The Solid Axle Corvette Club held their National convention in Harrisburg and Hershey this week. A total of 27 Solid Axle Corvettes and their owners visited the AACA Museum in Hershey.
So, just what is a solid axle Corvette? The rear axle housing on all 1953 to 1962 Corvettes was a one-piece shell. The rear differential (rear gears) and the axles were mounted within this rear axle housing. (The rear axle housing is sometimes called a solid [or straight] axle housing.)
Beginning with the 1963 model year, Corvettes had an independent rear suspension (IRS). The rear differential is built into the center housing: universal joints and short shafts (called jack shafts) transfer power to the rear wheels. Each rear wheel reacts independently to the road surface, and has earned the nickname "rubber axle".
More AACA Museum fun stuff (4 Club Car Show / Cruise In and Drive-in Theaters make a comeback in Hershey) after the jump.
Celebrating 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging North American Saab Owners Reconvene near Boston this Weekend
Detroit - Saab owners and enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond are planning on gathering for the annual Saab Owners Convention in Devens, Massachusetts west of Boston this weekend. Celebrating the passion for their cars and the Saab brand, around five hundred owners and their cars are expected to attend the event which opens Thursday, August 21 and runs through Sunday, August 24.
The 26th consecutive annual Saab Owners Convention is organized by the Saab Club of North America. The center of activities is the Marriott Spring Hill Suites Hotel at the Common Center in Devens, Massachusetts. The venue has excellent facilities and is ideally located, as it is close to most attractions in the area. Though registration for this year's event is now closed, day passes can still be obtained at the Saab Club registration desk in the hotel. Continuing updates, including details on the exact location and program activities are available at http://www.saabclub.com/soc08.html.
Main theme of the 2008 SOC is 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging Leadership, which started with the 1978 Saab 99 Turbo. Now widely known as a true "cult car", the original 99 Turbo laid the foundation for many of the essentials that carry on in Saab's current product portfolio, largely consisting of cars with highly efficient turbocharged engines.
Steve Shannon, Saab Automobile USA General Manager and a native of the Boston area, is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the Banquet Dinner on Saturday night. "I am looking forward meeting many owners and their cars in person again, and participate in their unparalleled passion for Saab", Shannon said.
Beyond exhibiting the very best examples of its turbo heritage collection and latest array of products, Saab Automobile USA has selected this venue to showcase potential future classics such as the all-black 2008 Turbo X performance car as well as the exclusive and very sunny-looking Convertible "yellow edition". In addition, the award-winning 2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept car is coming over from Sweden to be one of the key attractions.
Already labeled "Best Concept" by AutoWeek Magazine upon its world debut at the Geneva auto show last March, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid has been voted "Specialty Concept Car of the Year" by a jury of 25 professional North American automotive journalists. The award ceremony took place last June at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.
"The Saab 9-X BioHybrid blends organic form with ecologically sound propulsion for both aesthetic and environmental appeal", said jury panel member Arv Voss of Auto Impressions. Added Bob Kroupa of the Automotive Writers Group: "Saab takes center stage with a new design approach for a compact vehicle. With the BioHybrid turbo engine included, we have a winner".
"We are honored by this important recognition from an expert North American media organization," said Saab Automobile USA marketing director Roger McCormack accepting the award. "Following in the footsteps of the highly inspirational Aero X, and the 9-4X BioPower crossover concept which also debuted earlier this year, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates that Saab is truly on the move."
If you have any doubt as to the historical significance of this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, check out the gallery of photos put together by the good folks over at Autoblog.
There are 88 images here, including Jay Leno's incredible "tank car." Yep, it is powered by a Chrysler tank engine!
This was quite a weekend for car afficienados across the country. On the left coast there was the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an automotive extravaganza of epic proportions for automotive scholars, historians and the wealthy--as in really, really wealthy. And in the heartland, there was the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise, an equally impressive event, but geared to those of more mainstream intellect and of more meager means. Regardless, it was a good weekend for gearheads, no matter what your place in life happens to be.
