March 2012 - Volume 42
In This Issue
Member Contribution
Library & Research
Trivia
Museum News
Speedy's Notes
Calendar Spotlight
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links

Welcome to SPEEDSTER!

 An All-Star e-Newsletter! 

 

  We were recently notified that Speedster was added to the 2011 All Stars List of Constant Contact. Only 10% of the Constant Contact e-newsletters manage to make it to this level. So we are proud to share our noteworthy accomplishment with all of our readers!


  After all we couldn't do it with out you! Thank you to all the members who have contributed and helped make the newsletter a success. Keep the articles coming! We love hearing from you! THANK YOU members for reading and supporting the Antique Auto hobby!

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New items on the web: March issue of the Judges Newsletter is available onlineAACA Winter Meet at Melbourne, Florida results are also now up on the website.

Member Contribution

Around the Table 

with Joanna Cooper

  

A big hello to all of you out there from your new Vice-President of Membership!  I am excited about my new responsibility and hope that with your help we can grow the AACA membership but also communicate with each other in new ways.  So here goes the first of a new column for Speedster which I hope will better inform you of what is going on in parts of your club.

 

If you have not attended an AACA National Meet (you are missing out!) you are probably unaware that we have a Roundtable for our members.  Our roundtables were principally designed for us to hear back from the membership about likes and dislikes.  These sessions are critically important to us as it gives us a chance to get input from you in a face to face setting.

 

It is my goal to report back to you about some of the major topics that have been brought to our attention during the year and they are as follows:

 

1.  A suggestion has been made that we consider classes for farm tractors.  We have people who like the idea and some who do not.  We will always do what is in the best interest of AACA and are continuing to find out if there is a need or fit for this idea within our system.  Our VP of Class Judging, Hulon McCraw is taking the lead in investigating this concept.

 

2.  A member suggested allowing non-running HPOF types of vehicles on the show field.  The club has found very little support for this idea although we understand why the suggestion was made.  So far, the idea does not represent our belief system that all cars should be able to run.  We can only point out that there are many turn of the century cars that run in events all around the world.

 

3.  We discussed the need for regions to recruit new members and then actively make sure they feel a part of our regions and chapters.  Many regions and chapters spoke up about ideas they use to increase their memberships. By the end of the year we hope to have a list of great ideas for our groups to use.

 

4.  The national free membership program has been a very good program for the club and is closely monitored.  However, some regions and chapters have expressed it has not worked for them.  Some regions and chapters have not even used the 4 free memberships which is a big shame.  Hopefully you will prod your club to use these if they have not.

 

Those were some of the hot topics at the first two roundtables.  Please join these sessions which are usually on Friday of every national meet.  It is your club, speak up as you CAN make a difference.  Thanks and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

 

 

 

Member Contribution

Help us find back issues of MoToR Magazine 

 

One of the most heavily used periodicals in the AACA Library collection is MoToR Magazine.  In addition to beautiful artwork on their covers, MoToR provided vehicle specifications scientific articles, racing coverage and general motoring news.  We have hundreds of issues in our collection but we are looking to fill some holes.  We are actively seeking the following issues: 

 

    If you are willing to donate, sell or trade any of these issues please contact Chris at the library [email protected] or 717-534-2082.  Thanks for making YOUR library a better place!

 

Member Contribution

1940 Ford Truck Photographed at Home of Henry Ford  

By Member Bob Moon

As a long time AACA member and judge, I wanted to share some photographs of my 1940 Ford Truck that was taken in 2008 in Dearborn, Michigan.  Ford officials requested that the Truck be transported to Fair Lane, the home of Henry Ford, for a photo session.  The Truck is an AACA Grand National winner and an Early Ford V8 multiple winner. 

 

The two tone black and folkstone gray, 1940 Ford Truck sold earlier this year at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $71,500.  The Truck sold new in 1940, depending on the limited accessories, for around $600.  Approximately, 47,000 were manufactured which translates into less than 1,000 per US State.  Conducting research over the last five years, I am of the opinion that there are fewer than fifty all original of these trucks in existence.

 

According to Ford officials, the photos taken are the only photos of a 1940 Ford truck ever taken at Fair Lane.    

 

Member Contribution

My Best Friend's Girl

By Member Dennis Tober
 

I first saw Salley 10 years ago, the day my best friend Jim brought her down from Chicago. Unfortunately, she was Jim's girl. Although she was a classy model known for her stylish looks,  she had a few more years on her than what I was used to. Still, I could not help myself as I was smitten and it was love at first sight.

 

Jim's intentions toward Salley were true and solid. But due to his failing health over the past few years, Salley suffered for it and was continually worse for wear. But, true to her character she stayed in there and remained by Jim's side until his recent passing.

 

Salley had nowhere to go. To my delight Salley came to stay with me. You may say her toothbrush now hangs in my garage. Salley and I have a great deal of catching up to do and my intentions are to treat her like the lady I knew she always was and provide her the opportunity she deserves.

