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| Member Contribution |
 Touring - A new idea
By Member Don Barlup
An important part of AACA's Long Range Plan is devoted to touring, more specifically, exploring the benefits of one to three day tours. Many of our members, for various reasons are unable to devote the time required to participate in AACA's traditional five day tours.
With this in mind, our Regions and Chapters are encouraged to explore one to three day tours to highlight their area of the country.
Most AACA Regions tour within their local clubs. The next step would be to encourage neighboring Regions and other National and marquee clubs to join them, thereby increasing participation and promoting fellowship beyond your local region. This may be a great way to increase membership in AACA and your local Region and Chapter.
So, the next time your group is planning a tour, invite your neighboring club, be it an AACA Region, or your local Model A Club, etc. to join you for a day or two of joint touring. We as AACA members have much to offer, so let's expand our love of touring to our hobby neighbors, and maybe, next year they will invite us to tour with them.
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| Member Contribution |
Not the Oldest Car, Just the Oldest Team
By Member Janet Howle
 The January issue of Speedster included an article about the World Race 2011. When the rally leaves NY City on April 14, the Schuster Antique Class will include a 1928 Model A Speedster, a 1932 Ford Coupe, a 1951 Chrysler New Yorker and a 1967 Type 1 VW Beetle. That Beetle, affectionately known as "Stewball", will be driven and navigated by AACA members, Ed and Janet Howle of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Stewball holds the record as the youngest car in the antique class while we hold the record as the oldest team. Ed, the primary driver, is 76 years young and navigator Janet is 65. We have competed in rallies across the U.S. in our 1932 DeSoto rumble-seat roadster and in our Beetle, but this will be the longest one, 14,000 miles, and our first outside the U.S.
Why did we (make that Ed) choose the '67 Beetle? 1967 was the first year that the Beetle had a 12 volt electrical system and while hardly impressive, the engine had been increased to 1500cc producing 53 horsepower. These changes, Ed said, would contribute to our driving pleasure. I trusted him; he has owned four VWs; two other Beetles and two Karmann Ghias. Me? Let's just say my first mistake was thinking air-cooled meant air-conditioned and just where is the cruise control?
"The Beetle is reliable, inexpensive to operate and every part is available new," says Ed. "More importantly, all the spare parts that I think I will need, including a carburetor, fuel pump, distributor, plugs, fan belt, control cables and tires will fit under the hood." I notice that the list gets longer as the day of departure gets nearer, and I am still hoping there will be room for more than one change of clothing and the myriad of essentials that will keep us healthy, groomed and somewhat civilized crossing China, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
To do a shake-down test for both us and the car, we drove the Beetle in the 2007 Great Race and then again in 2008 across the U.S (and back) in a centennial tour following the route of George Schuster. For those who don't know, George Schuster, driving a 1907 Thomas Flyer, won the famous 1908 Great Race, driving from New York City west across the U.S., Russia and Europe to end at the Eiffel Tower after 169 days. Six cars, representing four nations, entered that race and three made it to Paris. That still is the longest automobile race on record.
We actually have two missions on this rally, first to complete the 14,000 miles with a minimum of breakdowns and with our marriage intact, and second to promote the novel we have recently published. The setting for The Long Road to Paris is a fictional around-the-world rally and features a car outwardly identical to our '67 Beetle. I say outwardly because our Stewball doesn't contain any secret, experimental technology-that we know of. While we hope this 2011 rally will be exciting, we don't expect to be involved in murder, betrayal, and international espionage; that part is in the novel.
Why "Stewball"? Well, for you 60s buffs, think back to Peter, Paul and Mary's music and their song about a favored race horse. Modify it just a little and you get:
Ole Stewball is a race car
And I'm glad he is mine,
He never drinks water,
I think he drinks wine.
Perfect for our air-cooled automobile!
We encourage anyone interested in joining either the U.S. portion or the entire world race to log onto the World Race website, www.worldrace2011.com or follow our blog at www.thelongroadtoparis.com. |
| Library & Research | |
In the December issue of Speedster, we highlighted a large donation of pre-war automotive literature. The material was donated by the estate of Charles Wells, a Chevy Chase, MD resident since the 1910s. As we near the end of entering the literature additions into the catalog, we wanted to share with you some more of the items that we've come across . . .
  
  (Images from left to right. Top Row: 1928 Willys-Knight. 1929 Peerless Six. 1936 Packard. Bottom Row: 1953 Plymouth. 1958 Plymouth.)
Duplicate items will be sold at our literature auction in October.
Online Book Sale
As you know, the library has an ongoing online book sale, all proceeds benefitting the library. We're now also selling books on Abebooks.com. You can find our current offerings HERE.
Check back often, as the list will be updated frequently! |
| Trivia | |
1. The 'torpedo' body design became popular in the late 30s and early 40s (initiated in the GM line by the '38 Sixty Special. When did the torpedo look (bathtub on wheels) first make its appearance?
2. The 1930s have been called the Golden Era of Styling; the years 1932-1942 are considered pivotal in the evolution of modern auto design. Identify the major changes in styling during that time period.
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| AACA Museum | |
Featured Exhibits...
