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February 2017 - Volume 99
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Thank You for Joining us at the
81st AACA Annual Meeting!
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Even with the impending snow storm (that kind of fell apart by the time it got to Philadelphia and only provided about 2 inches of snow, but did create havoc in other areas), almost 1,000 AACA members from all across the country showed up to help us celebrate the 81st AACA Annual Meeting. Thank you!
Attendees kept busy in the nice, warm hotel enjoying 2 full days of educational seminars, trade show exhibits, special breakfasts and banquets. AACA National Award winners were recognized during an Oscar-like evening, complete with a red carpet and spotlight. During the Annual Membership Meeting, there was a rather intense discussion about what happened with the museum. Members seemed thankful to be able to hear all of the details directly from the Board and left with a better understanding of why things went the way they did. Attendees were also treated to a fire-side chat with Bill Warner, Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours (and, yes, there was actually a fireplace on stage!).
Thank you again to all of the members and their families who made the trek to join us for the Annual Meeting. The genuine enthusiasm and love for this hobby and AACA could be seen on all of your smiling faces the entire weekend. We hope you had as much fun attending as we did putting the event together! This event is a success year after year because of all of you!
Be sure to mark your calendars now to attend the
82nd AACA Annual Meeting next year February 8-10!
And, finally, a big congratulations to all of our
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Photos from the Annual Meeting
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Here are just a few photos from the Annual Meeting taken by the
Hershey Region AACA and others... Be sure to check out the next issue of
Antique Automobile magazine for a full article and tons more photographs from the event!
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From the AACA Library & Research Center
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AACA Library Update Webcast Episode 7:
Annual Meeting Follow-Up & February eBay Auction
In this episode, we discuss highlights from this year's Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, including two special books in our collection which won the 2016 Thomas McKean Memorial Cup award. We also talk about our latest digitization efforts and sales and deals via our website store. We have some cool hats and our newly updated
Antique Automobile
magazine collection on USB! Click here
for more information.
Speaking of deals, our February auction is in full swing. Toward the end of the video, Matt shows off a few of the unique items we will be offering. The auctions will end throughout the second
week of March, so get your bidding fingers ready!
Click
here to watch previous episodes.
Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?
or
contact our head librarian,
Chris Ritter, at
critter@aaca.org
or 717-534-2082.
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Multiple States Look to Amend License Plate Laws for Historic Vehicles
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By Daniel Strohl, Reprinted from Hemmings Daily
About a month into the new legislative session for many states, at least six have introduced bills that would provide for greater freedom for displaying license plates on older vehicles.
 Of the six, five would allow single license plates while the other would provide for historical plates:
At least 19 states* only require display of a rear license plate while at least two others (
Wyoming
and
Nevada
) exempt front plate display if the vehicle was not originally equipped with means to display a front license plate. (Massachusetts allows single-plate display if the vehicle was registered before the state introduced a two-plate system in 1986.)
* Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
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Imagine a young boy in the spring of 1972. I was not quite 12 years old when I saw my brother Andrew's "new" car, a 1968 Dodge Charger. I was struck by its full-width grille, hidden headlamps and beautiful C-pillar sails . . . groovy. Then, as if that wasn't enough, my brother Thomas comes home from college for Thanksgiving break in 1973 with his find: a 1966 Dodge Charger. What was a 13-year old kid to do? Be a wash and detail slave as often as possible. It paid off one weekend, five years later. I needed a car to visit my sweetheart, and Tom handed me the keys to his '66.
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The '68 Dodge Charger waits for revival in the rubble of other projects.
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| Making an entrance at the Hershey Lodge with a '66 Dodge Charger. |
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| Andrew backs his Charger from Mom's garage. I see the damaged front end in daylight for the first time. |
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Andrew married in 1974, and eventually filled the '68's back seat with three sons. Tom finished college with a doctorate, and continued to teach there for the next 30 years. Tom remained single and his Charger remained with him and his excellent care. The '68 Charger didn't fare so well. In 1990, that beautiful '68 suffered a careless collision into a Pontiac Bonneville. Andrew put the damaged Charger away in his workshop. There it would wait until family priorities allowed its repair.
