Volume 59 Issue 10 www.aacasouthflorida.club December 2016

Our Lifetime Old Car Hobby Text & photos By Earl D. Beauchamp, Jr.

South Florida Region members Earl and Judy Beauchamp posed for the cover of Antique Automobile in front of Suzybelle, their 1939 Buick in 2004, while she was National First Lady and he was President of the Antique Automobile Club of America. This story was originally published in the September and October 2016 issues of “The Oil Can”, newsletter of the Suwannee Region in Lake

City, Florida by Ralph Towner, Editor, who also gave permission to share the Beauchamp's story.

Earl and Judy are also founding and participatory members of the Buzzard’s Breath Touring Region. Earl was awarded the Fiala Old Faithful award at the February 2016 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. Enjoy their story

beginning on page 9.

SIDELIGHTS December 2016

Volume 59 Issue 10 Jean Hawa, Editor

305-661-9758 jmhawa@comcast.net

Editors Emeritus:

Bob Squier

Ernesto Romero

Bob Mayer

Ben Harris

Maurice Hawa

Steve Wolf*

Steven Steele

Al Roscoe*

George Duvall *

Bob Lewin*

Phil Johnson*

John Anderson*

*deceased

Sidelights is the official publication of the South Florida Region of the Antique Automobile

Club of America. It has been published continuously since June 1958. The paper informs

members of local and state activities, club functions, meeting dates and has articles of general

interest for the car enthusiast. All articles and stories may be reproduced if proper credit is

given.

The views and opinions expressed in the articles in Sidelights are those of the named author

and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor, the Board of Directors of the

A.A.C.A. South Florida Region or members of the club.

CONTENTS AACA National/Region Events 16 Birthdays 16 Board Minutes 4 Nominations 5 Cars in the Garden 6-8 Club/ National Calendar 16 Cover/ Member Story 1, 9-11 Editor’s Notes 3 General Meeting 5 Membership Renewal 3 Other Events 15 President’s Message 3 Progressive Dinner 12-13 Rummage Box 5 South Florida Region Events 6-8,12-14, 16 Sunshine Report 16 Supporters 2, 14, 15

Page 2 OFFICERS / BOARD of DIRECTORS / CONTENTS / SUPPORTER

Officers—2016

President Ron Mitro 305-255-2656 aacameras@aol.com

1st Vice-President Manny Garcia 305-978-8037 aacasofla@gmail.com

2nd Vice-President Chico Goldsmith 305-284-1228 chicog1942@gmail.com

Secretary, Parliamentarian Ira Shapiro 305-216-9837 ishapiro@naimiami.com

Treasurer Mel Mann 305-378-0254 melmann1154@gmail.com

Board of Directors—2016

Cindy Endres 305-258-8168 endres0122@att.net

Millie Garcia 305-992-5902 milhval@yahoo.com

Jean Hawa Editor Sidelights, Sunshine Report 305-661-9758 jmhawa@comcast.net

Tomás Hernández Safety Officer, 786-510-9961 tomas12905@comcast.net

Sergeant at Arms

Andy Leavy 305-439-0910 aleavy56@bellsouth.net

Guy Lewis Of Counsel 305-775-7880 glewis@lewistein.com

James Lowery 786-205-5874 loweryj@bellsouth.net

Mike Penn 305-235-6890 mpenn@wagmiami.com

Luis O. Quevedo 305-494-1842 lq@eliteaerospace.com

Gary Shanock 305-582-6309 gashanock@aol.com

Bob Squier Web Master 305-252-2756 bsquier47@bellsouth.net

Gary Stump 786-525-5170 grytbird@aol.com

Jon Weiss 305-793-0543 pctail@att.net

Philip Williams Membership 305-233-9019 pmw@barkbarkwoofwoof.com

PRESIDENT’S DECEMBER MESSAGE Editor’s Notes Page 3

Mother Nature did it again to us, twice! Last month I empathized with the victims of Hurricane Matthew and the effects it brought to those wanting to go the National Hershey Meet. On a

much smaller scale, the south Florida rains prevented 2/3 of the registrants from attending Cars in the Garden at Fairchild and kept the antique cars from attending our Progressive Dinner. Fully understanding the valid reasons of not attending, I just wish there was a way we could drive our antiques safely in the rain, avoid potential accidents because our taillights aren’t strong enough, keep a safe distance from the kamikazes who drive erratically on slick roads, and have the capability of quickly drying off the cars and its underside. Knowing that Mother Nature will always reign, I am resigned to continue to hope for the best weather for all of our events.