 Shelby Retrospective
February 11 - April 24 2011
From his first project that combined the British built two-seat AC Bristol with a Ford V8 to create the "Cobra," to his current partnership with Ford, Shelby has always had his sights set on building the ultimate American sports car. Along the way he has created a long line of popular and extremely successful street and race vehicles bearing the names Cobra, Daytona Coupe, GT40, GT350 and GT500 Mustangs and the Chrysler Omni GLHS.
Beginning on February 11th this compelling story will be told at the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum through the special exhibition, Shelby: A Retrospective. The exhibition will feature approximately 18 cars representing the manufacturers and body styles that chronicle Shelby's history as a sports car manufacturer and performance tuner. The exhibition will include cars from all phases of Shelby's career.
To see the full listing of current and upcoming exhibits and events
visit the Museum website.
www.aacamuseum.org |
| Trivia Answers | |
1. The 'torpedo' body design became popular in the late 30s and early 40s (initiated in the GM line by the '38 Sixty Special. When did the torpedo look (bathtub on wheels) first make its appearance?
The torpedo form first appeared in 1910 at the 10th annual National Automobile Show.
2. The 1930s have been called the Golden Era of Styling; the years 1932-1942 are considered pivotal in the evolution of modern auto design. Identify the major changes in styling during that time period.
The major styling advance of the era was the development of the totally enclosed car, completing the evolution from coach to modern automobile. Unseemly items such as the gas tank and the springs were covered. The body disappeared. Finally, the automobile became fully integrated, although fenders would protrude for several more years. Other changes were the V-shaped radiator, the slanted windshield and body extension in the rear.
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Speedy's Notes | |
Introducing the AACA Credit Card!
Members can now apply to receive an AACA Visa Card!
- No annual fee.
- $50 donation by the bank when you first use your card.
- Ongoing contributions made when you continue using the card.
- Low introductory APR on purchases and no balance transfer fees for 6 months.
- Enhance Visa Platinum benefits, including 24/7 Emergency Customer Service.
- Earn point at hundreds of participating online retailers.
- Choose one of the four created cards or upload your own vehicle.
- Show off your very own car on the front of card.
Visit the website to apply and learn more about the AACA Credit Card.
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Last Chance Offer!
RARE Opportunity for  AACA Members to Tour the Rick Hendrick Private Museum!
Going to the Charlotte AutoFair? Going to the Southeastern Spring Meet in Charlotte? If you are, you do not want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. A private evening at Hendrick Motorsports has been arranged for the benefit of the AACA Library & Research Center and the AACA Museum. Limited to 200 guests (must be AACA members), every one will get up to ½ hour in each of the major buildings including the race shop, chassis shop, engine shop and the all new 60,000 sq. ft. private museum built by Mr. Hendrick. The museum is amazing and is not open to the public. Food and drink will be served. Find out more details HERE.
Don't miss your chance! To reserve your spot please call Adriana Bruno at 717-534-1910
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Spam it is Not!
AACA has always been careful of your membership data. We do not sell membership lists nor do we give out membership information unless we are sure of its intended use. Over the next couple of months you may receive a little more information from us than usual. First, we remind you that Speedster is a monthly publication and we hope you find it of value. Along with Speedster we may need to send you reminders about dues renewal, special offers and other important notices.
One hugely important new venture might upset a few people. It is not our intention to have this happen. We understand that some members may not wish to get phone calls, letters or emails about club projects. However, the only way our new membership roster can be a success is by marketing it through all available resources possible. We have contracted a company, Harris Connect, who have vast experience in producing quality membership rosters with everyone form the US Air Force, major colleges and several well known car clubs. They will be contacting you to ensure you have an opportunity to tell your personal story of your own car and your involvement in the hobby. The beginning of the roster will have pictorials and stories from our members. This is sure to be a unique hardbound book that many members will want as a special keepsake and a way to find members throughout the world.
Please take a few seconds to listen to this program if you are called. It is an official AACA project. Thank you for your understanding.
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2011 Raffle! AACA Merchandise and Gifts
New items are on the way! We have lots of unique Merchandise and gift ideas available on our online catalog. Plenty of to choose from for the whole family and friends. Visit the merchandise website and start shopping!
Join in the discussions and check out our topics on the AACA Forum
SPEEDSTER Archives
Read and print newsletters. Visit the links provided in each section for more information. Use the articles in your region publications and updates. Join our mailing list and please share issues with family, friends and future AACA members! SPEEDSTER Archives Here. |
| Calendar Spotlight! | |
17-22 - Founders Tour (1932-1986 vehicles) in Lake Mary, Florida, sponsored by AACA Florida Region. Call 407-327-0740 for more information.
May
1-4 - Southeastern Divisional Tour (1986 and earlier) in Wilmington, Delaware. Sponsored by AACA Cape Fear Chapter - 910-343-1330
19-21 - AACA Eastern Spring Meet in Stowe, Vermont. Sponsored by AACA Green Mountain Region - 802-496-5097
June
9-11 - AACA Central Spring Meet in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Sponsored by AACA 412 Lakes Chapter. Contact Meet Chairman Orlo Gilbert at 218-841-1866; 218-847-1415
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| Member Contribution | We want to hear from you!
We want to get to know our regions, members and their cars better! So please send us a short story (200-500 words) about your vehicle, region or event for consideration to be published in SPEEDSTER. Be sure to include photos!
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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.
Contact Information for Speedster Newsletter:
AACA Headquarters
501 W. Governor Road
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: 717-534-1910
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