Volume 58 Issue 4 www.aaca.org/southflorida May 2015

Deering Estate at Cutler Vintage Car Display

Continuing with the “Sunday in the Park theme,” twenty-nine cars, ranging from 1928 to 1954, were on display for the seven hundred thirty-two visitors who came to the 3rd Annual Vintage Auto Display at the Deering Estate at Cutler on Sunday, March 15, 2015. Nine more cars were pre-registered, unfortunately break-downs and other issues prevented them from coming. Also on display was the resident 1950 International Harvester truck.

Even though it was five days before the end of winter, it felt like the beginning of summer. The balmy breeze from Biscayne Bay made the mid-high 80’s temperature comfortable. Many of us gravitated to the shaded picnic

tables as we ate lunch. Floating manatees provided extra enjoyment for those who walked over to the bay.

Activities for young and old were plentiful. Car owners submitted photographs of portions of their cars which became clues on paper for a scavenger hunt for children. There were old fashion lawn games, an old fashioned cake-walk, a pop-corn dispenser, and plenty of tasty food from Sports Grill. Two additions to the event were the Miami-Dade County Library bus and the Tandem Teens, a group of talented teenagers who dressed in period clothing while dancing and singing period music for everyone. (continued on page 6)

1952 Dodge 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan 1950 Ford sedan

Page 2

SIDELIGHTS May 2015

Volume 58 Issue 4 Jean Hawa, Editor

305-661-9758 jmhawa@comcast.net

Page 2

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

Officers—2015

President Oscar Castro 305-274-3134 oscar@mdsenet.com

1st Vice-President Ron Mitro 305-255-2656 aacameras@aol.com

2nd Vice-President Manny Garcia 305-978-8037 aacasofla@gmail.com

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

Treasurer Mel Mann 305-378-0254 melmann54@aol.com

Board of Directors—2015

Chico Goldsmith 305-284-1228 chicog1942@gmail.com

Jean Hawa Immediate Past President, 305-661-9758 jmhawa@comcast.net

Editor Sidelights, Sunshine Report

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

Sergeant at Arms

John Jones 305-775-5060 jtjdeel@att.net

Norman Kassoff 305-251-3469 nkassoff@aol.com

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

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

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

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

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

Ira Shapiro Robert Rules Arbitrator 305-666-2396 ishapiro@naimiami.com

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

Page 2 Officers/Board of Directors

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 12 Birthdays 12 Board Minutes 4 Club/ National Calendar 12 Cover Story 1, 6-7 Editor’s Notes 3 Interesting Websites 10 Members’ Cars 10 Mercedes-Benz World Tour 8-9 Nomination Letter 5 President’s Message 3 South Florida Region Events 12 Sunshine 12 Supporters 2, 10, 11 THE RUMMAGE BOX 5

President’s Message Editor’s Notes Page 3

During the month of May in 1955, a tiny seed was planted in Miami; it was to be the beginning of our club. Now, sixty years later, that seed has grown and blossomed into one majestic organization with many wonderful cars and some of the nicest people (members) you would ever want to meet. We are very fortunate to have an executive board with many industrious board members who are constantly working on ways to serve our members and planning new and exciting activities for our members to enjoy.

I am happy to announce that we have moved into the 21st Century, via our NEW website. We have a brand new name and format for the site, please go check it out at www.aacasouthflorida.club. This is just the initial release; other upgrades and features are planned and will be added as they are completed.

We are getting ready to continue our 60th year celebration with our next activity which will be the summer picnic. This year’s summer picnic will actually be held on Sunday, May 17th, instead of the usual July date. It will be a 60th birthday celebration for our club. An email will be sent out with all the details, and you can always go to our website and check it out. Please start planning on a tasty side dish or dessert to enter in the contest. We hope that you can all make it and enjoy the activity with us.

We still have a lot more wonderful and exciting activities planned for the remainder of the year as we continue our 60th birthday celebration. Please check our website, www.aacasouthflorida.club, for the latest information and registration forms.

