December 2013 - Volume 61
In This Issue
Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!
Southeastern Winter Meet
Hershey Pre-registration Forms
Give the Gift of Membership
Member Submitted Story
Member Submitted Story
Share Your Stories in Speedster
Antique Automobile Magazine Online
AACA Merchandise
Library & Research Center
Trivia Questions
AACA Museum
The Elegance at Hershey
Calendar Spotlight
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Welcome to 
SPEEDSTER

    

We would like to send you the best of wishes for a Merry Christmas and our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year.  We would like to wish you and your family a fantastic holiday season, and best wishes for the New Year!

 

Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!

 

Just a reminder that all memberships run a calendar year, so be sure to renew your membership for 2014 today!  You don't want to miss out on all of the AACA fun in store for next year, including 17 great Meets and Tours, 6 awesome issues of Antique Automobile, and tons of fun celebrating the hobby!  Click here to renew online, or call us at (717) 534-1910 today!

 

Southeastern Winter Meet

February 20-22, 2014 · Port St. Lucie, Florida

 

Join the Treasure Coast Vintage Car Club for the first meet of 2014 in beautiful Port St. Lucie, Florida.  Great care has been taken to make sure this is a meet you won't want to miss.  This meet promises to be filled with automotive excitement so register today! The deadline to register for the Winter Meet is January 20, 2014.

 

Click here for the Winter Meet brochure.

 

AACA Annual Meeting Registration

February 6-8 · Philadelphia, PA
 

Registration is now open for the 78th Antique Automobile Club of America Annual Meeting!  Please make plans to join us from February 6-8 in Philadelphia, PA.  Attendees will enjoy a fantastic time with fellow hobbyists while attending trade shows and a variety of seminars.  Registrations are $20/person and youths (17 & younger) are free.  Click here for the Annual Meeting Registration Form.  The deadline for registration is January 24, 2014.

 

 

Hershey Pre-registration Forms

 

The Hershey Region has sent pre-registration forms to all 2013 Car Corral and Flea Market participants recently.  Please complete and sign your pre-registration form and send it with your payment to the Hershey Region AACA, P.O. Box 305, Hershey, PA  17033. The pre-registration deadline for the 2014 Hershey Fall Meet is February 14, 2014.  Your forms MUST be postmarked by this date to renew your spaces.  Additionally, your 2014 dues must be paid.  If you have any questions, please call the Hershey Region at (717) 566-7720 starting January 15, 2014 Monday and Wednesday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. only. Email:  fallmeet@hersheyaaca.org.

 

Give the Gift of Membership


If you're searching for the perfect gift, consider giving that special someone an AACA Membership. Gift memberships are available for Juniors (up to age 12), Students (ages 13-25), and Adults.  You can even purchase the gift of a Lifetime Membership!  

 

A Gift Membership is great for children, grandchildren, parents, and friends! To give the gift of membership this holiday season, call Karen White at 717-534-1910 today!

 

Auctions America Welcomes Back the AACA 

for its Second Annual Special Meet

 

Auctions America and the AACA are looking to build on the tremendous success of the inaugural Special Spring Meet in 2013, which brought nearly 600 club members and 250 registered cars to the Auburn Spring Collector Car Weekend. Auctions America is pleased to announce a limited time offer to AACA members wishing to purchase vendor space for the 2014 Special Spring Meet. Simply mention your AACA membership at time of booking to receive 50% off of your booth space for the entire event weekend.

 

This year's Auburn Spring Collector Car Weekend and the Second Annual AACA Special Spring Meet will take place May 8-10, 2014, at Auburn Auction Park. Contact Connie Miller at (260) 927-9797 or CMiller@auctionsamerica.com to book your vendor or car corral space today.

 

Member Submitted Story

Aloha from Honolulu Hawaii

 Submitted by: Bill & Atsuko Fortier

 

Needless to say, we do not have the numbers of cars or the space to travel as you do in the lower 48 but we try to enjoy what we have out here. We are proud members of the Hawaiian AACA Chapter. This 1930 Ford Model A Cabriolet 68B was originally sold in the Big Apple and now enjoys its days in the shadows of the world famous Diamond Head crater and on the shores of Waikiki. If you are on vacation on Oahu feel free to look us up. We always enjoy sharing stories and making new friends.  They are difficult to come by out here as you may imagine.  

 

Member Submitted Story

My 120b Packard Queens Trunk

Submitted by:  Dennis Frank

  

Here is my 120b Packard Queens Trunk purchased in June 2010.  The car was restored in Elkhorn WI by the previous owner who found the car in Chicago and spent 10 years restoring it. I drive the car and have been to car shows and won numerous trophies.  Everyone who sees it cannot believe how good it looks.It is by no means a no.1 car. We drive it all over and we went to the 2011 Packard meet in Galena, IL with the National Packard club and the Chicago chapter. In August we will be in Geneva, IL for the Concorus d'Elegance featuring Packards. Everywhere we drive we get thumbs up and waves from onlookers. The car drives like a 36 - smooth and quiet.It has been featured in Old Cars Weekly and the Daily Herald in McHenry County.  We have been told by the National Packard Club that this vehicle is one of five of this body style known to exists in the USA.