As for Pebble Beach winners, a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta took "Best in Show." Built by Touring, this 8C 2900 is one of which maybe five were made. It has a supercharged straight 8 that put out 180 hp. Roughly 30 8Cs were produced by Farina and Touring between 1937-1939.
So how do you top what is arguably the most impressive road car on the planet, the Bugatti Veyron? Well, you take the top off.
That's exactly what Bugatti did, and then renamed it the Bugatti Veryon 16.4 Grand Sport. As per all Veryons, the Grand Sport is powered by a 1001 hp W16. Sending all that 1-K+1 power to all four wheels is accomplished via a 7-speed DSG. With the top up it has a top speed of 253 mph, and sans top, the maximum velocity is limited to 190 mph. Can you imagine what it must be like doing 190 mph in an open-top car? Yikes!
Only 150 copies will be built, with 50 going to existing Bugatti owners. The car debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with the proceeds of the first unit being auctioned off going to charity. Price? 1.4 million euros excluding tax. First deliveries are expected in March of 2009.
Autoblog had a streaming video up (here) of the 2008 Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise while the vent was going on. More Autoblog Dream Cruise images can be found here. Also here is a video of the GM Century Cruise Parade that was part of the Dream Cruise.
Hot Damn! A new Caddy wagon based on the slick CTS!
Two V6s are available. The base engine puts out 263 hp, and the hotter direct-injection version a healthy 304 hp; with both hooked up to either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed row-it-yourself gearbox.
If the CTS doesn't grab you, how 'bout the new next-gen 2010 SRX? This will be debuting at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend. No word yet on the mechanicals, but expect a V6, possibly a 4-cylinder engine (!), but a V8 is unlikely.
There's been a lot of news on the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance recently, and Straightline has sure done its share of posting on that event. However, there's several other classic car news events worthy to report on as well.
How about getting chance to bid on Carroll Shelby's 1949 MG TC? This car, which by the way, set him off on a career in auto racing, will be going up for auction at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas this October.
Here are a couple from the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA.
Porsche through Time, August 16-21 August 24-27
Porsche Cars North America will be hosting a North American dealer training event here in Hershey with special events at the AACA Museum. As part the updated 2009 911 Carrera training, Porsche will bring a total of six (6) vintage 911 cars for public display at the Museum from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
This exhibit will include the earliest 911, which is actually a 1963 Porsche 901 Prototype with chassis 13327. It is the only survivor of the original development prototypes.
Visitors will be able to see more than forty years of evolutionary advances in engineering, technology and styling to the iconic 911 model line.
This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is shaping up to being one heck of an event, as Straightline has reported on several very special vehicles that will be on display. Here's one more:
It's a special one-off Rolls-Royce called the Hyperion. This tiny Roller (by usual Rolls standards) was built by Pininfarina; and probably most incredible, is that it is fitted with a gun rack in the cabin!
Got a hankering to bring back a classic American car brand? All that's needed is $1.5 million to get you started. That will get you all the rights and engineering designs to Packard and a 1998 stillborn V12 prototype. The rest is up to you to get this up and moving forward.
Frankly, I'd love to see the Packard come back to life. Back in the 1920s Packard made some absolutely stunning cars, and was one of the first carmakers to offer a V12, which was called the "Twin-Six."
Packard is also a brand with a number of exquisite styling cues, which visually defined the brand. In the hands of a gifted designer--and a gifted engineering and marketing team--this could really turn into something extraordinary; much as the (neo) Bugatti Veyron has become.
This year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is going to be "A Real Duesy" (the term A Real Duesy came from admirers of the Duesenberg automobile, and was often applied to anything truly exceptional), as Straightline has reported on a number of exciting cars that will be on display. Here's one more: Bugatti will debut their stunning Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, which is a roadster version of of their already stunning Veyron. Only 75 - 80 will be built making each one a true collector's item.
Here's Inside Line's take: Revealed: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
PRESERVATION TREASURES, INCLUDING FIRST PRODUCTION PORSCHE, TO APPEAR AT AUG. 17 PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS d'ELEGANCE
Prewar and postwar preservation classes show cars can be original only once
Every third Sunday in August, rows and rows of pristinely restored Duesenbergs, Packards and Bugattis decorate the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links®. It's the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, an automotive time capsule where entries are judged for their elegance and authenticity.
