted by the 1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q Racing and 1931 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe by LeBaron, RM Sotheby’s returns to Hershey with more than 145 consignments, October 8-9, 2025.

RM Sotheby’s has announced new consignments for the 19th annual Hershey sale, including a 1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q Racing, 1931 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe by LeBaron, and a 1935 Auburn 851 Custom Speedster. Held at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 8-9, this annual sale features a selection of veteran, Brass Era, and post-war classics, as well as a selection of weird and wonderful automobiles. 

These consignments follow the earlier announcement of the Suzy Q Collection, a warm and diverse group of 51 motor cars curated over two decades by the late Saul “Sonny” Schwartz. A beloved AACA and CCCA member, Schwartz was admired for his passion, hospitality, and eclectic automotive tastes, reflected in the collection’s Brass Era touring cars, CCCA Full Classics, 1950s favorites, and even a military cargo truck. Offered entirely without reserve, the Suzy Q Collection will headline RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2025 auction this October. Highlights include the 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Phaeton Sedan, 1916 Pierce-Arrow Model 36 C-4 Five-Passenger Touring, and the 1936 Cadillac Series 85 Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood. 

To view all the cars, please click here

Event Schedule & Location: Hershey Lodge, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033

LAST CHANCE!! Galveston Show Deadline Extended to October 4!

The Texas Coast is Calling...

See Y’all Soon!

October 23-25, 2025

Central Fall Nationals

Galveston, TX

Registration Deadline Extended: October 4

Click here for brochure

Click here to register online

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

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

Host Hotel:

Moody Gardens Resort and Spa

One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554

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

Book online: tinyurl.com/2025TXnationals

Hotel Reservation Deadline: September 30

Questions?

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

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

It’s Time to Renew Your AACA Membership for 2026

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

This Chrysler Imperial Crown convertible carries body #00014 and was completed Saturday, August 22, 1961. My research leads me to believe that this was four days before the official start of 1962 model year production (8/26/1961). Released from the Jefferson Avenue plant on Tuesday, September 12, 1961 (the same day that JFK delivered his “We Choose to Go to the Moon” speech), it was delivered to "Region 41" (Northern Ohio including Cincinnati). By then, just 357 of the entire 14,337 car production run had been built. Acknowledging the early build date and low body number, this is likely among the first of the 554 1962 model year convertibles built... if in fact, not the very first.

Last registered in 1980, this derelict and disassembled 63,199-mile car has passed through five-plus owners before I undertook a 5,000+ hour, 13-year, ground-up restoration. Striving for factory-correctness, I note a few important exceptions including the ornamental “Flytesweep” rear trunk lid which was, for reasons unknown to me, not offered in 1962. Instead, a plain lid with chrome center molding was original on 1962 models. Uniquely stylized decklids were offered in 1961 and again in 1963. For safety purposes, I acknowledge the addition of seatbelts, a dual master cylinder, and period-correct bias-look radial tires. 

Ultimately, all systems have been restored including a rebuild of the original 413 V-8 engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes, fuel and electrical systems. The car wears the correct alabaster paint, tan leather interior, and rebuilt roof frame with white top. It also has correct factory-air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power windows, vent windows, antenna, convertible top, electronic beam-control, and AM signal-seeking radio. It carries a period correct 1960-61 Mirror-Matic rear view mirror and ARC 1000 record player. A faithful recreation of the original saddle tan leather interior and copper carpeting complement the interior. The dashboard including the unique Panelescent speedometer, gauges and square steering wheel were shipped cross-country where they were expertly restored by a recognized Chrysler specialist in the Northwest United States. In 2024, the car debuted at the Audrain Concours D'Elegance in Newport, Rhode Island, where it completed the 60-mile tour and was awarded a 3rd place award in its class.

As the fin-fad faded in favor of a more streamlined design, the '62 Imperial managed to retain much of the glittery 1950s and early ‘60s charm of the burgeoning Space Age.

In actuality however, designer Virgil Exner’s quasi-neoclassical 1962 Imperial is recognized for its blend of both yesterday and yesterday's tomorrow: retro, 1930s-era free-standing headlights beneath outstretched “cats-paw” fenders look back to the classic car era, as does the exaggerated split front "V" grille emulating the famous Imperial radiator grilles of the same period. Futuristic, afterburner-style taillights are a nod to the moment and the optimism of things to come.

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. 

In the September/October edition of Antique Automobile is a postpaid ballot for the 2026 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, 2025.

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: 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 (Bianchi) Chiotti 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 at 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.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Kyle Blake, AACA National Board of Directors

VP Youth Development & Awards

blakerestorations@gmail.com or 443-564-7268

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 20.

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.).

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.