Remember, there has been a change in the format and location of our monthly meetings. The April meeting was held at the Miami Friends Meeting house, located at 1185 Sunset Drive in Coral Gables (across from Sunset Elementary). Only light refreshments will be served. We are evaluating the new location and the food situation, and with some input from the people attending, will decide whether to settle there or find another suitable location. If you have any suggestions, please call me, we are always looking for new ideas.

Happy Motoring!

Oscar Castro

President AACA South Florida Region

I don’t know how often people make comparisons in their every day activities and then find an interrelation between them, but

this editor would like to share one with you. While participating in the 89th Annual Convention of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) this past weekend, several situations arose which showed similarit ies and differences with the aforementioned event and the 79th AACA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet in February 2015.

Predominately a female organization, eight out of 400 FFGC attendees were males (.02%); one of whom was the incoming 2nd Vice-President. At the AACA annual meeting, a predominately male organization, of the nearly 1000 attendees, close to 40% were females. At the AACA banquet table, most of the conversations were about the car hobby. At one of the five FFGC luncheons/dinners, I was seated next to a gentleman who looked very uncomfortable being there. To attempt a conversation, I started talking about the antique car hobby. It allowed him to share his interest in “old cars”. Shortly the entire table conversation was about antique cars. It lasted only about five minutes, but it was a common interest amongst strangers. Several garden clubs support and/or beautify the Blue Star Memorial Markers which honor our military along the highways in which our antique vehicles traverse.

For those of you who have attended the banquets following a national meet or the annual meeting banquet, a familiar question was asked, “How long was the dinner/awards ceremony?” The February 2015 AACA Awards Banquet took four hours for eating and awards. At FFGC Convention, there were about eight hours of awards alone (out of 13 hours of event time) spread out among two luncheons and two dinners. One luncheon was so lengthy it lasted an hour longer than planned.

Three other interesting commonalities are 1) both organizations have recently updated their websites for the same reasons, ease and refreshment, 2) the need for our youth to become involved, and 3) the seminars were very educational.

In conclusion, for fun, think of ways your activities interact or contrast with other activities.

Jean

BOARD MINUTES: April 7, 2015 Page 4

The AACA South Florida Region Board meeting of April 7, 2015 was called to order at 7:32 P.M. by President Oscar Castro.

Approval of Minutes: Oscar Castro asked if there were any changes to the minutes. There were no changes. Jean Hawa made a motion to approve the minutes, Ira Shapiro seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Mel Mann informed us via e-mail that he would be absent for the meeting and will be giving us a two-month treasurer’s report at our next meeting.

Membership Report: Philip Williams reported that we currently have 130 members.

Club Business: AACA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia: President Oscar Castro attended the AACA Annual meeting in Philadelphia. He reported that Thursday night JC Taylor had a hospitality suite at the hotel, Friday morning was an open breakfast, and Friday evening the AACA hosted the president’s dinner. Oscar Castro suggested that next year we do not mail the $250 donation check to the AACA Museum and instead, we can hand it in at the president’s dinner Friday night as other region presidents presented their checks at the stage. Oscar Castro also suggested that any board member attending the event coordinate their visit with the president of the AACA South Florida Region.

General Meeting: Ira Shapiro suggested that we have our next general meeting April 16th, 2015 at the Miami Friends Meeting House again. Jean Hawa reminded us that we are advertising a free membership raffle at the general meeting, but it hasn’t been done. Jean Hawa also suggested that we revise the map to clearly show parking locations. Ira Shapiro suggested that we bring a couple bags of cookies, chips, sodas, ice, cups and pastelitos until we increase the attendance. Ira Shapiro made a motion to return to the Miami Friends Meeting House for our general meeting. Bob Squier seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Coral Gables Show: Ira Shapiro stated that despite the weather, we had a successful event. All but four trophies were handed out. Ira Shapiro thanked John Jones and our trophy sponsor Deel Volvo-Volkswagen.

Deering Estate Show: Jean Hawa informed us that 35 cars registered for the show and 29 cars showed up. We were invited to back to Deering Estate next year before the show even started! Jean Hawa stated that we had a successful event. A free, one-year membership to the Deering Estate was given to each participant at the show.