In recent years, though, some graying interlopers have cropped up amidst the spotless, automotive jewels.
Immaculately restored vehicles assuredly still capture the majority of the Concours limelight, but the unrefurbished cars of the Pebble Beach prewar and postwar preservation classes are garnering more and more public and media attention.
"There's something stately about these treasures that actually show their history; once regal vehicles that have been left unrestored by their owners," says Sandra Kasky Button, Pebble Beach Concours Chairman. "Some have sat untouched for decades in barns, under tarps or buried in the back of deserted warehouses while others have been lovingly driven around town. In each instance, they're unique, beautiful and bear witness to the passage of time -- not only to those who created them, but to those who drove them."
A prime example of historic beauty and relevance in this year's Concours is Porsche
No. 1. Dr. Ferry Porsche once said, "I couldn't find the car I'd been dreaming of. So I decided to build it myself."
On June 8, 1948 his dream car became a reality and signaled the birth of the sports car company bearing his name. The car spent many years with numerous owners before being recovered and returned in 1958 to the Porsche headquarters in Stuttgart, where it has remained the centerpiece of Porsche's automotive history.
Porsche No. 1's appearance at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance is Porsche's second chance to display this piece of history in the U.S. Ten years ago, on the occasion of the company's 50th anniversary, the first attempt was foiled by a shipping accident that damaged the car and prevented its debut. On Aug. 17, though, Porsche will make good on its quest to show No. 1 in its original glory at Pebble Beach when it joins 16 of its preservation brethren to create the largest showing of unrestored cars in the event's history.
When horseless carriages began ruling the road about 100 years ago, many vehicles were discarded once they began to age. By the late 1950s, as the collector car pastime began to blossom, the emphasis was solely focused on restoring these older cars -- making them as good or better than new. More recently, though, some auto aficionados have come to believe that cars restored to "as new" condition can lose a portion of their historical significance. While some purists are still unable to see beauty amid the chipped paint, rusted rims and sun-shredded upholstery, leaders in the preservation movement insist that the patina of age has a beauty all its own, that these "rescued" automotive time capsules maintain peak historical importance by keeping the cars in their original unchanged condition.
The Pebble Beach Concours initially recognized preservation cars in 1999 when a trophy was awarded for Best Preserved Car. The first class at Pebble Beach solely devoted to pre-war preservation vehicles was in 2001, and in 2007 a post-war preservation class was created.
"Our preservation classes cover a wide range of cars - from the untouched, long-hidden finds to much-loved automobiles that have been used, well maintained (but not restored) and passed down through many generations of owners," says Button. "Everyone talks about the untouched barn find and bemoans the fact that they're increasingly rare. To be truly preserved for a long period of time, though, cars require lots of care. So over time, I think everybody's preference will swing toward lovingly preserved cars."
General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Collection Vehicles Together for the First Time at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
More than fifty years ago, General Motors' traveling Motorama showcased dramatic concept "Dream Cars" as interpretations of future automobile design. From 1949 through 1960, expressive vehicles including the Cadillac Lemans and Firebird I traveled the United States as a statement of General Motors design leadership.
"I was eight years old when my father took me to the Philadelphia Auto Show where I first saw the Cadillac Cyclone". Says Ed Welburn, Vice President of GM Global Design. "That was the dream car that made me want to be a designer. Motorama served as creative impetus for a generation of designers, enthusiasts and everyday people".
