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In the United States, there has been a long lasting obsession with cars. It might be because there is so much to explore in the country, and there are so many different types of environments to explore with cars. In particular, classic cars give people a sense of nostalgia, which they cannot necessarily get from modern vehicles. Driving around in a car from a past decade is, in a way, like traveling back in time. It's almost like escaping everything in your current life and just entering a whole new experience.
Some people believe that there is no more art of design when it comes to modern cars. In modern cars, every component is designed with a specific purpose, and there isn't very much that is just there for the sake of it, as there was with classic cars. These people generally believe that cars don't have the character that they once did, which is why many people are still obsessed with classic cars.
Because of this love that many American people have for classic cars, there are many classic car clubs in the country. Some of the largest and most mainstream ones will be described below.
The Classic Car Club of America
3501 Algonquin Rd.
Suite 300
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 390-0443
info@classiccarclub.org
https://www.classiccarclub.org/
The Classic Car Club of America, also known as the CCCA, is one of the oldest of these types of clubs in the nation. It started out in 1952, and since then, it has experienced a great deal of growth. Members of all ages have joined this group. The main focus of this club is essentially the Grand Classic Era of cars, which includes motor cars that were manufactured between the years 1919 and 1948. Only a certain set of cars will be accepted into this club, although all cars that were made between 1919 and 1948 will be considered.
This club has had a museum at the Gilmore Car Museum, located in Hickory Corners, Michigan, since 1987. Here, there are hundreds of car models that can be appreciated by many. There are many events put together by this club every year, both nationally and locally. These include a variety of tours and meetings.
Antique Automobile Club of America
800 W. Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 534-1910
The Antique Automobile Club of America, also known as AACA, is a large, well-known classic car club. It was founded in the early 1930s in the city of Philadelphia. It basically came from a derby that was organized to showcase some of the first motorcars of the world. Originally, the club had 14 founding members. However, it grew very quickly, and had its first magazine published in 1937. Growth was somewhat impeded by World War II, but by the end of the war, there were 540 members in this club.
The AACA also has its own museum. This organization, in addition, offers a few scholarships every year to members, as well as their relatives. The scholarships assist with higher education, particularly when it comes to courses that are related to the motor trade.
Classic Car Club Manhattan
1 PIER 76, 408 12th Ave
New York, NY 10018
(212) 229-2402
https://classiccarclubmanhattan.com/
The Classic Car Club Manhattan is an example of a classic car club that is modern and sophisticated. This is a club that has more of an up-to-date and quirky view of what will constitute a classic car. They actually provide vehicles for their members to drive as well. The cars are cleaned and maintained by the club and insured by the club as well. All that the members need to do is take the keys and drive away, as long as they are willing to pay the right price. There are several regular events that are organized by this club, including mechanics workshops, parties, and other types of outings.
Quad Cities Antique Ford Club
1314 Le Claire Street
Davenport, IA 52803
lbenson39@hotmail.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/qcafc/
This classic car club is open to people who own any make or model of car, although a car is not actually a prerequisite for membership. They do prefer stock vehicles, or vehicles that are as close to this as possible. They do have annual dues that are due in December of each year. They also have monthly meetings for their members, which are on the second Tuesday of every month, as well as a club breakfast on the last Saturday of every month. Often, there will be speakers at these meetings, assisting in the education of all of the members, who are classic car enthusiasts.
This organization will put on a minimum of one show every year, and they have a variety of events throughout the year as well, in addition to their meetings. It is based in the city of Davenport, Iowa.
National Antique Oldsmobile Club
121 North Railroad Street
Myerstown, PA 17067
membership.naoc@yahoo.com
In addition to all of the classic car clubs above that have been focusing all sorts of classic cars, there are clubs that focus on one specific make of car. The National Antique Oldsmobile Club, also known as the NAOC, is committed to encouraging preservation, restoration, and proud display of Oldsmobile products that were created between the years 1897 and 1966.
The club does not require ownership of an Oldsmobile in order to be a member. They do require a membership fee that is paid on an annual basis, which includes six issues of the award-winning magazine that is put out by the club, Runabouts to Rockets!
Founded in 1981, this is a nonprofit corporation. The model years that are represented are based on rolling criteria that are 35 years old. They will also welcome pre-1940 GMC trucks that have been factory equipped with Oldsmobile engines. This organization will provide technical, historical, and educational materials to the general public, as well as members.
As you can see, if you are interested in joining a classic car club, there are many from which you can choose. You can visit one of their many museums, or you can reach out to them directly if you have an interest in classic cars. Make sure that you find either a national organization or a local organization that is close to you, so that you will be able to participate fully and get as much as you can out of it.