 

Share Your Stories in Speedster!

 

We want to hear from you! Send us your stories and photos. We are always looking for more articles about accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other items you may want to share. Send your photos and stories to Mary Clayton at mclayton@aaca.org today! 

 

 Antique Automobile Magazine Online

    

 

Did you know that you can log into your membership and view the current edition of Antique Automobile online?  This beautiful page-turn publication comes to life with a search box and links that take you directly to the articles or websites that you click on.  The interactive online magazine even allows you to make "sticky" notes on your favorite pages!

 

Log into your membership today to view the online edition of the November/December edition of Antique Automobile Magazine!

 

AACA Merchandise

 
What can you find in our store
 
     * Fleece Jackets - in festive Red or Green (Pictured)
     * Byers Choice Figurines - Final closeout
     * 2014 AACA Event Calendar - Never miss a meet!     
     * New! T-Shirt Looking Forward Appreciating The Past 
     * Hats - many colors and styles
 
   

 

Library & Research Center

Made in Japan

 By: Matthew Hocker

 

In addition to the library's wealth of books and sales literature, you will find the occasional "knickknack."  One of the library's more unusual pieces is a tin lithograph toy automobile manufactured in Japan in the 1950s.  It is a relic from a time when Japan had risen from the ashes of World War II to become the dominant force in toy manufacturing, exporting more than $83 million in playthings annually by 1962.  From the late 1940s through the 1960s, Japanese toys built up a reputation for quality and style.  

 

Before the war, Japan was far from a shining star in the toy industry.  During this period, Germany was considered the benchmark for quality and innovation.  Names like Marklin and Schuco were synonymous with the "best of the best."  Compared to their Western counterparts, most prewar Japanese toys were considered cheap, inferior and lacking in innovation.

 

Japan focused its efforts on reconstruction after the war ended, and many factories which once produced tanks and fighter planes were adapted for building toys.  The postwar Japanese economy was in dire straits, a point which would prove the primary driving force behind the turnaround in the quality of their toys.  If Japanese toymakers hoped to compete with manufacturers in Europe and America they needed to build products for which kids would clamor. 

 

In the realm of toy vehicles, Japanese companies produced some of the most realistic looking scale models on the market.  Companies like Bandai crafted representations of famous vehicles from America, Europe and Japan.  Many of these featured friction motors which, thanks to a gear and flywheel system, allowed the cars to move for an extended period of time with just a single push.

 

However, it may be argued the most celebrated toys from Japan were battery-operated.  Manufacturers took advantage of the development of smaller motors, sometimes incorporating multiple functions within a single toy.  Capitalizing on the success of James Bond, one company produced an Aston Martin with a working ejection seat and rear-mounted bullet proof shield.  If that weren't enough, the car was also capable of generating sparks to simulate machine gun fire.

 

The example in the library's collection is simpler by comparison, though no less impressive.  Powered by two D batteries, the car drives around in a continuous loop.  It also sports working lights and simulated engine noise.  Perhaps the most unique part of the car is the on/off switch, designed to look like the hand cranks found on earlier automobiles.

 

The toy was patterned after cars from the brass era and was appropriately named the "Grand-Pa Car."  It was manufactured by Yonezawa, which was a prolific manufacturer of tin toy cars throughout the 1950s and 1960s.  In addition to this model, they also crafted miniature versions of vehicles from GM, Ford, Opel and even their native Daihatsu.

 

By the 1970s, tin toys from companies like Yonezawa were on the decline thanks to the proliferation of cheaper plastic toys from Hong Kong and South Korea.  Meanwhile in Japan, the production of tin toys became increasingly expensive as labor costs and inflation rates skyrocketed.  Manufacturing costs were also driven up by the need to follow stricter safety regulations.

 

Because of the shrinking toy market, Japan gradually shifted more of its efforts to the electronics and automobile industries.  In 1985, Japan would take the world of toys by storm again, this time in the world of video games with the Nintendo Entertainment System; since then Japanese electronic games have remained synonymous with quality.  Sometimes history has a way of repeating itself.

 

Discover More: To see the Yonezawa "Grand-Pa Car" in action, be sure to pay a visit to the library.  If you're interested in toy cars the library has a collection of reference books covering everything from diecasts to pedal cars.  We also have a small collection of vintage toy catalogs and advertisements in our flat files, and we are always on the lookout for more unique material.  If you have any information on your favorite historic toy cars, feel free to contact the library!  

 

 

Interested in Doing Research with the AACA Library?

More info available on our website. Visit AACA Library or contact our head librarian, Chris Ritter, critter@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.

        

Visit Our Blog
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 The AACA Library's eBay Store!

 

New ebay logo

 

New Items in the AACA Library's eBay Store!

 

Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite motor head?  The Library's eBay store offers a wide variety to choose from, with everything from automobilia and photographs to books and sales literature. 

 

To view our available selection, be sure to click the links below!

 

Items Available for General Sale: 

  * Automobilia

        - Dash plaques

  * Reproduction Factory Photos

        - More than 2,000 different vehicles! 