On Saturday, August 16, 2008, GM's Motorama will return for an exclusive engagement at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This unique event will feature a collection of iconic vehicles showcased together for the first time including:
1939 Buick Y-Job (pictured)
1951 LeSabre1951 Buick XP 300
1953 Chevrolet Corvette "Dream Car"
1953 Cadillac LeMans
1953 GM Futureliner
1953 Pontiac Parisienne
1953 Buick Wildcat I
1954 Buick Wildcat II
1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special
1954 Firebird
1955 Cadillac LaSalle II Sedan
1955 Cadillac LaSalle II Roadster
1955 Chevrolet Biscayne
1956 Buick Centurion
1956 Firebird II
1956 Firebird II Titanium
1958 Firebird III
1959 Cadillac Cyclone
1959 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Special Racer
"I vividly remember the excitement," said Chuck Jordan, retired GM Vice President of Design. "Motorama was elegant, spectacular and provided visitors a sneak peak into the future. People loved it. To GM, Motorama was a priceless experience. I believe the design of our Motorama cars had a profound influence on America's golden era of Automobile design of the 1950's and 1960's".
In concert with GM Concept vehicles including the Buick Invica and Cadillac CTS Coupe, the 2008 Motorama at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will illustrate GM Design's past, present and future as global innovators.
"Today, our designers have returned to the creative spirit of Motorama with our newest concepts," said Ed Welburn. "We've got our spirit back at Design - the proof is in our vehicles".
Details on vehicles to be featured after the jump.
Legendary Harley Earl designed Dream Cars at the Antique Auto Museum
September 27 through October 12
Fifty years ago, before the internet, television and modern mass marketing transformed how we shop for our cars, America's automakers went to great lengths to dazzle the public with their annual offerings. Each year, the new designs would make their debut to much fanfare and public excitement. Dealer's often papered their windows in anticipation of the crowds that would lineup outside for a first look at a much anticipated new model or the redesign of a best-selling favorite.
In many cases, people really did not know what to expect. Now days, thanks to TV commercials and an abundance of automotive publications and websites, we all know almost exactly what every new car will look like long before it reaches a dealer's showroom. Beginning in the late 1930s Detroit's automakers began to introduce their new ideas through what came to be known as concept or Dream Cars. These machines were straight out of the design studio and they were intended to capture the imagination of the car-buying public. Beautiful, striking and outrageous they sometimes gave hints of the new technology and features that buyers might expect to find in their production car of the future. These cars traveled the country starring in auto shows from coast to coast.
While all the major automakers built dream cars for the auto shows, the best known and probably the most enduring came from GM in the 1950s. GM took the concept to its highest level by creating the Motorama, an all-General Motors show that traveled across the country in convoy of 125 tractor trailers complete with stage hands, singers, actors, musicians and technicians. Of course, the real stars of this show were the cars. Initially designed in large part by Harley Earl, General Motors legendary first styling chief, these vehicles were offered as a glimpse into the corporation's and America's automotive future.
Among the most enduring of the Motorama's Dream Cars are the turbine-powered Firebirds, a series of three highly aerodynamic vehicles inspired by the jet age. Firebird I made its debut in 1954, 13 years before General Motors reapplied the name to its newPontiac pony car. Firebird I was meant as a showcase for turbine power and its aero theme originated in the Douglas F4D Skyray jet airplane, as evidenced by its needle nose, single-seat bubble cockpit, wings and tailfin. Its body was constructed of fiberglass and wind tunnel tests indicated it was capable of traveling at more than 200 miles per hour. The turbine engine produced about 400 horsepower and fuel economy was roughly 5 miles per gallon.
Firebird II came out in 1956. It was slightly larger than its predecessor and it offered seating for four in its center bubble cockpit. It was billed as "the family sedan of the future." While rounder and less defined than Firebird I, the second dream remained extremely aero in design.
The final Firebird dream car of 1959 continued the theme. Firebird III had seating for two, in separate bubble cockpits. The instrument panel resembled the dash from an airplane and an all-in-one joystick replaced the traditional steering wheel, brake pedal and accelerator. Firebird III had seven fins and its overall shape was more missile than jet airplane. By now, its turbine engine was up to about 20 miles per gallon, but this technology never made it into any of GM's production vehicles.
The Motoramas ended 1961 with the last version showing no dream cars, focusing instead on enhanced production models. Over the years, the Motorama cars have traveled in many different directions. Some went to private collections; a few were found discarded in junkyards and lovingly restored; others have remained with General Motors as part of their Heritage Collection. This year, about 15 of the cars being assembled for display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in recognition of their design influence over the last 50 years. After Pebble Beach, the three Firebirds will travel to the AACA Museum in Hershey.
