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Huge Milestone for Speedster!
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This issue of Speedster is our 100th, which is quite a milestone and something we are very proud of. The first issue of Speedster was sent out in October 2008. Click here to take a look at it.
I'd say we have come a very long way from that first issue, wouldn't you? While the design, graphics and articles have gotten better since that first issue, the goal and reason for Speedster remains the same...
This is Your newsletter. We encourage information about your local club that may be of interest to other AACA Members. We encourage photos and short stories about our members and/or their vehicles. Know of any heroics performed by one of our members - - well let's hear them. This is a new feature and it will get better! Let us know what you would like to be included in some future Speedster editions. Remember this can help all of us get timely information out about you, your region and AACA! Enjoy!
-- October 2008 Speedster
To us, Speedster provides an easy and timely way to share information about both National and local Region/Chapter activities, to provide updates and reminders about important membership-related information, and to simply keep in touch with all of you on a regular basis.
On this special occasion, as you can see above, we have given Speedster a little update with a brand new header. Thank you for being a faithful reader, and we hope you continue to enjoy Speedster!
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We Need Your Feedback on the Annual Meeting
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 The Annual Meeting Committee is always looking to improve your experience at the Annual Meeting. For those of you who attended the Annual Meeting this year, you know that we had lots of new seminars, but also made sure to include several of your old favorites as well. The trade show was filled with some of your favorite vendors, as well as a few newbies. The National Awards Banquet was once again filled with an Oscars-like pageantry.
In order to continue to improve and elevate this event, we need your feedback. What did you like? What didn't you like? Which seminar was your favorite? What would you like to see at future Annual Meetings? The Annual Meeting Survey is where you can voice your opinions about the event and know that it will be reviewed by the Committee.
Please click here to take a quick 10 minute survey online.
If you would prefer to print a copy of the survey and mail it back to us, click here to download a PDF.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey. Your valuable feedback will help us continue to improve future Annual Meetings. The survey will close on May 8, 2017.
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We're Looking for a Few Good Speakers & Ideas
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Have you ever thought about speaking or putting on a seminar at the Annual Meeting? Well, now's your chance! We are looking for unique, new, different seminars to add to the schedule for 2018. If you would like to be a possible speaker, please fill out this form and send it in no later than July 1st.
Have an idea for a hands-on workshop? What topics would you like to hear a panel of experts discuss? This is YOUR Annual Meeting and we want to know what you want to learn about. Please email Stacy with your seminar ideas and/or speakers (membership, leadership, chapters/regions, marketing, cars, technical, fun, historical, ladies-focused, etc.).
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Your Help Needed on Glidden Tour History
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AAA started the Reliability Tours in 1904 to promote the safe use of the automobile and help create standardized laws. It was 1905 when Glidden gave the valuable trophy and people started to refer to it as the Glidden Tour although all of the original tours were really AAA. They drove distances of 2,000 miles in ten days over dirt paths. Familiar names such as Pierce, Stanley, Stutz and many others became involved to demonstrate their inventions in this test of endurance. By 1913, the automobile was so popular the Glidden Tour was no longer a good marketing tool.
Fast forward to 1946. The Veteran Motor Car Club of American (VMCCA), now the Vintage Motor Car Club, revived the touring idea and trademarked the name Glidden Tour. AAA again became a partner. Later, AACA agreed to host it every other year. The tour has now completed the 71st annual revival tour.
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1954 Glidden Tour |
In all of the years of this tour, there has never been a record of all the individuals who have participated in the tours. People today cannot tell you with any degree of certainty how many tours they have been on. This really hit home with me when I was the registrar for the 2016 Glidden Tour.
We have begun an attempt to create a list of all the participants, as well as a record of the cars that attended the tours. (Wouldn't it be nice to know who had banner 122 on the 1951 Glidden Tour?) To date, we have information on sixty of the Revival Tours, and scattered information on the original tours.
Here is where your help is needed... Did you attend an early Glidden, or inherit a stack of old tour books? We are missing the tours from 1946, 1951, 1952, 1959, 1962, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1973 California, and 1974.
If you have any lists of the above years and are willing to scan or copy the list of names of participants - specifically, the page that lists name, address, vehicle and banner number - please let me know by contacting me at [email protected]. Please include the year/years that you have available.