It’s hard to believe that 2016 is almost at its end and this issue wraps up my 9th year as editor of Sidelights. I hope you like what has been done each month. I am extremely thankful to the numerous members who took the time and energy to submit a car story this past year. Unfortunately, Earl Beauchamp’s car article is the last car article in my inventory. At times. it can be difficult to maintain a consistent level of quality content without your help, so please continue to submit stories, photos or ideas for stories. The South Florida Region is a very active car club with many activities which provides the impetus for our newsletter. Don’t forget, Sidelights is your newsletter, a perk of being a member of the South Florida Region.

Are you one of the lucky members who received a letter from National AACA nominating your antique for a national award? If so please let me know, and of course, send me photos and your car story.

I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season.

Happy Motoring,

Jean

Hello again,

I can't believe that this year has come and gone already. We had really great events since the last time I wrote. Our national and club elections are over. Thank you for re-electing the officers, directors, and me as President of the A.A.C.A. South Florida Region. Now we can devote all our thoughts and time to our beautiful cars. Last month, even though it rained, we still had approximately 22 Corvettes from the Sunshine Corvette Club and 19 cars from the South Florida Region at Cars in The Garden at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Even though it started out as a rainy day, it actually turned out to be a nice day. Marcel and Annick Hoinville won Best of Show with their 1936 Railton Straight 8 Tourer. We also had Best of Show in the Corvette category that was awarded to James Carenza with a Corvette C6.

We had a very nice Progressive Dinner with appetizers at Bob Squier’s house. Then we had a great dinner at Ira Shapiro's house and so many delicious desserts at Jean Hawa's house. Thank you all for the hard work of putting it together. Also thank you Manny and Millie Garcia as well as Tomás Hernández for coming up with this great idea for our dinner. On November 11, at the Veteran's Day Parade, I would first like to thank The Sunshine Corvette Club for bringing 22 corvettes and two 6X6 military trucks. There also was one antique fire engine from the 1940s, four Mustangs from the Mustang Club and one car from our club.

We are looking forward to an exciting Holiday Party. Please register early to be there. At this time, I would like to thank all of our board members and everybody who helped out during the year. Without your help, all the events that we had could not have taken place. THANK YOU. We really have a great board. I want to wish everybody a happy and healthy holiday and the best to all for a great new year.

Keep them rolling. Happy holidays

Ron Mitro, President

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Membership is from January 1 to December 31. Dues paid after October 1 are good for the following year. AACA South Florida annual dues are $36.00. If you have not renewed, please review and update the enclosed/attached renewal forms that were sent the last two months. Otherwise please complete the blank form. Items to review are addresses, phone numbers, birth month of you and/or spouse, email address, and, of course, your car(s). To be a member of the AACA South Florida Region you

must be a member of National AACA. The application is available at www.aaca.org. DO NOT SEND the National application to the local office. IF YOU ARE NOT RENEWING kindly let Philip Williams know. For those of you who have renewed, thank you.

BOARD MINUTES: November 1, 2016 (Draft) Page 4

The A.A.C.A. South Florida Region Board meeting of Tuesday, November 4, 2016 was held at the home of Board Member Philip Williams. The meeting was called to Order by: Ron Mitro, President, at 7:14 PM. Minutes Presented by: Ira Shapiro In attendance: Cindy Endres, Manny Garcia 1st Vice President, Millie Garcia, Chico Goldsmith 2nd Vice President, , Jean Hawa, Tomás Hernandez, Ron Mitro President, Luis Quevedo, Gary Shanock, Ira Shapiro Secretary, Bob Squier, Gary Stump, and Philip Williams. Accepting the minutes of last month’s board meeting: The Chair asked if everyone present had read the minutes of last month’s board meeting; if so and if there were no questions, comments or corrections? Jean Hawa made a motion to accept the October Minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Chico Goldsmith. Having no further discussion, the motion was voted on and passed. Second Order of Business: Treasurer’s Report – Mel Mann, the club treasurer was not present for the meeting. President Ron Mitro tabled the report for the December meeting. Third Order of Business: Membership Report – Presented by Philip Williams, Membership Chairman. As of the October Board Meeting our membership stands at 147 families. General Meeting: Ron Mitro has invited Daniel Botilla to come and speak to the club about automobile restoration. 2017 Officers and Board Election: Manny Garcia, Committee chairman, reported that the slate had been presented at the general meeting and that the floor was opened to nominations. Manny also pointed out that Jim Lowery was listed in Sidelights on the slate. Ira Shapiro explained that he inadvertently sent Jean Hawa and Bob Squier the wrong list. Manny Garcia said he would explain the error at the General Meeting. Cars in the Garden: Chico Goldsmith reported, despite the bad weather in the morning we had a good show. The weather began to clear up around noon, visitors to the garden were able to enjoy 22 Corvettes and 19 Antiques. Jean Hawa added to the report, she thanked all who helped set up and work the show, Tomás Hernandez, Jim Lowery, Gary Stump Bob Squier, Philip Williams, Cliff