Summer Picnic: Oscar informed us that we are set for the summer picnic on May 17th, 2015 at the Kendall Indian Hammocks Park. The reservation for space, food, and flyer for the event are ready.

Other Club Business: -Oscar Castro suggested that the treasurer’s report be e-mailed to board members 2-3 days prior to the board meeting for review. Oscar Castro made a motion to approve; it was seconded by Ron Mitro. The motion passed.

-Oscar Castro reminded us of the “Classics on the Key/ Car Show & Walk” to benefit Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, that will be held on April 19, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Ira Shapiro made a motion to match last year’s contribution. Chico Goldsmith seconded the motion. The motion passed.

-Bob Squier informed us that he has been working with Chris Williams in setting up a new and improved website for the club. There is a one-time fee of $250 for set up of the site including training and an on-going fee of $75 per calendar quarter to host and assist in management of the site. Bob Squier made a motion to approve; it was seconded by Ron Mitro. The motion passed.

-Oscar Castro requested reimbursement for airline bag fees and transfer to the hotel for when he attended the AACA Annual Meeting. Oscar Castro made a motion to approve the request. Tomas Hernandez seconded the motion. The motion passed.

-Oscar Castro informed us that club member Eddie Alvarez and the Board of Directors of Venetian Isles have invited the AACA South Florida to participate at the annual 4Th of July show.

-Mike Penn suggested checking out the large room at the Palmetto Golf Course for a possible meeting place. Ron Mitro will inquire.

Sunshine Report: -Happy Birthday to Bob Squier! -Congratulations to Mike Penn and Debi who celebrated their 36-year wedding anniversary! -Congratulations Luis and Maria Quevedo who celebrated their 36-year wedding anniversary!

Adjournment: 8:26 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Luis O. Quevedo, Secretary

NOMINATION LETTER / RUMMAGE BOX Page 5

AACA Membership Roster

By Steve Moskowitz Executive Director

The AACA Membership roster is now online! You can go to www.AACA.org and sign in to either The Meets & Tours section or go to Members Info to access the information. Both of these areas require your membership number and pin number.

You can use the online roster in a number of ways. The search feature allows you to find members by last name, city or state. You cannot print out an entire roster. We have chosen to start out this way and put a high degree of security into the site. The methodology we have used will thwart people from using the roster in inappropriate ways. We also do not include phone numbers or email addresses for the same reasons and to protect personal data of our members.

While many have expressed an interest in having a roster listing cars, etc. we have heard the majority still do not want that type of information available online. So at this time we will keep the roster information minimal and containing the exact same information as our previous printed rosters contained.

Remember the AACA roster is not available for any commercial purposes and is copyrighted by the Antique Automobile Club of America. It is available for our regions, chapters and members only.

Reprinted with permission from the Winter 2015 issue of THE RUMMAGE

BOX: THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA)

Norman Kassoff wanted to share the above letter with the club, not to gloat or show his disappointment, but to emphasize that perseverance pays off. The letter does offer encouragement. We often get discouraged when an award is not received. Perhaps you need to look at the Judging Manual to make sure that your vehicle is being represented correctly. Or sometimes the other car is just a little better than yours. Yes, it is time consuming to prepare a vehicle for a car show or car meet, but isn’t that part of the reason we register for the shows or meets. Better luck next time. Submitted by Jean Hawa

CONTRASTING VIEW/ HUMOR Here is what one member did to express his views about trophies.

Page 6 3rd ANNUAL VINTAGE AUTO DISPLAY at CUTLER (continued from page 1)

The car owners and their families enjoyed a leisure day in the 444-acre park that overlooks Biscayne Bay. Besides going on guided historical house tours and natural area tours, they talked with the many visitors about their cars, picnicked, and kicked off their shoes to relax. Most of all, it was a very pleasant day.