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From the AACA Library & Research Center
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AACA Library Presents "McKean March Madness"
Vote for your favorite automotive history books!
March Madness has hit the AACA Library! Instead of basketball, we are focused on automotive history books which have won the Thomas McKean Memorial Cup. This award has been given each year since 1949 to honor "worthwhile effort during the year in automotive historical research on the basis of accuracy, interest to club members, and the use to which the research is put."
There have been three rounds (one for each week), with each round comprising of eight books. The Grand Champion will be announced on April 6. Make your voice heard, and be sure to vote in our final round by April 5 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)!
Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?
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We are currently working on the next judges' newsletter, but wanted to make sure you had the registration information for the
Central Spring Meet
in Auburn, the
Eastern Spring Meet
in Huntington and the
Grand National Meet
in Independence now.
Click here for printable judge registration forms.
Just a reminder that you can also register online for these 3 meets using a VISA, MasterCard or Discover.
Reminder:
If you wish to attend ANY functions other than judging school, round table or judging, it is important that you register. Many regions will have free activities but need to know how many guests are expected so that they can properly plan for them. Some regions will also have parking passes, etc. that they will want to send to you prior to the meet.
To register, request a meet registration card and brochure from AACA National Headquarters either by calling 717-534-1910 or mailing the activity request card. The activity request card is included in your Antique Automobile magazine package on the back of the address insert. Once you have the registration card and brochure, complete the card and mail it, along with any payment, to the sponsoring region/chapter if you want to participate.
This is the best way for you to know what is going on during the weekend.
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'56 T-Bird and Dolly Parton
AACA and Atlanta Classic Thunderbird Club members Jerry and Wilma Drayton from Decatur, Georgia, had the opportunity to have their car appear in the Dolly Parton Christmas movie. Enjoy their story...
As a regular attendee at a local monthly car show, the idea of having the 1956 Thunderbird my wife and I own appear in any movie was not even remotely on the radar screen. Don't get me wrong-my wife and I love our car, but never thought of it in a movie. Despite that, it received a professional ground up restoration in early 2013. It has since won many local car shows and received a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America-proof of the quality of the restoration.
Caffeine and Octane is a monthly car gathering that takes place in Atlanta every first Sunday in the month. It is an opportunity for car people to meet and drink coffee among some of the finest cars in the area. We attend frequently and always look forward to spending a pleasant morning with fellow car enthusiasts.
Unlike the many shows we had previously attended, this one was different. An incredibly wonderful opportunity awaited us.
We were sitting by our car talking to friends, when a gentleman approached to inquire if we would be interested in renting our car to a movie company to be used in a period movie that was filming locally. The young man explained the producers were looking for a vintage red 1955-56 Thunderbird. The setting for the movie was to be rural Tennessee during the Christmas of 1955, so either a 1955 or 1956 car could be used. After taking several pictures of the car, he jotted down our contact information and said someone would be in touch. For a city-bred person, who has been led to believe that such things do not happen to ordinary people, the idea of being approached at a car show and offered a chance to have your car appear in a movie seemed too unreal to be true.
 But it turned out to be true. Two days later, we received a call saying they wanted to use our car. The best part of the story was that it would be a Dolly Parton Christmas movie, the sequel to the much acclaimed "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" movie that broke broadcast network records in 2015. The new movie, "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love," was scheduled to be filmed in the Atlanta area. And despite our concern about turning over the car to a movie company, the apprehension was outweighed by the prospect of being even a very small part of a movie featuring Dolly Parton, a woman we greatly admire.
Click here to read the rest of the story and to see additional photos.
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Who was the early automotive industrialist who sold off his 97% stake in what was then (1903) a faltering Buick, to invest in Maxwell, instead?
or scroll all the way to the end of the
Speedster to find the answer.
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Help Us Create a Special Tire Registry to Show Demand
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We live in an economy which is about 70% consumption based. Suppliers respond to perceived demand. The AACA vehicle owners currently have a weak spot in that demand cycle.
Each year, we see an increased number of vehicles on our fields which originally had alpha radial tires. These are primarily GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles from 1975 through 1978. Most called for GR78-15, HR78-15 and LR78-15 tires.
I propose that a register be built identifying AACA vehicle owners who have these particular vehicles needing these or similar tires.
