May 2014 - Volume 66
In This Issue
Southeastern Winter Meet
Member Benefit of the Month
Member Submitted Story
Library & Research Center
The AACA Library's eBay Store!
Trivia Question
AACA Museum
AACA Official Custom Car Signs
Calendar Spotlight
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
Welcome to 
SPEEDSTER

    

With so many great events coming up, we want to remind you to fill out your request cards and registration forms as soon as possible to avoid missing out on all of the AACA fun!  Also, remember that you can log in using your member number and pin number at members.aaca.org to register for an upcoming meet tour.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

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!

 

 

Grand National / Southeastern Fall Dual  Meet 

June 12 - 14, 2014 · Lebanon, TN

 

Join the Middle Tennessee Region for the Annual Grand National and the Southeastern Division Fall Meet.  The Grand National will take place on Friday, June 13 and feature the "Best of the Best" cars in competition.  To participate in the Grand National, your vehicle must have received a Senior Award prior to 2014.  The Southeastern Fall Meet will take place Saturday, June 14. As a special gift to people who register their car for this Dual Meet, we will be offering a free souvenir photograph of their car taken in front of a vintage service station.  Click here for more information.

 

Central Spring Meet 

June 26-28 - Lincoln, NE

 

Come see some of the best sites Nebraska has to offer at the Central Spring Meet hosted by the Nebraska Region AACA.  Attendees can take group tours of The Nebraska State Capitol, The University of Nebraska Athletic Complex, and The Museum of American Speed.  You can also take tours on your own to the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, the Nebraska Tractor Test & Power Museum, the Lincoln Children's Museum, the Lincoln Children's Zoo, and the Lincoln Haymarket District. Be sure to check out the brochure for more information.

 

Central Fall Meet

Oconomowoc, WI - Site of 2014 AACA Central Fall Meet

By Lars Anderson, Registration Chairman

 

Enjoy the beautiful countryside of Wisconsin while attending the Central Fall Meet hosted by the Wisconsin Region AACA.  The Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc, WI will be the home base for the Central Fall Meet from July 31 to August 2.  Oconomowoc is 22 miles west of Milwaukee just off of Interstate 94.  The resort will accommodate all of the meet's needs including trailer parking, show field, food, judges training, membership meeting and banquet hall. 

 

The region has set aside two days for guided tours to three outstanding places of interest - The Wisconsin Automobile Museum, The Fire Truck Museum, and Old World Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Automobile Museum is the home of the Kissel Automobile and hosts a variety of vintage cars, trucks, and engines.  The Fire Truck Museum has a collection of thirty pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1860 to the late 1900's.  Old World Wisconsin is a recreation of Midwestern life in the 1800's and early 1900's.  Also, a taste of Wisconsin will be provided with a frozen custard party Thursday evening on the shore of Lac La Belle and a famous Friday fish fry dinner on the shore of Nagawicka Lake on Friday.

 

A feature attraction will be the display of three special interest vehicles. For information visit www.wisconsinaaca.org or call Joan Anderson 262-567-9083.

   

Central Divisional Tour

AACA Central Division National Fall Tour 
By Jenelle Smith, Registration Chairman

 

The Amarillo, TX Region of AACA is hosting the "Vin-Tin Round-Up" Central Division National AACA Tour on August 13-16, 2014. 

 

The Amarillo Region of AACA has been working very hard for the past two years preparing for this event.  We are now ready to show you the best of the Texas Panhandle.  The members of our club are ready to show you a good time and really hope that you and your old car will join us.

 

On Wednesday the 13th of August, we are hosting a get acquainted dinner with entertainment at the Host Hotel.  Have you ever witnessed a Cowboy Poet in real life? 

 

On Thursday, we will tour north to Dumas where their Chamber of Commerce will welcome us with open arms. While in the area we will tour a real working modern cotton gin.  Then back to Dumas for a fajita lunch at the very interesting Window on the Plains Museum.  We will also enjoy a competitive lawnmower slalom race where the winner will receive a trophy.  Then back to Amarillo for dinner and entertainment at the famous Big Texan Steak House.