The success of the show is due to many factors. I am thankful to all the car owners who brought out their cars. The staff members of the Deering Estate were so helpful with parking and setting up tents for us. Through the generosity of the Deering Estate at Cutler, the car owners were able to obtain a one-year membership to the park. Publicity for the show was fantastic. Along with brochures that were mailed to Deering Estate members, notices were printed in the Florida Villager, The Miami Herald Neighbors, and on the Deering Estate website. We appreciate the support given by Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay along with the company of its representative Augie Canamero who displayed a new G-Class SUV Wagon (see photo on right). More information about the Deering Estate, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, can be found at www.deeringestate.org

After receiving many compliments about the car show, the highlight came the following Thursday when the headlines of the front page of The Neighbors read “A Day of Vintage Fun and Rides” and showed a huge picture of the owner of a 1954 Jaguar showing off the engine to another car owner. On the inside were additional photos and a lead to more photos online at MiamiHerald.com.

1954 Volvo Duett

1952 Volkswagen Sedan sunroof

1950 Matchless

1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

1950 Ford 2 door sedan

1950 Ford Club Coupe

Page 7

Left to right: 1946 Lincoln Continental, 1941 Studebaker, 1941 Chrysler Royale, 1940 Ford deluxe

1931 Ford Victoria 1931 Ford Huckster

1936 Ford Roadster

1939 LaSalle

1930 Ford Phaeton

1954 Jaguar XK120 1952 Jaguar XK120

Richmond Cottage Grand House

Vintage cars adorn the great lawn

Page 8 AROUND THE WORLD IN A 1957 MERCEDES-BENZ UPDATE

Shortly after reading “101 Ways to Live the Classic Dream” in the June 2011 issue of Classic and Sports Car magazine, well-seasoned world travelers, Fred and Elisabeth Smits discussed the possibility of driving across the United States (item # 82 in the article). Three years of preparation was needed for a 90,000-mile trip around the world. Their TO DO List included car and trailer safety and endurance reinforcements, accommodations for camping, staying with friends, hotel stays, communication capabilities, historic and fun places to visit, making connections with members of the local sections of Mercedes-Benz of Club of America, etc. One of their contacts and supporters were A.A.C.A. South Region members Dirk and Alexandra de Groen. The Smits’ 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Ponton (ABEL) and its light weight Zambezi Cross Road tent-trailer were shipped in a 40-foot container to Los Angeles the end of June 2014 and the Smits left Wellington, New Zealand for Los Angeles on August 3, 2014. The map on page 9 shows their intended tour route which brings them home in 2019. You can follow them on their website (www.ClassicStrider.com) or facebook.

The A.A.C.A. South Florida Region members were honored to have Fred and Elisabeth as our guest speakers at our January 2015 General Meeting. Everyone present was intrigued and in awe of their desire to plan and execute such a trip. From what we heard, they brainstormed and utilized huge amounts of past traveling experiences as well as sage advice from others. Their Mercedes-Benz Ponton had 24,000 miles on it before this trip. So they knew that the sturdiness and reliability of their car along with the reputation of the Mercedes-Benz as a race and rally car made it the best car to drive.

The car was restored to a brand new condition. The engine was rebuilt. Parts that were replaced included the drive train, rear axle, suspension, bushings, rubber tubing, tires, etc. Arrangements were made for new tires to be delivered to specific sites along the route. Because they trailered the Zambezi, measures were taken to ensure there was enough electrical power for the fans, cooling mechanisms, heaters, fog lights, and the list goes on.

Fred and Elisabeth stated that they are aware of some of the dangers of the trip and have taken many precautions to avoid certain problems. Both of them can handle the maintenance and most repair jobs.

Update of the Around the World in a 1957 Mercedes-Benz By Jean Hawa

Elisabeth & Fred eating lunch beside their 1957 Mercedes-Benz at Art Deco on

Miami Beach (photo by Bob Squier)

Where the Smits have driven from June 2014 to April 2015

According to their website, as of April 17th, in 253 days they have driven 15,683 miles (25,239 km) through 24 states, in 50 different over-night places, of which 39 were camping grounds.

Page 9

Of course this editor told them I would write about the trip and would use their information. They both encouraged us to follow them in their travels using their website and facebook.

