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Welcome to SPEEDSTER!
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A few notes to point out regarding some of our upcoming meets:
The Southeastern Fall Meet in Bristol, TN is still at the same location but the host hotel name and phone number has changed. It is now the Bristol Virginia Hotel & Convention Center, phone: 276-466-4100 (same address). The deadline for registration is July 30th.
The Annual Grand National and Western Fall Meet deadline has been extended until August 1st. More information is avaible on the host region website or call 707-539-6073.
The Hershey Fall Meet Vehicle and Judges Registration is now open online - register now here.
Check out our AACA website for results from our past meets and information on upcoming events.
www.aaca.org
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| Member Contribution |
Buying a Packard at 16 years old
By Member David Cary
 | | (different model then Packard mentioned in article) |
My fascination with Packards began as a child. A great Aunt and Uncle who we visited regularly had a 1924 Packard up on blocks in their ample three car garage. While they and my folks visited I would go to the garage, sit in that Packard and fantasize. Thus began my lifelong love of Packard automobiles.
One winter evening, in the vestibule of that sturdy old Victorian home, as we were saying goodbye to Aunt Eva and Uncle John, I offered Uncle John $20.00 for his Packard. As an eight or nine year old I delivered magazines both weekly and monthly to friends and relatives I had solicited. I can still hear Uncle John's laugh now, following which he told me it was the best offer he had received recently.
In the Spring of 1942 I was a sophomore in high school. To make some pocket money I delivered the Utica Observer Dispatch, six days a week, on a paper route that varied between 102 and 106 customers. I collected for the paper Friday evenings. We lived in Whitesboro, New York a suburb of Utica, in upstate New York. My furthest out customer, in a rural area was a retired dairy farmer/dairy owner. On his property sat a Packard Coupe.
One Friday evening while collecting from my customer, Mr. Voss, I inquired about the Packard sitting on his lawn. He snickered and said the car was not his to sell. It belonged to his son who was in the service. He said when next he would hear from his son he would ask him if he wanted to sell it.
Spring morphed into Summer, and summer into Fall, when one Friday evening while collecting, Mr. Voss said I could buy the car for $25.00 cash. Since he was my last customer on the route I rushed home, gathered up $25.00 (mostly in coin) and bicycled back to pay for and get the car. Mr. Voss told me to get my dad's help to tow the vehicle off his land.
Although I was ready to get the car out of there myself. I had brought a hot water bottle with me to put it under the battery to shake loose the sulphuration on the positive plates, squirted some gasoline into the carb, and lo and behold the car started, and with the bike in the trunk I drove home.
Turns out this was a 1935 Packard 120 Business Mans Coupe. First year for of 120's suicide doors and all. It ran like a charm. What a car!!! It looked good, drove good, and went up Westmoreland Hill (a steep one) in third gear.
My mom and dad were not exactly thrilled at this purchase, but, they would become thankful. As WWII dragged on they pirated tires from the Packard to keep the family car running.
When I graduated from high school I immediately joined the Navy, and for $2.00 a month rent, parked the car in a neighbor's garage.
Unfortunately a fire in that garage destroyed my dream car and I returned from WWII with no Packard.
How I wish that Packard had been there upon my return, and if it had, that I would have had sense enough to keep it, maintain it, and drive it throughout all the years since.
If you are wondering about what happened to the 1924, 7- Passenger Straight 8 Packard I sat in as a child, my cousin, whom I caught up with sometime during the late 1960's, told me his folks sold it for $600.00 during WWII thinking they were contributing to a scrap drive.
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Summer Reading with Antique Automobile
Where is your favorite place to read Antique Automobile?
Send us a picture of your grandchild, your pet, a group, or be creative and surprise us.. while reading Antique Automobile magazine. Or if you have a favorite place to read Antique Automobile send us a picture of you reading the magazine somewhere around the world, in other countries, in unusual locations, etc.