 

Therefore, due to my limited experience with a girl of Salley's heritage and character, I have recently joined the LaSalle Appreciation Society and the Antique Automobile Club of America in order to gain knowledge to treat her as the lady she truly is.  

 

AACA Library

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Identifying Automobiles in Photographs

  

Here at the Library, we often receive requests asking us to identify a car with nothing more than a picture to go by.  The reasons people come to us are just as varied as types of cars we come across.  Perhaps the car in question once belonged to their grandfather.  Or maybe a museum is trying to date a photograph based on the vehicle in the image.  Sound familiar?  Perhaps you have a picture of a car that you want to identify but are unsure as to where to begin.  This mini-guide will help get you started on the right track. 

  

First thing's first; you need to examine the picture and make some assumptions.  As you may already know, a car's styling can give a clue as to what decade it's from, as well as its marque.  Fashion and hairstyles of any people in the picture can be equally revealing.

  

The next thing you need to do is examine the car for any distinguishing marks.  For example, factory photos of cars from the 1960s onwards often feature the production year on the license plate.  In most cases, hood ornaments and badges can help narrow down what make the car is.  In particular, books such as Car Badges of the World by Tim Nicholson and Motoring Mascots of the World by William C. Williams can enlighten you on the subject. 

  

After analyzing the photo, let's say you have a hunch the vehicle was made before 1930.  Sometimes, it's extremely difficult to ID vehicles made prior to the Great Depression because of the large number of manufacturers that came and went.  Styles between cars from this period are often similar enough to make identifying them a challenge. 

Under these circumstances, we would use the Handbook of Gasoline Automobiles series of books, published each year from 1904 until 1929.  Each book features the cars that were made for that particular year, as well as an engraving of each model.  These engravings can help you pick out the subtle differences between vehicles made by different manufacturers.

  

If, however, you decide the car was made after 1930 you might make an educated guess as to the marque and scout out a book devoted to its history.  Books from Crestline Publishing prove especially useful, as pictures used are often from factory photographs (pictures that were used for advertising) and sales literature.  Information and pictures are presented in order by year of manufacture, making comparisons easier.

 

While looking through any of these books you may get an "a-ha!" moment, whereby you think you have found the car in question.  However, one can't always be too sure until looking through sales literature to verify their hunch.  At the Library, brochures, sales catalogs, advertisements and photographs all serve to determine whether or not our findings are correct.    

 

All of these tools can be found here at the Library and aid you in your quest, as we have an extensive collection of reference books and sales literature.  Should you be interested in identifying a car in a picture, you can either send us a research request or stop by and do your own detective work.  After all, you never know what you might find. 
  
              

A Note on this Article's Pictures:

 

Photo 1 is a factory photograph of a 1927 Studebaker Custom Victoria with Notre Dame Football coach Knute Rockne (also available for sale in our eBay store).  Photo 2 is of the same car from the 1927 Handbook of Automobiles.  Photo three is a page from the Crestline Book, Studebaker Cars.  The photo with Knute Rockne happens to be in the bottom right-hand corner!  Photo 4 is of a 1927 Studebaker Custom Victoria from a period sales brochure.

 

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eBay Auctions and Book Sales:

 

Speaking of photographs, the library now has a huge selection of reproduction factory photographs available for sale.  You can purchase them directly from us through our eBay store or by email or phone. eBay store link here.  Only a small sampling of photographs are in our eBay store, so be sure to check out the complete list of photographs we have online. Master list of photos here.

 

Don't forget, we are auctioning more books this month. Auction link here. Keep your eye on the time, as these auctions will end soon.  We also have several books for sale on abeBooks, including a number of rare pieces. If you're looking for the perfect gift for an antique auto enthusiast, we just might have something for you.

 

More info. available on our website. Visit AACA Library, call us at 717-534-2082, or email Head Librarian Chris Ritter at [email protected]

 

More info available on our website. Visit AACA Library or Call us at 717-534-2082 

  

Members Attention 

As a member newsletter we need to hear from YOU!

Send us your stories and photos from the past year so we may showcase your articles here on SPEEDSTER!

 

Email us at [email protected]

Member Contribution

Lego and Antique Automobiles

By Member Matt Hocker

 

Part 1 - Lego CUUSOO - Voting for the Classic Car Set of your Dreams!:

 

For the first time in its history, the Lego Group is calling upon fans from around the world to contribute ideas for potential sets through their Lego CUUSOO website.  On top of that, consumers band together and decide which ideas will be considered for production by supporting them online.  Once 10,000 people click a project's "support" button a dream is one step closer to being realized.  Think of it as the "American Idol" for the world of building toys.

