Belvedere

Is that a red Ford pick-up with a chopped top and lowered suspension followed by a modified-looking '56 Chevy in the first photo?

Just curious, was legally assessing a portion of land on the Museum campus as a subdivision for purchase by the Club for headquarters/library construction never an option? The club and Museum could then have continued as separate entities with the "family" intact. Isn't this what was done for the Hershey Region headquarters? I don't know. I also wonder how the Hershey Region feels about all of this, considering they are neighbors?

I attended this show yesterday. I'd estimate maybe 80 cars (maybe someone can give a better tally) from Ontario, S. Dakota, Wisconsin and Florida. A few pre-war, but as expected, most in the '60's and 70's. There were many really nice vehicles, but the one thing that struck me was the absence of any indication of AACA membership among the membership of the Professional Car Society. I only saw 3 AACA awarded vehicles, all owned by the same individual. As I said, several vehicles present would do quite well in AACA judging. The AACA needs to somehow make this club's members aware of the AACA classes specified for funeral/ambulance vehicles. Traditionally this AACA class is not too well attended, while obviously, beautifully restored, as well as HPOF/DPC level professional vehicles are out there.

Thanks Matt for the photos. AACA brings out great variety of vehicles. Looks like New Bern is one of AACA's best meet venues.

Oh my, how the face of the Fescht has changed. I've attended sporadically beginning with the first one in 1963, and haven't missed since 1978. I'd say the Fescht reached it's heyday in the mid '80's to late '90's. You could always count on the field full of very early cars seen every year. Then, row upon row of Model A's and a variety of makes from the thirties through early fifties. Nice ones too! Except for an excellent turnout of Model A's this year, those thirties-early fifties cars have become rare. Replaced by late sixties through eighties vehicles, most likely air conditioned. Many of driver-quality. Also, a lot of "personalized" cars, because the Fescht committee frowns upon modifieds. The flea market, yeah it's gotten smaller each year. Maybe it's the direction of the hobby, but as I walked around this past weekend remembering days gone by, I thought "how depressing".

Thanks. Using Mapquest I did a dry-run today and found it. Only a 40 minute drive for me. The venue looks perfect and look forward to seeing Mr. Bulgari's collection as well as the beautiful Buicks.

I'm planning on attending the show at the Bulgari Complex on Saturday. Can you supply an address suitable to do a Mapquest/GPS search please?

Thank you Annie and Joel for the great photos. I was there until the rains came and saw most of the cars. I believe you captured almost the entire field. I just compared the Winner's List to your photos and to what I remember of the vehicles. While I congratulate all of the winners, it saddens me to think that were some better cars in HPOF than several that were "given" First Juniors in Class Judging most likely because it was rainy and they were the only one in the class. I know that's how the system works, but?

This has been long overdue. Recently, it appears there are more Camaros than Mustangs on the AACA show fields. I always felt a Camaro Class should be developed, 3 divisions are even better. Hopefully all Camaros already in Production Classes will be moved and grandfathered into the appropriate Camaro Classes. I don't think this has happened 100% with other models in regards to the HP Classes.

The easiest and fastest solution is to purchase the 4 matching Wagners from a repro/restoration supplier. Finding the model number/pattern to match the ORIGINAL General Electric is not so easy unless I remove 1 from someone else's car. I've seen several. Don't think anyone would take too kindly to that! Meanwhile, I will continue to look for that 1 correct headlight to match the other 3.

Yes AJ, my car did receive it's Preservation. This fellow has been the Team Captain of my class @ Hershey for the last 3-4 years, and I respect him. As he introduced himself and shook hands, he said "you look familiar". His headlight comment was informational indeed. He added, "if we find too much wrong, we will need to point-judge the car". That was a little unnerving! There was a heightened headlight awareness, as the car judged prior to mine competing for First Preservation had incorrect Halogen bulbs. Only a minimal deduction, he received the award. I am planning on attending the AGNM next year in Williamsport next year. The AGNM within driving distance doesn't come around too often for me, and my Senior car is eligible. It is no 400 point car and my resources fall far short of making it such. The results may show I was only a participant and not a competitor, that's OK. I will have supported the AACA. I have found a source for "AACA correct" headlights, just haven't pulled the trigger yet. I need to wrap my head around removing 3 "General Electric" bulbs installed on the Chrysler assembly line in 1967. But at least I'll have spares.