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AACA Executive Director, Steve Moskowitz reading to his granddaughter is his favorite place to read Antique Automoble (left 2011, right 2007)
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| Member Contribution |
1931 Chrysler CM6
By Member Marty Grantham
I have owned my 1931 Chrysler CM6 for about 9 years. The car was and is now, in original condition. I had the carburetor rebuilt, front springs and brakes replaced, some re-chroming (rear trunk rack, bumper and hubcaps).
I have only entered two auto shows locally, (primarily to get a parking space), and won 2nd place in one and 3rd place in the other. My friends and I dressed up like gangsters for one of these shows and had our "boom box" loudly playing Russ Colombo and Ruth Etting.
I use my car primarily for Sunday drives and occasionally taking friends out to dinner. The car is still so reliable and must have been a fantastic deal for $895.00 in 1931.
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| AACA National Meet Spotlight |
AACA National Fall Meet at Bristol International Raceway Bristol, Tennessee. Featuring "AACA Original " unrestored vehicles August 11-13, 2011
[Bristol, TN]-Thousands of vintage car, truck, and motorcycle fans are expected in Bristol this year for the highlighting "AACA Original" unrestored cars showing in AACAs Historic Preservation of Original Features ClassThe three-day event is a celebration of Americas passion for the automobile with AACA members from across the U.S. showing original and restored vehicles of all types from the early days of motoring up to and including 1986 . Highlights include a Downtown Bristol Cruise-In on Friday night featuring entertainment for AACA members by renowned male vocalist Ivan Parker at the historic Paramount Theater, followed by the AACA National Show on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Participation in Saturdays show and other special AACA events require membership in AACA and pre-registration by July 30, 2011. Friday evening downtown Cruise-in event is open to the general public. All car show displays are free for spectators. For additional information, visit www.aaca.com or contact Ben Zandi at bz@thetroutdale.com (423) 646-7780. Show registration and membership information contact John Rice at johnlase@aol.com (423)360-2767 The Cruise-In, situated in historic downtown Bristol, is open to the general public and any antique or "special interest" car, truck or motorcycle that creates a feeling of nostalgia, stimulates a memory, or fulfills a fantasy. It will be a perfect opportunity to mix it up with beautiful original and restored antique cars from around the country. The area is populated by area restaurants and shops. Mayberry Deputy David L. Browing will be on hand for entertainment. Entertainment for AACA show registrants will include a concert by Ivan Parker at the historic restored Paramount Theater built in 1931. The meet will showcase some of Americas finest antique vehicles from the earliest days of the automobile up to and including stock configured vehicles through 1986.The show feature will be "AACA Original" vehicles showing in AACAs Historic Preservation of Original Features Class. "AACA Orginal" vehicles are some of the finest maintained unrestored vehicles known including interesting barn find antiques. These cars will be displayed together in their own area of the show field. Early registrations include a 1905 Packard, a 1939 American Bantam Station Wagon, and many other marques of all years including Delorean, Crosley, Triumph, MG, Chalmers, Cushman, Volkswagen, as well as a host of GM, Ford, and Chrysler Vehicles. Membership in AACA is required to show a car. Contact John Rice for more information on participating (423)360-2767 |
In Other News
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Long time Hershey Region member Jim Koons passed away this year and his wife Beverly is having a string of auctions to sell his lifetime collection of automobilia. The ad for the auctions missed our last issue of Antique Automobile so we are trying to help Bev out with publicizing the auction. Here is a link to what you will need to know: www.bachmanauctioneer.com
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Attention Members
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This month we want to hear from our Brass Era vehicle owners. Send us photo and short story about your Brass Era vehicle for consideration in an upcoming issue of SPEEDSTER. Have an interesting story to share? Or perhaps want to show off your car and tell others about your experience? Send us those stories as well! We love to hear from our members and want to show case your stories in the newsletter.
Email us at speedster@aaca.org
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| AACA Library | |
Lunch Outdoors - it's Tastier!