"This is truly a landmark event for the Museum," states Curator, Jeffrey Bliemeister. "These vehicles were radical designs when new and they have become automotive icons over the last half century. They are rarely seen together in a museum setting outside of Michigan. It is an honor to host them at the AACA Museum. We appreciate the support the GM Heritage Collection has shown us in providing these legendary dream cars for our exhibition."
A 1923 specially restored Ford Model T returned to the famous Le Mans 24 Hours circuit for the 2008 Le Mans Classic. This significant car took part in the very first Le Mans 24 hour race in 1923, and never before has such an old car participated in this prestigious biennial meeting of Le Mans Classic.
Lancia, the Italian auto manufacturer known for its elegant originality and innovative spirit, will be celebrated as a featured marque at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, Aug. 17. Seventeen significant Lancia vehicles will be on display, ranging from a rarely seen 1953 Lancia Aurelia B20 Rally Car to one of the oldest Lancias on record, a 1908 12 hp Alpha (pictured). Lancia will be highlighted at the Concours along with Lamborghini and the centennial of General Motors.
"The Lancia history is quite remarkable," says Sandra Kasky Button, Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours. "Lancia emerged as one of the most progressive, spirited car companies at the turn of the 20th century, producing their first car exactly 100 years ago. Their racing heritage includes wins in Formula One, rallying and sports cars."
In addition to producing the first narrow-angle V-4 and V-6 production engines, Lancia is recognized for numerous additional engineering advances that outdistanced other pre-war auto manufacturers. Founded in Turin, Italy by Vincenzo Lancia, the first Lancia, a 12 hp Alpha, debuted in 1908, and an example will be brought to the Concours by Milano, Italy car collector Corrado Lopresto, a 2005 Pebble Beach winner.
"Big, majestic and not very sporty, the Alpha's attraction is quality and reliability with advanced comfort," says Lopresto, whose '08 Alpha is one of just 108 that were built.
The Lancia Lambda, which debuted in 1922 sporting a groundbreaking single-body frame and independent front suspension, will be represented at the Concours.
Other notable Lancias coming to Pebble Beach include: the D24, one of Lancia's most innovative vehicles and the subject of the poster for the 2008 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex; a 1953 Lancia Aurelia B20 coupe - one of six designed to for competition (it won the 1953 Liège-Rome-Liège Rally); and the original Lancia Stratos HF Prototype Bertone Coupe, which made its world debut at the 1971 Turin Auto Show..
"It's truly a remarkable achievement for Lancia to be a featured marque at this year's Concours," says Francesco Gandolfi, Pebble Beach Concours Chief Class Judge. "This is the first time since I became involved in collectible cars in 1971 that I've seen Lancia being honored at a major event...and I don't know when, and if, I will see the same again."
Image: Courtesy of Mr. Corrado Lopresto. Used by permission of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. All rights reserved.
In 1958, Ferrari began production of a race-inspired convertible named after its best-selling market - the Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California. Only 105 "Cal Spyders" were manufactured overall. In addition to the prototype, there were six variants--long and short wheelbase models with differing headline treatments and competition versions.
Six of these now iconic roadsters will be displayed among the world's elite vehicles at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 17 (here).
"The Spyder California exemplifies Ferrari's unrivaled racing heritage and matchless individuality," said Sandra Kasky Button, chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, "This is the first time that six variations, including the prototype, will appear together in one place. Once again automotive history will be made at Pebble Beach."
According to Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and a Ferrari expert, "The Spyder California was a factory-built road car that you could drive to the track and race. We're bringing together examples from around the world - from people who don't often show their cars - to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime display of Ferrari legends."
Saturday, June 28, the ACCA Museum in Hershey, PA is having their CARnival, which sounds like a fun event. The following is from their press release: _______________
Come to CARnival! AACA Museum’s 13TH Annual Celebration of the Motoring Hobby
Cruise back in time as the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey presents its CARnival 2008. It’s a day designed for car collectors, weekend cruisers, and people who just like cars. This year’s CARnival will highlight antique and classic cars, street rods, motorcycles, even trucks and buses, all from 1982 or earlier. Festivities will take place on the grounds surrounding the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey from 9 AM – 3 PM. CARnival events are free. The Museum will be open from 9 AM – 5 PM with aspecial $5.00 admission fee in celebration of the Museum’s 5th Anniversary!