 

  * Books:

        - Pre-War 

        - Racing 

        - Biographies & In-Depth Histories 

        - Car & Truck Reference Books 

        - And much more!

 

  * Sales Literature

 

Check back often, as we will continue to add new items in the coming year!

 

For more information, contact our Library Assistant,

Matthew Hocker, mhocker@aacalibrary.org or 717-534-2082.

 

Trivia Question

Trivia Question Mark

 

What city was the first to use parking meters?

 

 

 

AACA Museum Unveils New Tucker Exhibit Design

  

The AACA Museum is embarking on a most meaningful phase of its development - the renovation of the existing 5,200 square foot Cammack Gallery to create an unparalleled exhibit: the world's largest and best-known collection of Tucker 48 automobiles, engines, mechanicals and automobilia from Tucker historian and collector David Cammack. This permanent, interactive and educational exhibit will involve vistors in the compelling story of the development of these historic vehicles and dynamically display their unique and advanced features. Beyond the cars, we will chronicle Preston Tucker's vision, determination and struggles that are so much a part of the marque's history.

 

The AACA Museum envisions the Tucker exhibit becoming a "must see" attraction for hobbyists, historians and the general public from all over the world. The Cammack Tucker Gallery design has been fully endorsed by descendants of Preston Tucker, acting as historic advisors during the build process. "The effort being put forth by the AACA team in the presentation of the Cammack Tucker collection is not only an honor to the Tucker family but also the man who had an amazing passion to preserve the history of the Tucker story" exclaimed Sean Tucker, Preston's great-grandson. 

 


The job of transforming ideas and concepts into reality was given to Museum volunteer Jim Booth of Jim Booth Designs. Lizewskie was proud to say, "We are extremely lucky to have Jim as one of our many dedicated volunteers. We sat down with him and explained what we wanted, and what he delivered to us far exceeded our goals!" He added, "Jim's proposal was easily approved by the design committee and the entire Museum Board. Not only will it be visually stimulating, but fully interactive and very educational."  

 

Click here for more information on the Tucker Exhibit. 

  

The Elegance at Hershey Sets Date for 2014

June 13-15, 2014 · Hershey, Pennsylvania

 

Note: The Elegance this year conflicts with our Annual Grand National and Southeastern Fall dual meet.  This happenstance was unavoidable due to a five year commitment made at the hotel and the dates could not be moved. This problem should not occur ever again.  AACA strongly supports our members attending what is surely going to be a great meet in Tennessee.  However, if for any reason a member cannot travel to the South but can attend the Elegance,  the support will be greatly appreciated. 

 

After the presents are opened and the resolutions are made, it is time to start planning for 2014.  June 13, 14, 15 is a weekend you will want to reserve for your travel schedule.  A one day trip or an overnight weekend getaway, The Elegance at Hershey along with the Grand Ascent hill climb and the 5K Elegance Challenge should be put into your personal "must attend" schedule.   Come experience a weekend of charitable fund raising while spending a fun filled day(s) with family and friends.  Relax in the outdoors as you watch vintage race cars skillfully maneuver the winding uphill road course.  For athletic individuals start Saturday off with the 5K Challenge.  To expand your experience we recommend allowing a few hours for the AACA Museum.  To add to your weekend experience the Hershey area offers the amusement park, beautiful gardens, and Hershey Chocolate World. 

 

Sunday morning opens the day with a spectacular display of seventy-five rare and beautiful motorcars arranged throughout the gardens of The Hotel Hershey®.  View the magnificent pieces of rolling art as they sit on the sculptured lawn, visit lifestyle displays, sip a cocktail, shop and enjoy vendors displaying art and jewelry,  meet car owners and hear their stories.  This historical car collection will take your breath away.  Appealing to the most knowledgeable car buffs, those that enjoy the rich history of days gone by and those just looking for a new pleasurable experience, this weekend will fulfill all expectations.  Each year our team of volunteers works very hard to help make The Elegance a very special memory for attendees.    Meet special guests and enjoy the passion of the automobile. You will not regret your decision to attend. 

 

This event has donated more than $500,000 dollars to the AACA Museum, AACA Library and JDRF in the past three years.  To obtain information regarding sponsorship, make a donation or to volunteer please contact Lisa Leathery, Executive Director, at  lisa@TheEleganceAtHershey.com  717-619-1118 or 717-534-1910.  For more information about the event visit www.TheEleganceAtHershey.com.

 

  

Trivia Question Mark

 

What city was the first to use parking meters?

 

Oklahoma City on July 16, 1935

 

Source: Automotive Milestones, Trivia of a Most Unique Machine, Edited by Clark Cassell and Charles Merritt, Braddock Publications. 

  

  

Calendar Spotlight
Desk Calendar

 

February 6 - 8, 2014 
AACA Annual Meeting - Philadelphia - Registration Information
 
February 20 - 22, 2014
AACA Winter Meet  - Port St. Lucie, Florida. - Meet Brochure

April 3 - 5, 2014
AACA Southeastern Spring Meet - Charlotte, NC 
 
  
Visit the Calendar on our website for a complete listing of AACA national events and much 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.