 

On Friday, we will travel to the very scenic Palo Duro Lookout south of Claude, TX.  This is a sight to behold. From there, we will work our way back to Canyon for lunch on your own.  That afternoon, we will migrate into the famous Palo Duro Canyon where we will enjoy a cowboy dinner in the canyon and the musical drama "Texas."  After the show, we are to have a police escort back to Canyon.

 

On Saturday, we will travel to Goodnight, TX where we will tour the famous Charles Goodnight Historic Home.  This home was recently completely restored and now has a State of Texas visitor's center on the grounds.  A travel quiz has been prepared and for those who play the game, a prize will be awarded for the most complete and entertaining answers.  That afternoon, we will tour the famous Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in Canyon.

 

On Saturday night, the final banquet will be held at the host hotel and there will be some surprises here.  A great dinner, entertainment and a few awards will be given. 

 

We look forward to hosting this event and promise to show you a good time. The membership of the Amarillo Region of AACA is looking forward to meeting each of you. For more information contact:

 

Jenelle Smith, Registration Chairman

(806) 358-4970; gjsmith57ford@yahoo.com

 

Gene Smith, Chairman of the Vin-Tin Round-Up August 13-16, 2014.   

Phone (806) 358-4970;   gjsmith57ford@yahoo.com

AACA Central Division National Fall Tour 

 

 

  

Member Submitted Story

The Story of Gail Brown Wise Mustang Purchase

 By: Gail and Tom Wise

 

On Wednesday, April 15, 1964, I purchased my 1964 ˝ Mustang.  I was 22 years old and had recently graduated from Chicago Teachers' College.  I had just obtained my first teaching job in the suburbs and needed transportation.  I was living at home in Chicago with my parents.  That night we went shopping for a new car for me.  My folks drove convertibles.  They had a '49 Ford convertible and a '57 red and black Ford convertible that I was used to driving.  I knew that I wanted a convertible.  

 

We went car shopping at Johnson Ford on Cicero Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.  When I told the salesman that I wanted a convertible, he said he had none on the floor, but to follow him into the backroom to look at something special.  There under a tarp was a "skylight blue" Mustang convertible.  One look and I knew it was for me.  This car was sporty; it went zoom, zoom; it had bucket seats; automatic transmission on the floor; power steering; turn signals and an AM radio.  It was AWESOME and I said "I'll take it!"  The salesman replied that it was a special car and it was not to go on sale until Friday, "but" he sold it to me that night.  I paid $3,447.50, more than half a year's salary.  My teacher's salary was $5,100.  My mom and dad paid for the car with a check for the full amount with the stipulation that I would pay them back.

 

I realized that I had bought something special that night when I drove it out of the show room.  As I drove down the street, people started waving at me and giving me hi-fives or asking me to slow down so they could observe the Mustang.  I felt like a movie star, but it was the car at which everyone was staring.  The next day I drove the new wheels to school and it was a big hit in the parking lot.  The school was attached to a junior high with seventh and eighth graders.  The boys were hovering over the car and anybody else that would drive by the parking lot would stop to check it out.  The custodian said, "Miss Brown, I wish I had a nickel for everyone that looks at your car, because I would be a millionaire!"  That's how popular the Mustang was for quite a while.

 

When Lee Iacocca unveiled the Mustang to the world at the New York World's Fair on Friday, April 17, I already had been driving one for two days.  I have fond memories from that time 50 years ago.

 

As time went on, I married my college sweetheart and we had four children.  We moved to the suburbs and Tom used the Mustang as a daily driver until 1979.  One day he told me that he pushed the Mustang into the garage because something was wrong and that he would fix it next week.  NEXT WEEK turned into 27 years.  It became a depository for all sorts of things such as lawn chairs, bicycle parts, etc., and most of the time one could not tell there was a car underneath all of the "stuff." But it held its space in the garage even though I would complain that he should sell it so we could use the area for children's bikes, equipment, etc.  Instead of selling it, he built an addition on to the two-car garage so he could keep the car.  I knew he was serious about wanting this car. 

 

In 2006 we made a decision to restore the Mustang. Tom contacted an auto restorer who said that he could do the job.  Tom removed the engine and transmission and all of the other components. All that remained was the basic framework, sheet metal, wheels and steering wheel when it was trailered to the restorer.  Ten months later the car was returned.  The car was then fitted with a new top and interior and the remaining components (bumpers, lights, heater and windshield wipers, etc.) were re-installed. 