The CARnival Car Show runs from 9 AM – 2:30 PM. A cornerstone of the festivities, it’s a cruise-in style car show for “anything with wheels.” JimBo the Clown will be on site providing balloons for children of all ages from 9:30 AM – 11 AM. Food will be available all day, beginning at 9:00 AM...
Times were good in America during the 1950s. Returning WWII vets had jobs, families, money to spend, and dreams of a prosperous, positive future. It was the time of big hair, full employment, rock and roll, drive-in movies, and hamburger stands serviced by roller-skating waitresses. Rock and Roll meant dancing, and to dance, you went to the Hop.
Relive the days when Ike was President and Elvis was king at the AACA Museum on Friday, June 20th from 6-10 PM as we re-create The Sock Hop! R.J. Harris from WHP-580 will be the master of ceremonies and DJ Rockin’ Charlie will be playing all those great oldies from the 50’s and 60’s to dance the night away. Other activities will include a 50/50 raffle, dance contests, dance demonstrations by PA Dance Sport, Hula Hoop contest, Best Dressed contest and 50’s Trivia...
This year marks the Model T Ford's 100 year anniversary. As such Ford's Piquette Avenue plant will be open on select dates. The Detroit plant has been restored to look like what it did back in 1908 when it first started building the car. Since the Model T is such an important car in terms of automotive history, I would expect that there would be a whole bunch of celebrations across the nation celebrating this vehicle this year...
Now this is cool—I mean really COOL! Finally a new take on the well-worn street rod theme: A Model T Ford rod not powered by the expected hulkin' 'Merican V8, but instead powered by an unexpected hulkin' 'Merican Harley-Davidson V-twin. You can't get much more creative or patriotic than that.
...And it can be yours, as it was found on eBay by the auto sleuths over at Autoblog (here)...
Father's day is coming up. With that in mind the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA has some gift ideas for your favorite gearhead. Check out the goodies out here.
For those of you who claim to be of my generation, you may recall as a child, having milk or bread being delivered to your house. The delivery trucks used back then most likely were built by Divco (here). They were rugged and short little beasts. Even more interesting is that they were often driven while standing!
If you care to revisit that era, and those trucks, the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA is having an exhibition called Stand Up Drivers: Vintage Milk Trucks, which pays homage to those bygone days and these unique delivery trucks...
A 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spyder that was once owned by actor James Coburn went for a record setting $10,894,900 at the Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione RM Auction. The exquisite car has a 2953cc V12 puts out 280 horsepower that is fed by three carburettors. The 250GT was designed by Pininfarina, and has long been considered one of the finest Ferraris ever offered to the public.
The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is sending 11 dragsters to England for Goodwood Festival of Speed. The following is from the press release. ___________________
The relationship between the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, and the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed continues to prosper. The Museum has been supplying cars to the event for a few years, according to Tony Thacker, executive director of the Parks Museum...
Here are two exhibits that are coming up at the AACA Museum at Hershey:
The Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum. To celebrate this alliance, we are proud to reveal the sneak preview opening of MOTORCYCLES 1884 – 1973, starting on Sunday, June 8, 2008
The antique motorcycle exhibits will be located within the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey. Initially 30- 40 rare motorcycles will be on exhibit. The majority of the bikes and artifacts will be displayed in the new AMCA Gallery. However, don’t miss the chance to see period correct motorcycles intermingled with over 100 historic automobiles in the time line exhibit that spans eight decades.