Please contact me with year, make/model, tire size & contact information.
Eric C. Marsh, 575 Paulownia Drive, China Grove, NC 28023
Cell: 704-267-9383 (I do NOT text)
I will log all of the information I receive into a database.
Once the number of entries is sufficient to gain attention, I will present a summary to Coker, Kelsey & Universal to get their attention and hopefully a commitment to initiate supply.
Please spread the word. We need to build demand!
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Meet Dan McGrew, WWII veteran of 39 plus missions over Europe as a Flight Engineer and faithful AACA member of the Texas Region.
Dan just turned 100 years young and still drives his El Camino to Region meetings.
Does your Region or Chapter
have a member that deserves
the spotlight?
If so, send Stacy an email
with 100 words or less
describing why and 1-2 photos.
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Springtime in Charlotte is a Tradition
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 Southeastern Spring Meet
April 6-9, 2017
Charlotte, NC
The Hornets Nest Region extends a cordial welcome to all fellow AACA members planning to attend the Southeastern Division National Spring Meet. April is a great time of year to visit Charlotte and we are especially pleased to once again be hosting the Spring Meet. The AACA Meet is being held during the Hornets Nest Region's Charlotte AutoFair (produced each April & September) at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Free tickets to Charlotte AutoFair will be provided to each AACA owner registering a vehicle and to each registered AACA Judge.
Come enjoy the Charlotte AutoFair, the Race Car Condition Run on the Fifth Mile Track, Judging School, Youth Program, Car Show, Awards Presentation and a fabulous picnic to wrap up the meet.
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Take a Journey Through Historic Gold Rush Towns
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 Western Divisional Tour
April 25-27, 2017
Sonora, CA
Click here for the brochure
The Mother Lode Region AACA invites you to tour the historic Gold Country of Central California. Join us for a journey through Historic Gold Rush towns, local wineries and Big Trees State Park. All antique vehicles 25 years or older are welcome.
Tour Chairman: Duane Bennett
Registrar: Pam Smith
Host Hotel: The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort
19398 Tuolumne Road North, Tuolumne, CA 95379
877-747-8777 or 209-928-9300
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First Ever Joint National Meet to be Held in Auburn
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 Central Spring Meet
May 11-13, 2017
Auburn, IN
Registration Deadline: April 20, 2017
We are back in Auburn again and this year there is much to talk about! First, we are excited to join forces with the Classic Car Club of America in our first ever joint national meet. The leadership of CCCA and AACA are offering members a great opportunity to experience more classic cars and allowing those who are members of both clubs to be judged by both clubs on the same day! This should be a real treat for everyone and expand the size and breadth of the show.
New for this year also will be a terrific seminar that will help all of us understand what makes a car a full classic. Thanks to Auctions America we will be again treated to free entrance and bidder passes to their spring auction during our meet. We also will have free motor home parking!
 Concert Announcement:
Friday night we will have a terrific concert free to all members of CCCA and AACA featuring The McCartney Project, which pays tribute to Paul McCartney and the music of Wings and The Beatles.
This authentic tribute begins with Tony Burlingame as Paul McCartney. Tony is a gifted left-handed bass player, just like Paul. His bass playing, vocals, stage presence and even his authentic bass guitars combine to deliver the ultimate tribute to Paul McCartney.
Make your reservations early and
don't miss this historic event!
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Exclusive Offer for AACA Members Attending
the Central Spring Meet in Auburn
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 As we wind down from the holiday season and the New Year, Auctions America and the AACA wish to thank those who participated in last year's Special Spring Meet and are looking forward to building on the tremendous success of the event with the 2017 Central Spring Meet. Last year's event brought over 250 registered cars to the Auburn Spring Collector Car Auction & Swap Meet.
Auctions America is pleased to announce a limited time offer to AACA members wishing to purchase vendor or car corral space for the 2017 Central Spring Meet. Simply mention your AACA membership at time of booking to receive 50% off of your booth or car corral space for the entire event weekend!
For those looking for an alternative to a weekend-long vending opportunity, consider the Retro Swap. The Retro Swap is a flashback to the '70s when car clubs would host annual Saturday morning swap meets giving car buffs a quick and easy opportunity to turn extra parts into cash. Clean out your garage and bring out your extra parts or other auto-related automobilia and join us bright and early Saturday morning as we create the ultimate automotive flea market.