 

In 2008 the restoration was complete without any modifications or alterations.  The car appears today as it did the day it was purchased.

 

Tom spent many days researching the Mustang stories on the internet.  One story attracted his eye about being the first one sold on April 16.  He checked the date on my sales receipt and found it was April 15, 1964.  He contacted the "Concierge Desk" at Hagerty Insurance Company about his discovery.  Upon seeing the copy of the sales receipts and hearing the story, Hagerty Insurance Company's Mike Mueller, who writes extensively about Mustangs,  wrote a story about the car. This was followed by a story in "Mustang Monthly Magazine" written by Editor Donald Farr.

 

Today we continue on our path of appearing at antique auto shows and telling "the story."

 

 

Do you have a story about your vehicles, restoration projects or adventures you would like to share in SPEEDSTER?  If so, send your story and photographs to Mary Clayton at mclayton@aaca.org! 

 

Tickets Now Available for The Elegance at Hershey 

Elegance Logo

You won't want to miss all the Father's Day weekend fun that The Elegance at Hershey has in store!  The weekend of events, taking place from June 13-15 at The Hotel Hershey® in Hershey, Pennsylvania will have something for everyone.

 

The Grand Ascent

June 13 & 14, 2014

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

A fine tradition brought back to life.  Drivers will pilot some of the finest vintage race cars up the historic back road of The Hotel Hershey®.  Spectators will be treated to a rare opportunity as they view historical race cars in action.  Daily admission $10 per day with free parking.  Ages 15 and below FREE.  On Saturday, Special Guest Bob Lutz will be available at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. to sign autographs.  Tickets can be ordered by visiting www.TheEleganceAtHershey.com or calling (717) 534-1910.

 

Also, there is the very rare opportunity to ride in a vintage race car. Sign up on site Friday and Saturday during lunch hours.  We supply the helmet; you donate $50 for a PRICELESS experience!

 

The Elegance Challenge 5K

June 14, 2014

Registration 6:45 a.m.; Race begins 7:45 a.m.

 

A timed runners' race up the challenging Grand Ascent hill climb course! With a 7/10-mile steep uphill first leg, continuing back to the start line area for a total of 5K.  Runners receive Tech shirts, certificates, cool down snacks and other surprises, along with VIP Parking and FREE admission to the day's auto racing!  Prizes to top runners in each bracket totaling $1,500 cash!  Register online by clicking here

 

 

 

The Elegance

June 15, 2014

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

The Elegance is the ultimate garden party featuring the world's finest collector cars arrayed around the classically manicured gardens of The Hotel Hershey®.  Lifestyle displays, automotive art, BMW test drives, wine sampling and more will complete your day of enjoyment.  Special Guest Bob Lutz will be available at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. to sign autographs.  Tickets are $25 and include FREE parking and a FREE full-color program.  Ages 15 and under FREE. Tickets can be ordered by visiting www.TheEleganceAtHershey.com or calling (717) 534-1910.

 

  

Member Benefit of the Month - 50 Year Pin

 

As a thank you for your long time passion and dedication for the automotive hobby, the AACA awards members who have been in the club for 50 years or more with a beautiful 50 Year Pin.  This stunning award can be bestowed upon a long-time member at a National Meet, a Regional Event, or simply by sending it in the mail. To receive this pin, you must be a member for 50+ years and contact the AACA.  Once contacted, we will research our archives to confirm 50 years of membership.  If you believe you have been a member for 50 years or more, please contact Mike Reilly at 717-534-2082 or mreilly@aacalibrary.org

  

Library & Research Center

Studebaker Wagons

By: Matthew Hocker

 

The library is best known for its collection of automotive sales literature, books and periodicals.  However, our flat files contain some hidden surprises, including files on more than 60 American wagon and carriage manufacturers.  On the surface, it might seem odd to find material on wagons in an automotive research library.  However, many such companies attempted to transition into the business of building automobiles in the late 19th and 20th Centuries.  Perhaps the most famous of these was that of Studebaker, which operated from 1852 until its demise in 1967.