The 2026 AACA Annual Convention will be held February 5-7 in Chantilly, VA, at the Westfields Marriott. We are working on an excellent pre-convention excursion for Thursday that you will not want to miss, so you may want to consider coming in on Wednesday. Here is the full hotel and reservation information, so you can book early and start your planning:

Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles

14750 Conference Center Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151

Less than 10 miles from the Washington Dulles International Airport

Room Rates:

$139 per night OR $159 per night with 1 breakfast OR $179 per night with 2 breakfasts

Reservation Link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51001554

Reservation Phone: (800) 266-9432 (mention Antique Automobile Club of America)

Reservation Deadline: January 13, 2026

Once a product is sold, one may wonder if a company would ever stay in touch and follow up to see if what they sold was being cared for.

In early 1923, Yellow Cab Manufacturing Company of Chicago issued an illustrated booklet and sent it to customers who had recently bought one of their vehicles. It was all about how to keep their cabs in proper care and operation.

The first sentences say it all: “A cab out of commission is not earning a cent.” and “A cab neglected is costly.” To issue this booklet tells us that commercial vehicles, especially cabs, were neglected from regular maintenance. The instructions in the booklet cover everything from lubrication to how to wash the vehicle!

It notes… flush the entire cooling system every month, the transmission case must be washed out twice a year with kerosene, the muffler was supposed to come apart and be cleaned thoroughly twice a year as well.

There were instructions on the care of the body… body drain holes for water needed to be kept open as “this prevents warping of the body due to water soaked lumber.”

Filthy cabs weren’t a sight a customer would want, so the cab owner was instructed to “clean body with a non-alkali soap (use Ivory or similar). Certain soaps contain chemicals that are injurious to the highly finished surface of the body. And when used the body must often be refinished.”

As an author/historian, I find all aspects of vehicle history as mentioned here interesting. It relates to the use of the cars in an era a century ago from a realistic, everyday point of view. As collectors now, we often only view the cars as revered objects not as what they were originally manufactured for – transportation. 

Note: These articles are informational and not a political commentary. There are many moving parts in the legislative process and time will be the true teller of how the hobby will be affected both good and bad.

“Thanks to you, the EV Mandates are gone” is the headline in the CEO’s editorial in the September edition of SEMA’s monthly magazine. It goes on to state that SEMA mobilized an army of advocates, including the fact that 56,000 letters were sent to lawmakers. We thank the many members of AACA who participated in this effort. It’s folks like us that helped bring reality back to the forefront of U.S. policy makers.

It is also interesting to note that the California Senate passed “Leno’s Law” and has sent it to the Assembly Transportation Committee. If you live or work in California, you are urged to write to your representatives to try to get this legislation over its last hurdle so that vehicles over 35 years old will not have to pass the smog testing.

Please feel free to express your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns including any topics of interest, to Fred Trusty, Chairman, at bearcamp1988@gmail.com. 

April 23-25, 2026

Grand Nationals (April 24)

Western Spring Nationals (April 25)

Las Vegas, NV

Host Hotel:

Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway

Henderson, NV 89011

702-567-4700, mention Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA)

Click here to reserve your room online

$155 per night (includes resort fee) + tax 

Chrissy Arnold, carnold@aaca.org

Marketing & Advertising Coordinator

Before joining AACA, Chrissy worked in various marketing roles that helped her develop a passion for connecting people through storytelling and design. She calls Pennsylvania home and enjoys spending time with her family, exploring antique shops, and taking Sunday drives in her 1972 Chevelle Malibu.

Chrissy will be managing the club’s marketing efforts and overseeing the advertising for our award-winning Antique Automobile magazine. If you have questions about promoting your car-related services and events to AACA members, or would like to place a classified ad, Chrissy is your go-to contact!

Kate Stover, kstover@aaca.org

Membership Assistant

Kate is the newest member of the membership team. Her background is in the medical field and sales, so this new role is an exciting change for her. Additionally, she recently got married in July, which has made this year even more special. In her free time, Kate enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends, family and her dog. Her dream car is a red '65 Mustang convertible with a white leather interior. Kate is thrilled to be part of the AACA family and excited to assist you with your membership needs.

AACA Christmas and holiday cards are an annual tradition for many members. These beautiful 5x7 cards feature artwork from renowned artist Dan Reed. Here are this year’s new designs...

1969 Jaguar Type E

Inside: Season’s Greetings

1937 Buick

Inside: Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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).

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 2026 to January 2027 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 $14 postpaid, these calendars also make great, inexpensive gifts for all of the car-lovers in your life!

Order online from the AACA Store or call AACA National Headquarters at 717-534-1910. An order form will also be included with your next issue of Antique Automobile magazine.

Below are several exclusive deals on live events including concerts, sports, shows and more. Check out these and more deals by clicking here.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Howl-O-Scream

The Lion King - Broadway

San Diego Zoo

Philadelphia Eagles

Chicago CityPASS®

Historic Boston Harbor Cruise

Antique Automobile Club of America

AACA.org | 717-534-1910

America’s Premiere Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community

The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community. Since its formation in 1935, the Club, through its national office, publications, and membership, aids individuals, museums, libraries, historians and collectors dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of automotive history.