Gibson, Ira Shapiro, Luis and Maria Quevedo and Gary Shanock. Jean also thanked Koski & Company Insurance for supporting the event and providing the goodie bags and Elite Aerospace for their financial support of the event. Ron Mitro further thanked everyone involved in making the event a success. Progressive Dinner: Manny Garcia reported that the evening will begin at Bob Squier and Ken Kurtz’s home with appetizers. The main course will be at Ira and Susan Shapiro’s house and then dessert will be served at Jean and Maurice’s house. Tables and chairs will be delivered to Ira’s on Friday and the caterer will show up around 4 to get set up. Philip Williams reported that we had 32 reservations. After much discussion it was decided that Manny would have the caterer figure on 40 guests. Manny then suggested that the caterer would provide drinks and ice at an additional cost of $5.00/person. After much discussion and assurance that because of the reduced numbers we were well within the budget, the additional cost was put to a vote and approved. Holiday Party: Manny Garcia reported that everything was all set for the party. The event will be very much like last year. Luis Quevedo added the resort Costa del Este will provide a weekend gift certificate as a prize for the Holiday Party. Thank you Luis for working with the folks at Costa del Este and arranging for the gift certificate. Other Business: Ira Shapiro reported that Art Deco Weekend is on track. The show will run from 5th Street to 10th Street with an open car show on Saturday and our normal show on Sunday. The Chair, Ron Mitro, opened a conversation about finding another location for the General Meeting. The idea is to locate someplace that served dinner for our members before the meeting. After considerable conversation it was decided that all Board Members should look for an option so we can discuss it again at the next meeting. Adjournment: With no further club business, Ron Mitro thanked Philip Williams for hosting the meeting. Ron then made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 PM. The motion was seconded and approved.

NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING RUMMAGE BOX Page 5

GENERAL MEETING By Jean Hawa

On November 17th, President Ron Mitro conducted the last general membership meeting of the 2016 year. Due to the holidays, no general meeting is held in December. The business portion was brief. He reported on the success of our two recent events, Cars in the Garden and the Progressive Dinner. Our upcoming events will be the Holiday Party at La Isla Kendall Restaurant on Saturday, December 3rd and Art Deco Classic Car Shows on January 14 and 15, 2017.

The next order of business was to open the floor for nominations for the election of the 2017 Officers and Directors. With no new nominations, the floor was closed and the pre-publicized slate, with one deletion was voted upon by acclamation. Congratulations are in order for the following:

Following the election, a drawing for a free one-year membership resulted in five draws for a name but none of the five were present. Unfortunately our guest speaker didn’t arrive, so Ron suggested an alternate activity. For almost 30 minutes we all spoke about “Our First Car”. We shared a lot of good and regretful memories, many tsk, tsks, and much laughter. If you weren’t there, you missed some really good stories.

My Name is Earl…

By Earl Mowrey, VP Youth Development

Hi. My name is Earl and I am a caraholic. Who knows when it began? My father building late model and super modified race cars in the family barn or maybe the 1958 Impala convertible with a 348 and three deuces that was my mother’s first car.

It is hard to point to one simple beginning, but along the way I have learned a few things. Never put a rusting MG into long term storage and that my talent is not deep enough to finish a drop center frame H modified Crosley with an Almquist Engineering body.

If you are reading these words you are either a card carrying caraholic or an enabler.

Over the years, I have learned how to start an Antique Auto Restoration College program and how to organize a successful old car youth event. I never tire of giving tours of my shed-mahal or taking young people for a ride in vintage tin. As AACA National Director of Youth development I have collected a committee of like- minded enthusiasts from across our country. We promote various initiatives including the Hagerty Youth Program, College Chapters that are supported by AACA Regions, High school and middle school clubs, grants and scholarships for the Great Race X-Cup teams, as well as the annual AACA College Scholarship Program and even the AACA Greenhorn Region, a nongeographic region for young people.