 

The origins of Studebaker can be traced back to John Clement Studebaker (1799-1877), a Pennsylvania Dutchman.   A blacksmith and wagon-maker by trade, Studebaker set up shop near Gettysburg by 1830.  In 1835, Studebaker, his wife, and six children moved to Ashland, OH in hopes of a better life.

 

Studebaker's sons followed in their father's footsteps.  Jacob and Peter helped out with the family business, while Henry and Clement set forth for South Bend, IN in 1850.  Together, they founded H. & C. Studebaker, a business devoted to blacksmithing and wagon building.

 

The wildcard in the family was John Mohler Studebaker who, captivated by the gold rush, journeyed westward to California in 1853.  When he finally settled in Hangtown (present-day Placerville), he was just 19 years old and had little more than 50 cents in his pocket.  While there, he ran into an entrepreneur by the name of H. J. "Joe" Hinds.  Hinds was the proprietor of a business that made tools for miners, and he desired an experienced wagon-maker to help him build wheelbarrows.  Upon learning of Studebaker's credentials, he offered him the job.

 

With gold-fever on the brain, Studebaker initially rejected Hinds' offer.  However, a friend convinced him that he was making a big mistake, and Studebaker relented and joined Hind's business.  Studebaker would later reflect on his decision, saying that steady work allowed him to accumulate wealth in a way that would have likely been impossible with the day-to-day uncertainties of prospecting.  He received $10.00 a piece for his first wheelbarrows, a princely sum back then.  By 1858, he had over $8,000 to his name.

 

Meanwhile back in South Bend, brothers Jacob and Peter struggled to keep H. & C. Studebaker afloat.  They lacked the funding and resources for large scale production and cranked out no more than a dozen or so wagons per year.  After several letters back-and-forth they finally convinced John to join them in 1858, and he invested a substantial amount of his wealth in the company.

 

John's involvement signaled a turnaround for the company, with Studebaker wagons having earned widespread acclaim for quality and dependability.  In the 1860s, the company launched an aggressive advertising campaign.  One ad read, "What you seek for is a beast that is sound, strong, handsome and enduring.  You don't buy a horse simply because the price is the lowest.  But how is it when you buy a wagon or carriage?"

 

Studebaker received another big break during the American Civil War.  In 1862 they signed a contract with the federal government to provide supplies for the Union Army.  Studebaker made wagons, artillery caissons, and specialized wagons, including a beer wagon for some of the German-American troops.

 

Wartime orders provided the company a significant boost and lead to an expansion of the factory.  While hostilities ended in 1865, the demand for wagons and carriages remained strong and Studebaker prospered.  By 1868, assets were more than $223,000, and the company was generating around $350,000 in annual sales.  That same year, they formed a corporation under the name of Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company.

 

Even with setbacks, such as a destructive fire in 1872, the company remained quite successful.  In the late 19th Century, the automobile came into the picture, and Clement Studebaker Jr. (Clement's son) and Frederick S. Fish (John M. Studebaker's son-in-law) were enthralled by the automobile, more so than their elders.  In 1897, they reportedly experimented with the concept of making a motor vehicle but this idea didn't get very far.

 

In 1899, they started building bodies for electric cars before eventually offering their own line of electric passenger and commercial vehicles in 1902.  Thomas Edison reportedly owned one and utilized it for more than 20 years.  Production of Studebaker electrics ceased in 1912, with the company having sold over 1,800 since initial production.

 

From 1904 through 1911, Studebaker also ventured into the coachbuilding business with the Garford Co. of Elyria, OH.  Garford supplied the chassis and shipped them to South Bend, IN where Studebaker furnished the bodies.  In 1911, Studebaker took over auto company E-M-F and continued manufacturing E-M-F's range of E-M-F and Flanders 20 cars for the 1912 model year.  By 1913, E-M-F and Flanders had been phased out in favor of cars bearing the Studebaker name.

 

While the manufacture of motor vehicles took hold Studebaker continued manufacturing wagons, but not for long.  In 1917 John M. Studebaker, the last surviving brother, passed away, and the death of the Studebaker's wagon business wasn't far behind.  By 1920, production of horse-drawn vehicles had completely ceased in favor of the car.  The end of an era signaled the start of a new one.