As a 25 year AACA member I appreciate stock vehicles far more than modifieds. This looks like my kind of show. Unfortunately in my area of Pa, many shows sponsored by local AACA regions have become nothing more than daytime cruise-ins. Stock vehicles, especially those with AACA award badges have become the minority in attendance.

Great pix, Annie. Your Surburban looks nice on the field. It appears most vehicles displayed some sort of AACA award badge and vehicles appeared stock and classed by AACA determination. Also didn't see any modified vehicles in you photos. Is that the basis for this show with AACA-type awards on a more local level?

I was really surprised to see Starsky & Hutch and Bo & Luke's Charger on the showfield this year at Hershey. You didn't used to see that. Just sayin'.

Thanks for your input. It's a sixties car so it's easy to replace. Ironically, there was a 1968 Dodge across the aisle from me on Saturday @ Hershey with the EXACT mismatched headlights, GE and all! Had we swapped 1 headlight each, we'd both have a matched set. You can't just buy these non-halogen replacements anywhere like in the good old days. Any suggestions where to buy new ones?

As my car was being judged for it's 36th Preservation at Hershey this past Saturday, the team captain informs me that the headlight judge has discovered my headlights don't match. More specifically, the 2 outboard units of the quad set-up. What? The car was purchased brand new, has been in the family garage since day 1, and I'm 99% sure a headlight was never replaced. All 4 headlamps are GE brand. On close-up inspection, I didn't see it. The team captain had me step back 10 feet and pointed out the refracting ribs in 1 bulb are wider than in the other. Each has a different number at the top of the glass. So what are the AACA specifics for matched headlights? Back in 1993, when the car first entered AACA Class judging, I understood the brands had to match left to right. As I search for a matched set, do I need to specifically go for GE (to match the inboard pair), or can I substitute another replacement brand pair for the outboard? Or, after 23 years of AACA judging, not lose any sleep over it?

A few years ago, Pennsylvania passed legislation to permit the use of YOM plates on antique vehicles. After several years of failed legislation, this was exciting news to owners of authentic antiques. It just completes the package. It is gaining in popularity, as more YOM plates are being registered. I have noticed many, if not 1/2 of them on non-authentic modified vehicles. Here's a few examples: '41 Willys Gasser, a fenderless Ford Model A sedan with DUB wheels and rubberband tires, a '50's GM Aerosedan that was so chopped, sectioned, and customized, it's origin was almost unrecognizable, and of course the ever-popular Rat Rod. None of these vehicles looked like that in their YOM, but proudly displayed the YOM plate. Kind of misses the point. The YOM process in PA involves first applying for Antique Vehicle registration, then upon approval of your chosen YOM plate and a large additional fee, you can display the vintage plate. A photo of said vehicle is no longer required. Therein lies the loophole. I know several states have this option for owners of antique vehicles. What do you see in your state?

Let's talk about Sunday, long known as "Club Day". I've been attending the Fescht regularly since 1980 when it truly was club day! Not every marque was represented, but the show field was packed with show cars and spectators alike. It was an honor if your club was represented and you could enter your car. In those days, the club determined what vehicles were eligible. For example, the Pontiac Oakland Club has always considered to the current year. The then new and late model "hot" Trans Ams were visible in the Pontiac area. The Chrysler area was represented by the WPC who also recognized vehicles to the current model year. I was able to show my 1968 Satellite at only 12 years old. The same could be said for the Mustang Club area, etc. Also in those days, the Fescht committee alloted awards to the clubs based on attendance to be used as they wished. Many years ago, the Plymouth Owners Club (model years '28 - '54) and the Mustang Club unintentionally failed to meet the deadline to resign for the following year and were absent for many years. It had been the Plymouth Club's Fall Meet. Yes, those Plymouths continued to be accepted by the WPC, but it wasn't the same. AT some point, the Fescht Committee determined the club day acceptance to be vehicles only to 25 years old and no modifieds permitted. (as an aside, I am not a proponent of modified vehicles, so that was OK with me) But effectively they told some clubs many of their member vehicles were not welcome. A few clubs were given 2 years to conform. Way to drive down club participation! Lately it seems clubs in some cases are not even present, just a designated parker to continue some marques to be eligible. The Edsel "club" area had dwindled, so they began hosting Lincoln Mercury as well, and the Edsel attendance continued to dwindle. A few years ago, the VCCA Chevrolet area was handed over to the Lehigh Valley Camaro Club. I have nothing against Camaros, but this really changed the landscape of the Chevy area. Mostly Camaros now, and virtually no traditional VCCA cars. At least I didn't see many VCCA window decals on Stovebolt Chevies. Maybe it's time to "invite" the clubs back to the Fescht, and let them determined who can be entered.