This year's Auburn Spring Collector Car Auction and Central Spring Meet will take place May 11-13, 2017, at the Auburn Auction Park. Contact Connie Miller at 260-927-9797 or
[email protected]
to book your vendor or car corral space today.
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Come Relax with us in West Virginia
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 Eastern Spring Meet
May 26-27, 2017
Huntington, WV
Registration Deadline: April 24, 2017
The Huntington Region AACA welcomes you to the 2017 Eastern Spring Meet - Huntington, West Virginia.
Please enjoy this relaxing meet. There are no scheduled tours, but there are plenty of attractions located within a short driving distance. Our intention for this meet was to take a simple approach and focus on the vehicles and give free time to explore and reminisce with fellow members.
Local attractions that may be of interest to members include the: Huntington Museum of Art, Heritage Farm Museum and Village, Museum of Radio and Technology, Blenko Glass and Taylor Auto Collection.
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Come Have Fun in Gettysburg and Beyond
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 Founders Tour
June 4-9, 2017
Gettysburg, PA
Registration must be postmarked between
April 1 and April 30, 2017
Join us June 4-9, as we travel across the historic byways in and around Gettysburg. Come see unusual artisans, unique museums and enjoy some great food. Highlights of the tour will include a trip to the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center, a leisurely drive over covered bridges in beautiful Perry County, and tours of: the Rural Heritage Museum in Hagerstown, MD; Rough & Tumble Engineers Museum which features steam engines, a blacksmith's shop, and train rides; Renfrew Park, an 18
th century German farmstead; and so much more!
There will also be plenty of shopping opportunities along the way at the Gettysburg Outlets and in New Oxford. The tour will conclude with a special movie presentation at the infamous Gettysburg Battlefield.
NOTE: This tour is limited to 150 cars. We have received requests from and
sent out registration materials to almost 400 members. To be accepted
for this tour, you need to send in your registration ASAP!
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Don't Miss Kansas City BBQ & the First-Ever Zenith Award
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 Grand National Meet
June 15-17, 2017
Independence, MO
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2017
The Kansas City Region of AACA welcomes you!
Join us at the 2017 Annual Grand National Meet held at the Silverstein Eye Center Arena located in Independence, Mo. Minutes from Kansas City, President Harry S. Truman's spirit is still alive in Independence! The city has over 20 heritage sites including the Truman Library,Truman Home, Frontier Trails attractions, Victorian mansions, historic square and religious sites.
Do not miss the best BBQ in Kansas City and the first-ever Zenith Award presentation!
Important Information on Hotel Rooms for the AACA Grand National in Kansas City:
We are excited about seeing everyone in Kansas City for this year's Grand National! And, apparently, you are all excited to come visit us because our host hotel, The Hilton Garden Inn, is already booked! We have filled the hotel!!
Don't fret though! We have two alternative hotels only one block from the show field:
- Comfort Inn, 19751 East Valley View Parkway, Independence, MO 64057; 816-373-9880
- Holiday Inn Express, 19901 E Valley View Parkway, Independence, MO 64057; 816-795-8889
Make sure you request the special AACA discounted rate!
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Check Out These Upcoming Meets & Tours
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AACA Custom Car Signs Available
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Do you have an AACA approved car sign for your car? AACA members can have these custom signs created to showcase all of their car's great features or to share the history and story of their car. The signs stand 16.5" high and 12" wide and are made of a hard plastic to withstand the elements. All signs include the AACA logo and website, as well as the year/make/model of your car and owner  information. The rest of the content is up to you. The signs cost $30 plus shipping and production takes about 3 weeks. You can also add an image or photo to your sign for an extra $5.
Click here for complete instructions on ordering your sign. Contact Stacy at AACA Headquarters if you would like to have a sign made or need more information: [email protected] or 717-534-1910.
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20% Off Advertising for AACA Regions & Chapters
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Is your region or chapter hosting a meet, tour, swap meet or other special event this year? Why not advertise it in
Antique Automobile magazine? The magazine has been published since 1937 and has an extremely enthusiastic and dedicated readership of 60,000+ hobbyists! What better place to spread the word about your event!
And as a bonus,
all AACA regions or chapters receive 20% off advertising costs in the magazine.
