CAR CLUB OF THE MONTH SUBMISSION GUIDELINES To submit a club for consideration as an upcoming featured Car Club, please send a link to the club’s website (if applicable) and include with the submission the name and location of the club as well as the full first and last name, email address and/or phone number of a club leader or spokesperson who can supply the necessary information and imagery. Submissions may be emailed to [email protected], or mailed in hard-copy or flash-drive form to: Mecum Auctions 445 South Main Street Walworth, WI 53184 ATTN: Mecum Magazine Submission ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA (AACA) By Brian Thalhammer The year is 1935: pilot icon Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Pacific Ocean, the courageous Sir Malcolm Campbell breaks a 300 MPH barrier to set a new land-speed world record, and the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) comes together in unity for the very first time. Founded with just 14 original members who drove, maintained and cherished vehicles, such as a 1907 Waltham-Orient, a 1909 Pierce-Arrow and mid-1900s Fords, Buicks and Oldsmobiles, the club was formed on a basic passion for antique vehicles and the efforts it took to maintain these original wonders. Amusing to note, at the time of the club’s inception, the oldest automobile in the group boasted just 34 years of age. As the wheels of time progressed and the club attracted more fans of the historical endeavor, the AACA expanded to include more than 115 members within the first five years of its initial formation, spanning 15 states and two foreign countries. Once the word was out, it spread like wildfire, offering fanatics of true antique automobiles an opportunity to join a movement that would achieve immeasurable success over the next 75 years. Currently standing at 350 chapters with more than 45,000 members worldwide, the AACA has gained reputation as the largest car club in the world and shows no signs of surrendering that remarkable status. While club members are privileged to be a part of a dedicated and helpful network of automotive enthusiasts, they also benefit from the numerous events the AACA holds and participates in, such as collector car shows, swap meets, cruise nights, fundraisers, memorial car meets and the popular and beloved Nationals. Many of the club’s events are held in the AACA’s home base of Hershey, Pennsylvania. 120 // MECUM.COM