I can talk to you all day about this wonderful hobby but I am not the Future. The FUTURE lies with our children and grandchildren. Our Youth Development Committee members are glad to share their time with you discussing your youth initiative programs or possibly starting one. So give this old caraholic a call and we will talk about our future.

Reprinted with permission from the 2016 Spring issue of The Rummage Box, THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA

2017 Officers and Directors: Officers (5) serving a one year term

President – Ron Mitro 1St VP – Manny Garcia 2nd VP – Chico Goldsmith Secretary – Ira Shapiro Treasurer – Mel Mann

Board of Directors – Fourteen Members Total

The following board members have been elected to serve a two year term on the board:

Frank Garcia Mike Penn Bob Squier Gary Stump

The following officers are serving the serving the second year of their two year terms in office:

Cindy Endres Millie Garcia Jean Hawa Tomas Hernandez Andy Leavy Luis Quevedo Gary Shanock Philip Williams

This board member is an automatic position: Guy Lewis - Club Council (No Change)

Currently the Honorary Board Position of Immediate Past President remains unfilled, and will remain that way until our current President completes his 2nd term.

Page 6 CARS IN THE GARDEN AT FAIRCHILD– October 30, 2016

CARS IN THE GARDEN BY Philip Williams Cars In The Garden, our show at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Sunday, October 30, became Cars In The Rain as a stubborn rain front settled in over South Florida over the weekend. But 44 brave souls from AACA South Florida and the Sunshine Corvette Club showed up and we welcomed them between the light showers. By 11 a.m. the clouds gave way to a light overcast and even an occasional ray of sunshine, and if the numbers were decreased, the spirit and fun that comes out at every show shone through.

The participants and the visitors chose their favorites from the antiques and the Corvettes. Best in Show for the Corvettes went to James Carenza for his 2005 Corvette, and the Best in Show for the Antiques went to Marcel Hoinville for his 1936 Railton.

Thanks go out to the show chairs, Jean Hawa and Chico Goldsmith; and thanks also to the volunteers who helped get the cars checked in, the field set up and cars parked, including Chico Goldsmith, Cliff Gibson, Gary Shanock, Tomás Hernández, Jim Lowery, Bob Squier, Gary Stump, Ira Shapiro, Luis and Maria Quevedo, and the staff and volunteers at Fairchild who make us welcome and keep such a beautiful setting as a reminder of the natural wonders that living in South Florida has to offer.

Photo Credits: Jean Hawa and Bob Squier

1961 Chrysler Imperial 1964 Chevrolet Malibu 1965Chevrolet Malibu 1965 Chevrolet Impala Far right: 1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III

1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle

1978 Fiat Spyder 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera

No tricks, just treaters!

1967 Pontiac Catalina

1962 Chrysler Imperial

Members of the Fort Lauderdale Region braved the rains and came to our show. Thank you!

CARS IN THE GARDEN: ANTIQUE AWARDS Page 7

Best of Show Antiques: 1936 Railton Straight 8 Tourer Marcel & Annick Hoinville Photo #

30’s 1st Place 1936 Railton Straight 8 Tourer Marcel & Annick Hoinville (1)

50’s 1st Place 1954 Buick Roadmaster Elpidio & Miriam Padilla (2)

2nd Place 1950 Pontiac Catalina Tony Valera (3)

60’s 1st Place 1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III Bob Squier (4)

2nd Place 1965 Ford T5 GT Bernardo Abello & Inez Suarez- Abello (5)

70’s 1st Place 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Luis & Maria Quevedo (6)

2nd Place 1970 Cadillac DeVille James Carenza (7)

80’s 1st Place 1984 Dodge Diplomat Evan Kolodny (9)

2nd

Place 1988 Pontiac 6000 LE Safari Philip Williams (8)

A special thank you is extended to our show supporters, Elite Aerospace and Koski Insurance Company

Below: Jean, Marcel, Annick and Ron after announcement of Best of Show Antiques Award