Click here to download the current advertising rates.
Please contact Stacy at AACA Headquarters with any questions:
[email protected] or 717-534-1910.
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New AACA Merchandise Website Up & Running!
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After almost 3 years of hard work, the new AACA online membership renewal and merchandise website is finally up and running! Yes, it took way longer than we expected, but we are so excited about the final product. Not only does the new site allow you to easily renew your membership, it also keeps track of your order history, allows you to create a wish list, processes payments immediately and automatically calculates shipping costs for you.
- First things first... In order to use the new site, you MUST use your 6-digit membership number and pin number to "RETRIEVE YOUR ACCOUNT" from our database. It is super-important that you "RETRIEVE YOUR ACCOUNT" and NOT create a new account. Once you "RETRIEVE YOUR ACCOUNT," an email with a temporary password will be sent to you.
3. Using your email and temporary password, you can now log in as a "REGISTERED CUSTOMER." All of your information will be retrieved from our database and your AACA store account will be created. You should no longer have to enter your name, address, etc. (unless your contact information changes) when you log in to renew your membership or purchase items. 4. At this point, check out your Account Dashboard and make sure all of your information is correct. If it's not, you should edit the information now. Then click on Account Information and scroll to the bottom where it says Change Password. Go ahead and change your password to something you can remember and hit save. You will now use your email and this password to log in to the store. We are still working on adding new merchandise to the new site, so be sure to check back often.
Now, it's time to do some shopping!
If you have any problems trying to use the new site, or do not receive the email with your temporary password, please call AACA Headquarters and we will help you... 717-534-1910 (between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).
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Oops... Did YOU Forget to Renew Your AACA Membership for 2017?
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Your AACA membership runs on a calendar year from January 1 through December 31. If you have already renewed your membership for 2017, thank you!! If you have not renewed your membership yet, please take a few minutes to do it now. Renewing your membership only takes 5 minutes and can be done one of three ways...
- Renew online - be sure to follow the above instructions and RETRIEVE YOUR ACCOUNT first! Once your account is set up on the new site, you can renew online with your credit card.
- Renew by mail - write us a note with your name, address, phone, email and AACA member number, provide payment in the form of a check made out to AACA or your credit card information (VISA, MasterCard & Discover) and then mail it to AACA, 501 W. Governor Rd., Hershey, PA 17033
- Renew by phone - call AACA Headquarters (717-534-1910) and any of the staff here would be happy to take your renewal over the phone with a credit card payment (office hours: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time)
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AACA Calendar Spotlight
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March 23-26, 2017
Western Spring Meet - Palm Springs, CA
Click here for the brochure
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Would you like registration information and materials about any of these meets or tours? You can:
1. Fill out the activity request card that came with the last issue of
Antique Automobile magazine
and mail it in to us.
2. Sign in to the
members only area of the AACA website to print your own registration form and brochure.
3. Call us at AACA Headquarters and we will fill out a request for you and mail you the materials.
Call 717-534-1910 Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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April 25-28, 2017
Western Divisional Tour - Sonora, CA
July 17-21, 2017
Vintage Tour - Wellsboro, PA
August 17-19, 2017
Central Fall Meet - Bettendorf, IA
September 17-22, 2017
Revival AAA Glidden Tour® - Hastings, NE
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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Who Do You Contact at AACA Headquarters for What?
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Have you ever wondered who to contact for what when you call or email AACA Headquarters? Here is a list of the current staff and their responsibilities. By clicking on someone's name below, you can email them directly.
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Executive Director
Membership & Merchandise
Accounting, IT & Website
Advertising & Marketing
Speedster Editor
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Office Administration
Antique Automobile Magazine Editor
Library, Research & Cataloging
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Naturally, many of the staff have the capability of answering questions in each other's area as we try to cross train as much as possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us anytime for assistance.
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Trivia Answer
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Benjamin Briscoe, who made his fortune in stamped, sheet metal products. Together with Jonathan Maxwell, Maxwell-Briscoe was established in 1904. Walter P. Chrysler took control of what was eventually a struggling Maxwell-Chalmers and formed the Chrysler Corporation from its remains in 1925. Briscoe ended up with a 3,000-acre, tung tree plantation in Florida, where he died in 1945.
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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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