 "Truly delightful, isn't it? - to pull up under a shady tree by the roadside and take lunch. You relish it better - the fresh, country air and natural scenery put vigor to the appetite." So reads an advertisement for Hawkeye Refrigerator Baskets that appeared in on May 15, 1912. With the summer car show season in full swing why not find an antique picnic basket to display with your vehicle. The AACA Library has ads and clippings for picnic baskets coupled with automobiles dating back to 1903.
Early Hawkeye picnic baskets worked quite simply. The rattan basket was lined with asbestos and wool that would act as insulation. Simply load the ice compartment and stuff your basket full of whatever you'd like. The baskets advertised that one piece of ice could cool the basket for 24 hours. Optional Thermos bottles can be "filled with ice cold drinks of any kind - lemonade, ice milk, ice cold beer, or champagne."
While we don't recommend you transport alcohol in a thermos or that you inhale asbestos dust, we are here to help you in your search for period accessories. These picnic basket clippings are just one file in our vast collection of flat files. These items are not cataloged so you won't see them in our online catalog. Files range in subject matter from picnic baskets to snow plows to carburetors. If you can't get to Hershey to visit us on site simply give us a call (717-534-2082), send an email, or a message through our Facebook Page. We hope to hear from you soon!
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| AACA Museum | |
Buses and Baseball
With the 2011 Baseball Season upon us, the Museum of Bus Transportation invites you to visit their newest display: Buses and Baseball, featuring the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and the Negro Leagues Baseball Teams and the buses they rode in during that time. The Museum of Bus Transportation which displays 12 vintage buses on the lower level of the AACA Museum has arranged this special exhibit from June 1 to September 15, 2011.
Watch the video here about these special buses.
For more information on the current and upcoming exhibits at the AACA Museum visit www.aacamuseum.org
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| Trivia | |
1.The automobile was invented in 1885, although the idea of a vehicle with wheels powered by some mechanical source had been alive for some time. Two famous Germans are usually given credit for making the idea a reality when they combined the internal combustion engine with wheels. Who were these mechanical whizzes?
2. Which three auto builders merged to form the first auto conglomerate General Motors, under the leadership of William Durant, in 1908?
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Speedy's Notes
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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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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! | |
August 11-13 AACA Southeastern Fall Meet in Bristol, TN sponsored by AACA Appalachian Region. Info available at 423-217-1201. *UPDATE Host hotel Name & Phone Number Change:
It is now the Bristol Virginia Hotel & Convention Center, phone: 276-466-4100 (same address)
* The deadline for registration is now July 30, 2011.
August 24-28 AACA Annual Grand National and Western Fall Dual Meets sponsored by AACA Redwood Empire Region in Santa Rosa, CA. Info at 707-539-6073. * The deadline for registration is now August 1, 2011. September 8-10 AACA Central Fall Meet in Oak Brook, IL sponsored by AACA Illinois Region. For info call 630-852-9893.
Septermber 18-24 Glidden Tour AACA in Cumberland, MD. AAA Revival Glidden Tour (pre-1943 vehicles) - sponsored by AACA Queen City Region, 301-729-1653. October 5-8 AACA Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, PA sponsored by the AACA Hershey Region, 717-566-7720.
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| Trivia Answers | |
1.The automobile was invented in 1885, although the idea of a vehicle with wheels powered by some mechanical source had been alive for some time. Two famous Germans are usually given credit for making the idea a reality when they combined the internal combustion engine with wheels. Who were these mechanical whizzes?
Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler has been referred to as "the father of the automobile" due to his invention of the gasoline explosion motor in 1883. By the time he died in 1900, he could claim patents for over 15 types of motors, all of which had practical application. Benz, however, gets credit for the actual invention in 1885. He combined the cycle and internal combustion engines, designing the complete vehicle, engine, chassis, and transmission. Daimler build the first four-wheeled carriage in 1886
2. Which three auto builders merged to form the first auto conglomerate General Motors, under the leadership of William Durant, in 1908?
Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Oakland (which later became Pontiac). GM did not actually incorporate until 1911 due to Wall Street's skepticism of Durant's seemingly outlandish scheme. By that time, however he had bought over 30 companies, including 11 auto builders and several parts suppliers.
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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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