Fast forward to 2003. A phone call from Thomas, now Professor Seybert, was flat-out giddy exciting. "I'm finally getting married in August. I don't use my Charger much anymore. You interested?" My reply was immediate and predictable. So, I went to his wedding with a U-Haul trailer and brought home a well-kept, unmolested 1966 Dodge Charger with just 77,000 miles. It was just like I remembered it in 1973. The Charger got busy with the local car show circuit, then later with AACA's HPOF division, earning an Original HPOF Certification at Port St. Lucie in 2014.
It was nearly 25 years since the '68 Charger was wrecked and put away. On October 13, 2014, another phone call rang in . . . you guessed it. I would have never guessed it, as Andrew clung tightly to his wrecked Charger. Over the phone I hear, "I don't have the health to restore my Charger," he said, "and all the boys want it. It just needs to leave. You interested?" What a shock, and what a privilege. Andrew asked for the satisfaction of getting the car to run before it left. I hoped he wouldn't change his mind in the meantime. But, it was finally ready on March 28, 2015, and he was still willing to let it go. The previous night, Andrew sneaked the car from his workshop and drove it to our mother's home. There, he hid the battered car in her garage. You see, all the boys lived nearby, and it was best they didn't see the Charger go away.
The Charger was running, but barely. It struggled to climb the trailer ramp. But with the car strapped in, Andrew and I joined Mom for some homemade vegetable soup, apple pie and coffee while we settled the paper work. My dear mother, having settled into her rocking chair, looked up from her knitting and said with a smile, "Well, Joseph. Enjoy your junk."
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Back in the same driveway once again, old Charger buddies are reunited after 41 years.
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On September 26, 1962, Jed, Granny and Elly May Clampett, along with kin Jethro Bodine (the son of Jed's cousin), loaded up, left the Ozark Mountains and moved to Beverly...Hills, that is. In what vehicle?
or scroll all the way to the end of the
Speedster to find the answer.
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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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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 - fill out the form that came with your January/February issue of Antique Automobile magazine, 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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A Sun-Drenched Desert Oasis? Yes, Please!
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 Western Spring Meet
March 23-25, 2017
Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Region AACA is proud to host the 2017 AACA Western National Spring Meet in beautiful Palm Springs, California from Thursday, March 23 through Saturday, March 25.
This sun drenched desert oasis vacation destination is returning to its glory days as a Hollywood playground, a central gathering spot for modern architectural design aficionados, musicians and artists drawn by nature's inspiration, and an increasing crowd of cool-seekers. Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than 5 inches of rain! Winter temperatures average in the 70s with nights in the mid-40s.
No matter how you get here, or how far you've come, it will be well worth the trip.
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Springtime in Charlotte is a Tradition
HURRY! Registration Ends Soon!
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 Southeastern Spring Meet
April 6-9, 2017
Charlotte, NC
Registration Deadline: March 14, 2017
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
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.
Friday night we will have a terrific concert free to all members of CCCA and AACA. At press time we believe our group this year will be a Beach Boy tribute band, so bring your Hawaiian shirt and best voices to sing along. 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!
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
vendors@auctionsamerica.com
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.
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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: szimmerman@aaca.org 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:
szimmerman@aaca.org or 717-534-1910.
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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
May 11-13, 2017
Central Spring Meet - Auburn, IN
July 17-21, 2017
Vintage Tour - Wellsboro, PA
August 17-19, 2017
Central Fall Meet - Bettendorf, IA
September 17-22, 2017
Revival AAA Glidden TourĀ® - Hastings, NE
October 4-7, 2017
Eastern Fall Meet - Hershey, PA
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Central Spring Meet and Eastern Spring Meet.
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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.
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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A purpose-built Oldsmobile truck, which was created for the Beverly Hillbillies TV sitcom series from the remains of a factory-produced, early 1920s Olds car.
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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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