 

Some adult Lego fans enjoy building classic cars, and their voices are being heard through the CUUSOO website.  Currently, the most supported project on the site is a version of the DeLorean from the Back to the Future movie trilogy.  While this project is highlighted on the site's main page, a number of other historic vehicles can be found; a Tucker Torpedo, Ford Model A, Ford Galaxie and even a 1970 Citro�n.  Racing fans can find a Formula 1 Lotus and a McLaren MP4-4.  For TV and movie buffs, fans offer everything from versions of the Ecto 1 from Ghostbusters to the Mini Cooper from the British comedy series, Mr. Bean. 

 

Continue reading more here --->

  
  
Trivia

 

1.  The first official road race in America was held on Thanksgiving Day, 1895, and was sponsored by the Chicago Times-Herald. The even sparked an interest in racing and the movement quickly gathered steam. Who won that first race?

 

2.  What was the average selling price of a new car in 1929?

 

3.  What was the average selling price of a new car in 1985?

AACA Museum

Dusty Jewels: Off-road Motorcycles of the 1970s

April 3 - October 25, 2012 

 

The 1970s were the "high water mark" of interest in motorcycling in the United States, and a unique variety of manufacturers world-wide supplied America with motorcycles. Prior to the decline in motorcycle sales in the 1980s and 1990s, many diverse factories produced models that were both functionally cutting-edge and aesthetically very different from one another. 

"Dusty Jewels" highlights the off-road aspect of the explosive 1970s motorcycle boom in America. 

Among the many exquisite machines on display will be:

  • BSA
  • Rickman
  • Maico (Germany)
  • Ossa
  • Montesa
  • Bultaco (Spain)
  • Puch (Austria)
  • Harley-Davidson
  • Yankee (USA)
  • CZ (Czechoslovakia)
  • Husqvarna
  • Monarch (Sweden)

The exhibit will feature some of the most beautiful off-road motorcycles ever made, and will also take note of major transformative events of the 1970s which continue to affect us.

   

 

Family Fun Weekend at the AACA Museum

March 31 & April 1

 

Looking for some springtime fun?  Join us for a family fun weekend at the AACA Museum in Hershey.   We're offering admission for just $5 per person (half off our normal adult price).   We'll be showing a special movie - "Back to the Future" at our indoor drive-in theatre twice each day at 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM.  Our Roads to Rails model train display will be running along with an Easter Egg Hunt on March 31@ 1:00 PM. 

 

 

 For a full listing of exhibits and events visit www.AACAMuseum.org

 

Trivia Answers

 

1.  The first official road race in America was held on Thanksgiving Day, 1895, and was sponsored by the Chicago Times-Herald. The even sparked an interest in racing and the movement quickly gathered steam. Who won that first race? J. Frank Duryea won, driving a Duryea Motor Wagon over the 55 mile course at an average speed of 7.5 mph. Of the five other contestants, only one finished. He was driving a Mueller-Benz. 

 

City to city races appeared n Europe as early as 1894; the notable 732 mile Paris to Bordeaux race was first held in 1895. One of the events sparked by the Chicago race was the first motor vehicle track race at Narragansett Park, Rhode Island in September 1896. The race was so dull that spectators began yelling "get a horse," which many believe is where that phrase originate. 

 

2.  What was the average selling price of a new car in 1929? $700

 

3.  What was the average selling price of a new car in 1985?  $11,500

 

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.

 

 

AACA Official Custom Car Signs

The only approved AACA Car show sign! Promote AACA while letting everyone know more about your car.

You fill in the blank portion of the sign (as seen below in the center photo). Sign can be staked in the grass or put your fire extinguisher on the lip. Size is approx. 16.5 high by 12 wide.

*Intended to be used for AACA National Meets.

 

To order, send your text exactly how you want it to appear on the sign in a Word document to [email protected] or for information call Adriana Bruno at AACA headquarters 717-534-1910

Cost is $25.00 plus shipping.

 

 
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! 
  
AACA Facebook
Visit the Official Antique Automobile Club of America page on Facebook!  Become a fan and stay connected to the AACA family!  Visit our AACA Library and Museum facebook pages too.  
Find us on Facebook  

AACA Forum
Join in the discussions and check out our topics on the AACA Forum  
  
SPEEDSTER Archives

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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.
 

Judges Newsletter
March issue available online here.
 
Calendar Spotlight! 

 

April 19-21, 2012 AACA Southeastern Spring Meet at Charlotte, NC hosted by Hornets Nest Region.
 
May 9-12, 2012 AACA Eastern Divisional Tour in South Jersey.
 
May 17-19, 2012 AACA Eastern Spring Meet at Reading, PA hosted by Ontelaunee Region. Online registration open. Deadline April 15, 2012. 
 
June 14-16, 2012 AACA Annual Grand National & Southeastern Special Meet at Shelbyville, Tennessee hosted by Celebration City Region. Online registration open. Deadline May 23, 2012.
 
June 21-23, 2012 AACA Central Spring Meet at Cedar Rapids, Iowa hosted by Cedar Rapids Region
 
   
Visit the Calendar on our website for more information and a complete listing of AACA national events and more! 
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
Website: www.aaca.org