A view from the Overlook

After parking the cars Luis and Jim take a break at our Hospitality tent

1 2

3 4

7

5

6

8 9

Page 8 CARS IN THE GARDEN SUNSHINE CORVETTES

Sunshine Corvette Awards

Best of Show Corvettes: 2005 Corvette #1 James Carenza

Class 1 1st Place 1962 Corvette #2 Chico Goldsmith

Class 2 1st Place 1967 427 Corvette Stephan & Carole Ann Greenblatt

2nd Place 1966 427 Corvette Tom Taylor

Class 3 1st Place 1970 Corvette Raul Iparrguirre

2nd Place 1971 Corvette #3 Gil Ramos

Class 4 1st Place 1992 Corvette #4 Diane Preuss

Class 5 1st Place 1999 Corvette Jimmy Pratt

2nd Place 2001 Corvette Larry Carman

2nd Place 2001 Corvette Jack Kolman

Class 6 1st Place 2008 Corvette Tim Daniels

2nd Place 2007 Corvette #5 Joe Finn

Class 7 1st Place 2014 Corvette Perley Richardson

2nd Place 2014 Corvette Harry Frette

1992 #4

Jean, award winner James & daughter, Ron

1962 Corvette#2

Class 5 Corvettes: 1997-2004

Halloween hood ornaments

C3 Corvettes 1968-1982

1978 Official Pace Car

2003

Class 5 Corvettes

2005 #1 2007 #5 2008- Class 6

1971#3

Best Corvette: 2005 #1

Our Lifetime Old Car Hobby (continued from page 1) Page 9

Our Lifetime Old Car Hobby

I really don’t know how my interest in antique (better defined as “old”) cars began, but my mother often told people, that even as a small child, I pointed out and named the make and year of cars passing by as we rode the bus into Washington, DC from Arlington, VA. Few would realize, today, that Arlington was like a small town in the 1940s and had none of the amenities like department stores, hospitals, medical specialists, etc. I had three major eye operations before I was six years old, in D.C., and the old A, B & W bus line carried Mom and me to many a doctor appointment and shopping trip to the big department stores and best of all to me, G.C. Murphy 5&10 cent store which had counters full of toy cars.

By 1946 my best buddy and I were cutting out paper cars from the magazines, with all those ads for new cars after World War II, but then I found old National Geographic magazines with beautiful black & white ads for pre-WWII cars, and those became my first love. Nothing ever changed. When I was a teenager, the fifties cars were just Detroit Iron to me. I scoured neighborhoods look for “old” cars. The ones I liked the best were the everyday cars I remembered from my younger days, basically 1934 – 1948 models.

When I was born in 1938, my parents were driving a 1935 Buick Special (Series 40). I can barely remember the day in 1941 when I first met the “car love of my life”, a shiny back 1939 Buick Special 4-door sedan that my parents purchased from Windridge & Handy Buick in Arlington (Rosslyn), VA. All of my childhood memories are wrapped around that wonderful car. It took us on numerous weekend fishing trips and beaches on the Northern Neck of Virginia, a peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, reaching from Fredericksburg, VA

to the Chesapeake Bay. My Dad’s brother had a farm there, in Montross, and he always had “older than old” cars sitting around that I could play on and in. After WWII, the ’39 Buick took us to Michigan, New York, Delaware and more. Unable to buy a new car right after the War, my parents drove that car until 1951 when they

traded it on a Plymouth sedan without even a radio. I had to learn to drive in that Plymouth! To me it was embarrassing.

I got my driver’s license in 1955 and my first car was a 1939 Buick Special sedan with a full-leather interior and dual side mounts for $100. It belonged to friends of my parents and I’d looked at it and wanted it for as long as I could r e m e m b e r . But, at 16 years old, girls were also entering

my life interest. The one I was going

steady with me told me one night that the kids at school called my beautiful car “Beauchamp’s Hearse”. Taken aback, I asked my Dad to help me get a more modern car. I wanted a 1952-1954 Ford 2dr hardtop. Mom thought my car was too old to be “safe” and talked Dad into it. But, he said if he could drive a Plymouth, so could I. I ended up with a 1952 Plymouth Belvedere two door hardtop as shown below. (continued on page 10)

Mother and me in my snowsuit beside the family 1939 Buick

Our 1939 Buick 41 family car with Earl at 10

‘39 Buick 41 side mounted, my 1st car that got away

Page 10 Our Lifetime Old Car Hobby (continued from page 9)

Three months later the girl moved on and my beautiful Buick had moved on too. I saw it one time after that, sitting with a flat tire by the side of the road.