 

Discover More: Interested in learning more about Studebaker wagons, cars and trucks?  The library has a file on Studebaker wagons and an extensive collection of Studebaker sales literature from their early electrics of 1902 through their final models for 1966.  If you are interested in using these materials for research or have any information, be sure to contact the library or pay us a visit.  We'd love to hear from you!

        
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 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.

  

Enter to Win a 2014 Camaro 2LS Coupe! 

Drawing will take place on October 11, 2014

 

Each $20 ticket will give you a chance to win the grand prize - a brand new 2014 Camaro (or $17,000 cash)!  Second place will win $3,000 cash and third place will take home $1,000 cash.  Proceeds from this charity raffle will benefit the AACA, The AACA Library and Research Center, and The AACA Museum. Winner need not be present to win and is responsible for all taxes. Call (717) 534-1910 or click here for an order form.

 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. 

 

We will also be holding our monthly eBay auction, with over seventy unique listings!  The auction began on Sunday, May 25th at 7:00 PM EST and will end on Sunday, June 1st at 7:00 PM.

 

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

 

 

 

Items Available for Auction (5/25/2014 - 6/1/2014): 

* Books & Periodicals:

- Tuning for Speed by P. E. Irving (1949)

- Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942 (1985)

- Tatra 1897-1967 (1967) 

- Over 38 issues of  MoToR magazine from 1938 - 1941

- 2 issues of  Buick Magazine from 1939 and 1952 

- 14 AACA membership rosters (1959 - 1975) 

- And more!

* Sales Literature:

- Paige-Detroit Models 55 & 39 Catalog 

- 1927 Paige 

- 1930s Ford V8 

- 1930s Hudson 

- 1966 & 1971 Volkswagen 

- And more!

* Manuals & Guides:

- Binder of Acme paint chips, covering model years 1946 - 1952

- Binder of 1959 McCormick tractor service bulletins

- 1928 Buick Reference Book

- And more!

   

Items Available for General Sale

Reproduction Factory Photos:

- More than 2,000 different vehicles

Books:

- Pre-War

- Racing

- Biographies & In-Depth Histories 

- Car & Truck Reference Books 

- Manuals & Guides 

- And much more!

Sales Literature 

Shop Manuals 

 

Check back often, as we will continue to add new items!

 

For more information, contact our Library Assistant,

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

 

Trivia Question

Trivia Question Mark

 

How much does the heaviest limousine in the world weigh?

 

 

 

 

AACA Museum News

 

Summer at the AACA Museum!
 

AACA Museum has a couple great exhibits open now for your summer visit!    Motoring Mysteries of the Far East:   A Curious Collection of Asian & Pacific Vehicles, Indian Nation:  Indian Motorcycles & America and the Automotive Art of Jay Texter.

 

The annual Bus Spring Fling will be held on June 7th and the annual Museum Car Show will be on June 21st - register today!  The Car Show has lots of family friendly activities this year so be sure to bring the kids or grand kids out for a day of fun.  Visit the Museum's website at www.AACAMuseum.org for all the details! 

 

AACA Official Custom Car Signs 

 

Show off your car and your AACA pride with the only AACA approved Car Show Sign! AACA Car Show Signs are approximately 16.5" high by 12" wide and display your customized information alongside the AACA Logo.  A great accessory for all members!  The cost is $30 plus shipping. To order, send your 200-word description in a word document to mclayton@aaca.org today.

 

Trivia Question Mark

  

How much does the heaviest limousine in the world weigh?

 

The heaviest limousine is "Midnight Rider" weighing 22,933 kg (50,560 lb). It is 21.3 m (70 ft) long and 4.1 m (13 ft 8 in) high, designed by Michael Machado and Pamela Bartholemew  in California and begun operating on September 3, 2004.

  

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

    

Calendar Spotlight
Desk Calendar

 

June 15- 20, 2014
Reliability Tour - Lancaster, PA 

June 12 - 14, 2014
 
June 26 - 28, 2014
Central Spring Meet - Lincoln, NE - Meet Brochure
 
July 31 - Aug 2, 2014
Central Fall Meet - Oconomowoc, WI - Meet Brochure
 
August 14 - 16, 2014
Central Divisional Tour - TX Panhandle
 
September 18 - 20, 2014 
Western Fall Meet - Big Sky, MT - Meet Brochure

  
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.