Other museum highlights include: •The largest collection of historic buses under one roof in the country •Recreated turn of the century machine shop and 1940’s gas station •The Lakeland bus from the movie Forrest Gump •1950’s Drive-In theater scene (new for 2008) •Cars from the 1930’s – 1950’s used in the movie The Good Shepherd •Changing special exhibits… for summer 2008 - The Rise and Fall of the Tail Fin in American Automotive Design •Interactive photo area with cars you can sit in and motorcycles that you can pose on
Fins Fun this weekend at The Antique Auto Museum at Hershey, May 10th & 11, 2008
Fins have been spotted in Hershey at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum (AACA) – Tailfins that is! The Museum is getting ready to open its newest exhibit The Rise and Fall of the Tailfin in American Automotive Design on Saturday, May 10th.
The Museum will be hosting a “Cruise In and Come In” Event on Saturday from 10 AM – 3 PM with a focus on the 50’s. Visitors are encouraged to dress in 50’s attire, there will be a DJ playing 50’s music, a food vendor with 50’s style foods, 50/50 Raffle and much more! “Cruise In” to the Museum in your antique, classic or hot rod vehicle then “Come In” to the Museum to see the opening of the FINS exhibit...
Bentley Motors designs limited collector’s edition of the new Bond book, Devil May Care From the press release:
In a unique collaboration between three of Britain’s iconic brands – James Bond, Bentley Motors and Penguin Books - a special, limited edition of the new Bond book Devil May Care will be published on 28th May. Written by Sebastian Faulks at the invitation of Ian Fleming Publications to celebrate the Ian Fleming centenary, Devil May Care is one of the most eagerly anticipated publications of 2008.
Cars and James Bond have always had a strong association and, contrary to popular belief, Bond’s preference has historically been firmly with Bentley Motors. He owned three Bentleys in the course of the fourteen original novels written by Ian Fleming. It is fitting therefore that in Devil May Care - published to coincide with the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth - Bond is found once again in the driving seat of his favourite car.
To mark the reunion, Penguin approached Bentley to produce a luxury, limited edition of Devil May Care. The result is a beautiful and striking edition which takes its inspiration from hard-covers of the original 1950s and 1960s Bond books combined with the stylish Bentley owner’s manuals and handbooks of the era. Inside the book is a specially designed model pewter Bentley, described in detail by Fleming in Thunderball.
Bentley Chief Designer Dirk van Braeckel says, “Transferring our design knowledge from the car world to a book was a new challenge for us, but working closely with Penguin, we think we have come up with a unique product which is complementary to the history of Bentley and Bond that can be appreciated by all.”
Only 300 copies of the Special Series edition will be produced, costing £750 each, available exclusively from the Penguin James Bond books website (here).
Do you know the name of this car? If you do, you're the winner. Well, you don't actually win anything. However, you can tell your buddies you know more about cars than them. Wait, you already do that - just for fun then...
Well, I have to admit that this is news to me: A 1938 Peugeot 402 with a folding hardtop. This must be the earliest example of this technology, that is currently all the rage, that I'm aware of. I had always thought that the 1957 Ford Skyliner was the first, but this clearly shows that wasn't the case.
OK, that Ford neo-Thunderbird image was posted to get your attention. Guess what... it's one on the list.
So David Kinney, a guy who follows old cars, and who's the publisher of Cars That Matter Price Guide, has listed six now-cheap cars that he guarantees will raise in value over the years...
There's an interesting video on the 1942 Oldsmobile B-44 over at Jalopnik (sorry, couldn't get it to post properly here). It gives a good glimpse into the wartime mentality that was pervasive at that time, and how that filtered down into the marketing of products of that era, such as this car.
It should be noted that the 1942 model year for all cars was cut short due to the fact that factories were converted over to the war effort. Production of cars for civilians didn't resume until 1946, and those cars were really nothing more than just 1942 models with few if any tweaks...
More proof that what you have stored away in your attic may indeed be worth something, as this 1934 Ford concept, which just sitting in a Florida garage, fetched $1.76 million at a recent auction. Called the Ford Model 40 Speedster, it was designed by Edsel Bryant Ford, and was one of the first ever concept cars designed by FoMoCo.
The Solid Axle Corvette Club held their National convention in Harrisburg and Hershey this week. A total of 27 Solid Axle Corvettes and their owners visited the AACA Museum in Hershey. 