A few years went by, I met my wife, Judy; we married in 1959 and began life together. But, I still rode around looking for “old” cars from the 1930s and 1940s. I simply loved the looks and they brought back so many memories. In 1962 I found AACA and we joined. That’s when I found out that AACA stopped at 1935 and the 1939 Buicks I loved were considered “used cars”. I made up my mind to change that. My Federal Government job had moved from Washington to Ft. George G. Meade, MD and in 1961 we had moved to Glen Burnie, MD after a harrowing snowstorm experience the night before Kennedy was inaugurated. For Christmas 1962 Judy bought me a 1934 Pontiac 8 side mounted sedan with a luggage rack for $95. But it wasn’t a 1939 Buick, and I soon sold it for $120 and on my birthday in 1963 my old childhood buddy found me a black, 1939 Buick sedan in Arlington.

Over the next 18 years I restored that 1939 Buick three times. First, I bought the side mount fenders and covers out of Florida and had them shipped to Maryland in 1964. Next, in 1965, came an enamel paint job in Glacier Blue Metallic, the color of my first car. Then the engine started knocking almost immediately and I had the engine rebuilt. By 1971 I was ready to repaint the car in lacquer and have the leather interior installed. Although painted by a professional painter, he used a buffer, and got several blotches in the finish. The car won repeated 2nd & 3rd prizes at various AACA Nationals and so with a new friend, Dave Boogaard, who is now my next door neighbor in Sebring, FL, we tore the car completely down, cleaned and painted the chassis and engine, stripped it and repainted it again in Glacier Blue Poly (metallic). It came out perfect and we won a 1st Junior at Reading, PA in 1981. In 1982 we won a Senior in Hershey, PA. In 1982 it also won its Grand National 1st at Hagerstown, MD. There was no Grand National Senior until the 1990s. In 2000, without further restoration and with several National tours under its belt, the old ’39 Buick we affectionately call “Suzybelle” won its Grand National Senior.

Over the years we’ve owned eleven other 1939 Buicks, three 1941 Buicks (two Limited’s), and over sixty cars altogether, most of them old. One of those ’39 Buicks has been a keeper (well mostly). We found it in 1965, bought it in 1970, sold it in 1985 to build a house in Montross, VA that later became our retirement home, and bought the car back in 2000. It is a 1939 Buick Special 4dr convertible in Sequoia Cream. Currently we only have those two pre-WWII cars. Since moving to Florida in 2005 I’ve found the traffic, heat, and two-lane east/west highways are not conducive to my beloved pre-War Buicks and so my collection now includes three later Buicks. Here in Virginia, as it was in Maryland, there is a nearby antique auto event almost weekly ten months of the year, with few street rods (although they are increasing). In Sebring, it is all street rod cruise-ins and I don’t go. So, I have joined several AACA Regions, the VMCCA and the CCCA within 150 miles of Sebring, hoping to find more places to go. These late model “antiques” can handle the traffic, heat and distance. Judy has a 1971 Buick Riviera which is a Senior car, we recently bought a 1978 Buick 75th Anniversary Special Riviera, and we are restoring a 1964 Buick Wildcat 2dr hardtop as a driver. What is my advice to others? Never do what I was old enough to know better than to do. Never buy a car sight unseen from pictures. This ’64 Buick is a good example of why, as well as why I am having to restore it. I was stung. But it is a 46,000 mile car and mechanically good. (continued on pg 11)

By 1963 I was taking the future Suzybelle back home

My 1952 Plymouth, Aug 1, 1955. I was 16.

Our Lifetime Old Car Hobby (continued from page 10) Page 11

My most memorable moment in the hobby was the night they announced “Suzybelle” had won its Senior Award. We had paid for a room and banquet dinner for Dave and Mary Jo Boogaard at Hagerstown. The car next to me, a black 1938 Chevrolet Tudor, had looked almost perfect to me. I was scared it was the winner. At that time, 1982, there was no point spread for a Senior. Judy worked in Administration that day, and a lady handling papers congratulated her. Judy had to keep it quiet, she couldn’t tell me. I was so sure about the Chevrolet I didn’t even want to attend the banquet. Judy would only tell Dave and me that the Chevrolet was “awfully good.” Then Chief Judge Doc Stratton announced “Suzy” had won! I was ecstatic, and Dave said to Judy, “we ought to kill you”, but with a big grin. My most memorable moment was when my first ’39 Buick broke down on US 1 south of Alexandria, VA on a first date. A guy who lived down the block from that girl had his eye on her, had followed us, and stopped to pick her up. That was my last date with that girl.