Like many car shows, Macungie seems to have taken on a "cruise mentality" in the last 2 years. For any one who has been there in the past, Friday was always "variety show" day, where street rods/customs are welcome along side antiques, and all are parked as they arrive. This being the reason I no longer participate on Friday. Until 2 years ago Saturday followed modified AACA rules for vehicle placement. Granted Class 27 was becoming a fiasco encompassing years '54 - '90, but it was nice to see "Classic Chevies" in one area, Mustangs in another, Early Ford V-8's, Model A's etc. I overheard many car owners and spectators alike comment on the dislike of the current 4-era classification. It's just too "cruise-like". There were some early cars there, but you had to sort through all prewar to find them. Sunday is "Club Day" where marque clubs sponsor gatherings of club honored vehicle. You need not be a member to show your car, but you might just want to join. Lately it seems in some cases, less club presence and just a representative to park like vehicles. Aside from the few clubs recognizing prewar only, the showfield was dominated by '60's and '70's vehicles. Chevies were dominated by Camaros and Monte Carlos, with only 3 Stovebolt era cars. What a change from years ago. The Chysler area was mostly '60's B-body, only 1 prewar DeSoto. Again, cruise-like. The Chrysler 300 Feature was excellent, and Packards had a commendable turnout. But, 3 Hudsons, 4 Kaisers, and only 10 Studes! What happened? The registration form for Saturday and Sunday stipulates NO streetrods/customs as this is put on by an AACA region, but don't get me started on all the same aftermarket mag wheels and chrome valve covers present I see at the cruise nights. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing The Fescht. It was ALWAYS my favorite meet of the summer. But, sadly, I came away thinking next year's registration is not a given.

Dave, seems the Crosley Club brought fewer vehicles this year. Vehicle registrations were down over all, especially Sunday, but still a good show. Was the Crosley Ford V-8/60 prototype legit?

Just wondering about this new AACA non-geographical region, it's progress and popularity. The premise for starting this region is commendable. Anyone here a member or can relate how many members and activities so far. We never see anything about this region in the Antique Automobile magazine.

Good luck everyone! Wish I was there. Someone, please post some photos.

Some of you are missing my point altogether. I am in no way critical of AACA judging as a whole. As a matter of fact I appreciate their efforts and dedication! And thank them for it! A casual walk-around of the 2 vehicles I am referring to by an AACA judge should have put them into the 2nd or 3rd category, even before pointing them up, on condition alone. They were just not up to the standard of what we consider First Junior material. This is where I question the leniency of SOME judges.

The "items" Mr. Burgess mentions brings up a good point. I am aware AACA judging frowns upon a variety of literature displayed in the trunk or interior area, possibly covering problem areas. Instead, have it available to answer any authenticity questions. Lately I've noticed more "stuff" the AACA does not consider appropriate for judging. like license frames and splash guards purchased at the local auto parts store, fuzzy dice, window decals not pertaining to a marque club for your car, and other "cruise night" goodies. One guy had all of his AACA trophies displayed in front of his car. I recall my first AACA show, I was told by my class neighbor to remove my after-market curb feelers. What does he know? Well, I didn't, and those curb feelers may have been the deduction that cost me a third. At a more recent Spring Meet, going for Repeat Preservation, the team capt. advised me to remove my Little Tree air freshener discreetly hanging from beneath my dash. Another fellow advised to remove his "car-hop" tray and huge billboard thanking his resto team. As we receive more new members, maybe a primer in the ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE advising members as to what is is appropriate on the AACA show field, and what should be saved for the local cruise night. Those things can cost you a deduction.

Sorry, I didn't mean HPOF is a waste of time. One of my cars is certified. Because of it's originality, did not fare well in class judging. The few vehicles I was referring to quite possibly would have achieved a First Junior as they appeared at Saturday's show. To me, First Junior trumps HPOF, if you can get it. Why not try there first? As to my other examples achieving a First Junior, I just feel they slipped by due to a lenient judging team. A second or third would seem more fitting. They are cars of merit in their own right, but parked next to a deserving First Junior would cause even a casual observer to scratch their head.