I was a member of AACA when the Judges Group was founded and began judging in 1970, and now have 230 credits. Judy has worked in Administration all these years and now has 234 credits. It’s obvious that I like car shows or I wouldn’t have all those credits, but after my first tour in 1994 I have come to love National Tours more than anything. I love meeting and re-meeting folks from all over the U.S., usually once a year and sometimes more. Because the pre-1955 cars were becoming more and scarce on the show field, I designed the AACA

Sentimental Tour for 1928-1958 vehicles, ran the first prototype tour in White Stone, VA in 2001 and sold the idea to the National Board in 2003 while serving 15 years as an elected member to the AACA National Board. That was just before being elected by the Board as the National President in 2004.

Friends, it’s been a great ride. Fifty-four years of fun, accomplishment, and excitement in The Antique Automobile Club of America. I don’t have time for any other hobbies. Yes, the hobby is different than it was in the seventies, and maybe I’m not as flexible in my old age, but I still look forward to every part of it. I started out as editor for Chesapeake Region in 1964 and President in 1965, and again in 1975. I was National Meet Chairman at College Par, MD in 1984 and President of National Capital Region in 1985. I formed the Northern Neck Region in 1993 and served three terms as President and nine years as Editor. Take an interest, be an officer in your Region, become a judge, go to National Meets and Tours, meet people from all over the country and even the world and if asked run for a National Board position. When you get as old as I am, you can look back on a lifetime of antique car achievement.

You’ll find that the love of old cars brings together lawyers, doctors, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, company CEO’s, and more. All those divisions disappear when those people love and appreciate antique cars.

Note: Because they had such as good time last year, Earl and Judy wanted to attend our annual Holiday Party but official duties on the National Awards Judging Committee

in Hershey prevent them from joining us. They send their regrets and Best Wishes.

Our 1941 Buick Limited 2

PROGRESSIVE DINNER – NOVEMBER 5, 2016

By Philip Williams Photos by Bob Squier

This year’s Progressive Dinner was a smashing success with 41 of our members enjoying delicious foods at three locations. Mother Nature was an uninvited guest with two short showers that kept the antique car turnout to three.

Philip Williams’ 1988 Pontiac 6000 LE Safari

John Layzell’s 1987 Porsche 924S

With appetizers at Bob and Ken’s home the evening was off to a good start. It was a loud and gregarious group carrying on a variety of conversations only interrupted by returns to the platters to replenish their plates.

Page 12 PROGRESSIVE DINNER

We then moved on to Ira and Susan’s for the main course. Fortunately, most of the tables were on a covered patio so everyone was able to stay dry while they dined. Manny Garcia led off with a description of what we would be served: Brazilian-style meats and sides served at the table. and he also told us about the door prizes: practical gifts for the auto enthusiast. If you sat in a chair with a marker underneath you were a winner. The good spirits and camaraderie never faltered, but they are never in short supply at our club. (continued on page 13)

(Not pictured is Gary Shanock’s 1993 Altima)

Skip, Fernando, Paul, Ralph, Cliff,

Diane Judy

Gary Manny Ralph Carolyn Carlton Gary

Diane & Cliff

Skip, Fernando

Peggy

Paul, Joyce

Joyce Paul Carolyn

Ralph

One of the door prizes

PROGRESSIVE DINNER Page 13

Once that was done we moved to the home of Maurice and Jean’s for coffee and dessert, dessert, dessert and more desserts. Just a sampling

of the goodies.

Front Gary, Ron; Back: Ralph, Carlton, Nancy, Jay, Cheryl

Standing, Ira (Host); clockwise: John, Cliff, Maurice, Susan (Hostess), Bud, Valeria,Carlos

Rear standing– Ira, seated clockwise- Philip,

Ralph, Carlton, Milly, Yovanna, Tomás, Al;

Front: Judy, James, Celia, and John

Back: Tomás,

Yovanna, Al,

Milly;

Middle: Ron, guest, Ken; Front: guest

John, Ira, Gary, Maurice (Host)

Celia, John, Philip, Cheryl

Page 14 OTHER EVENTS SUPPORTER

THE FALLS' 20TH ANNUAL "MIRACLE ON 136TH STREET" HOLIDAY PARADE SUBMITTED BY MEL MANN

Simon, a global retail real estate company, has announced that The Falls is accepting applications to participate in the 20th annual

“Miracle on 136th Street”

Ron Magill, Metro Zoo’s American wildlife expert and photographer rides in Cliff Gibson’s Chevrolet Corvette

Booboo Stewart, 2016 Grand Marshal, American actor, dancer, model, singer, and Disney Channel star rides in Mel Mann’s Chevrolet Corvette

Meteorolist Betty Davis from WPLG (Channel 10) rides in Rick Ash’s 1930 Ford Model A Phaeton

Well before the 2 P.M. starting time, more than a thousand of people lined the sidewalks of the Falls Shopping Center on the borders of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay on Sunday, November 13, 2016 for the very popular Miracle on 136 Street. Holiday Parade. Wanting to kick off the holiday season early, the Simon Real Estate

Company solicited different organizations to participate in this extremely popular event. Benefiting the South Dade YMCA, there were marching bands, bagpipers, stilt walkers, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three very brave AACA South Florida Region members volunteered their cars and time to participate to the cheering crowds.

Veterans Day Parade Submitted by Cliff Gibson

Members of the South Florida Region and the Sunshine Corvette Club participated in the City of Miami’s Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2016. We had 16 Corvettes (seven of which would classify as antique) that were used to haul beauty queens, the mayor and some of the veterans involved with the parade. The Corvettes were decorated in a patriotic fashion. Several Mustangs and a 1993 Cadillac Allante also participated in the parade.

PROUD BANKER OF THE

SOUTH FLORIDA REGION A.A.C.A.

S u n s h i n e Corvette Club members Sonia a n d A r a m i s Romero left their Corvette at home, and brought two 6 X 6 military vehicles which were a big hit in the parade.

In a pre-parade photo showing off the red white and blue are South Florida Region members are Chico Goldsmith in the patriotic shirt and Cliff Gibson in a white shirt next to his blue Corvette.

PHOTOS by Gil Ramos

FROM:

A.A.C.A. South Florida Region

c/o Jean Hawa

9999 SW 71 Avenue

Pinecrest, FL 33156-3063

TO:

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

South Florida Region Events Website: (www.aacasouthflorida.club) DECEMBER 2016

03- Holiday Party– La Isla Kendall

06- Board Meeting– 7:30 PM– Bob Squier

NO GENERAL MEETING THIS MONTH

JANUARY 2017

03– Board Meeting– 7:30 PM– TBA

14-15– Art Deco– South Beach on Ocean Drive

19- General Meeting– 7:30 PM Miami Friends Meeting House 1185 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables 33143

FEBRUARY 2017

07- Board Meeting– 7:30 PM– TBA

16- General Meeting– 7:30 PM Miami Friends Meeting House 1185 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables 33143

OTHER EVENTS

February 12, 2017 Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance. The deadline to submit a car application for the 11th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance is quickly approaching! If you have not already done so, please send in an application no later than December 2, 2016. You can fill out an application online (http://www.bocaratonconcours.com/online-applications/) Cars & Coffee– 2nd Saturday, 7 AM-11 AM, Casavana Town & Country Mall, 8202 Mills Drive, Miami

Food Trucks and Autos– 1st Friday 5:30 PM-10 PM; Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Road; more information-

www.foodtruckinvasion.com

2017 AACA NATIONAL/REGION EVENTS

(check Antique Automobile or www.aaca.org for more information)

February 9-11, 2017– AACA Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA February 23-25, 2017- AACA Winter Meet hosted by North Central Florida Region -

March 5,2017- Hamburg, PA- Ontelaunee Region AACA Swap Meet/ Car Corral. Hamburg Field House. Lester Manwiller; 610-944- 8619; Ledgehog1@aol.com

March 18, 2017–Vero Beach, FL- Indian River Region AACA's 40th Annual Antique Automobile Show- Riverside Park. For additional information contact: Fred Kiesel- 772-770-6339.local.aaca.org/ indianriver

March 23-26, 2017- AACA Western Spring Meet hosted by Palm Springs Region April 6-9, 2017- Southeastern Spring Meet hosted by Hornets Nest Region April 25-28, 2017- Western Divisional Tour (up to 1992) hosted by Mother Lode Region May 11-13, 2017- AACA Special Spring Meet Auburn, Indiana

Jesse Amaya Jeff Ashen Adriana Campa Peter Eldridge Nina Epstein Alex Fardales Cathy Harvey Laurence T. Huber Evan Kolodny Carlos Rios James McCrory Jeffrey Roth Judy McCrory Andres Sanchez Francisco Mederos Michele Talarico David Quintana Ralph Thiele

SUNSHINE

Steve Baldwin is recuperating well from a medical procedure.