T h e Z a m b e z i includes an all-inclusive kitchen, high-quality queen-size bed with mosquito nets, and a large lounge, and has adequate capacity to c a r r y l u g g a g e , including wet and cold weather clothing. The trailer has a small fridge unit, a small chemical toilet and many other travel necessities. Its total maximum weight is 600kg.

ABEL and ZAMBEZI

The following is a chronological listing of most of Fred and Elisabeth’s dream tour:

August 2014: California- Los Angeles, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally, Sequoia National Park; Nevada: Reno– National Auto Museum; September 2014: Nevada– Las Vegas-met with children and grandchildren; after 40 years of marriage renewed vows with Elvis, Nebraska, Colorado- Colorado Springs Rally in which they came in third and received a trophy for the Greatest Distanced Traveled, Continental Divide at Monarch Pass, Pikes Peak, Four Corners of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona; October 2014: Nevada– Las Vegas, Abel and Zambezi are stored as Fred returns home for a week, Elisabeth vacations with children and grandchildren at Disneyland and San Francisco; Fred and Elizabeth meet again in Las Vegas; November 2014: Arizona– Route 66, met with Tucson Mercedes-Benz Club for “Cars and Coffee”, Titan Missile Museum, Flagstaff- Meteor Crater, and Lowell Observatory; Phoenix- Frank Lloyd Wright Museum, Tucson- Pima Air and Space Museum; New Mexico, Texas,

Oklahoma- Oklahoma City, Tulsa Missile Museum, Arkansas; December 2014: Tennessee– Graceland in Memphis, Kentucky– National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Nashville, Mississippi, Louisiana- New Orleans where they spend Christmas through New Years; January 2015: Alabama, Florida- Coral Gables, Art Deco on Miami Beach, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Everglades National Park, Kennedy Space Center; February 2015-Daytona Speedway Rolex-24, March 2015: Georgia- Richmond Hill Museum in Savannah where Henry Ford established a kindergarten, Florida– 20th Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Alabama– Tuscaloosa, visited with the local M-B club members and toured the Mercedes-Benz Assembly Plant, Tennessee– Chattanooga, traveled on the Dragon Trail (US 129) in the Smokey Mountains; April 2015: South Carolina- visited the BMW Factory in Greer, Washington D.C.– achieved goal of photo op of Abel in front of the White House, Virginia- stop at White Post Restoration for repairs.

Tent of Zambezi

Page 10 SUPPORTERS / INTERNET WEBSITES / MEMBERS’ CARS

Pictured above is a 1954 Roadster (displayed by Guy Lewis) and a 1971 Stingray "LT-1" (displayed by Mel Mann) at the annual Corvette show presented by the Sunshine Corvette Club on March 22nd.

Pictured above are two Corvettes: from the newest era

(2015) owned by Mel Mann and from the early era

(1954) owned by Guy Lewis

Below: Kenny Stowe’s latest acquisition:1962 Pontiac "Ole School" Big Chief”

INTERESTING WEBSITES

Old Fuel Stops.. Really Cool! Great memories! Registered restrooms, free hot dogs and drinks, and uniformed service station attendants!! And all the cars were made in the U S of A. What planet was this? Boy..this will take you back! http://hipspics.freewebspace.com/gas/gas.html

The Japanese have invented a machine that converts plastics into oil: http://www.youtube.com/embed/qGGabrorRS8?rel=0

Five classic cars with great fuel economy: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/classic-cars-with-great-fuel-economy-1.aspx?ec_id=cmcta_01_comm_aut_image_headline

FROM:

AACA South Florida Region

c/o Jean Hawa

9999 SW 71 Avenue

Pinecrest, FL 33156-3063

TO:

MAY BIRTHDAYS

2015 AACA NATIONAL/REGION EVENTS (check Antique Automobile or www.aaca.org for more information)

May 4-6, 2015- SOUTHEASTERN DIVISIONAL TOUR: – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

May 7-9, 201 5- AACA SPECIAL MEET: – Auburn, Indiana

May 28, 2015 Ft. Lauderdale Region- Where The Cars Are Las Olas Cruise-in, 6-9pm,Riverside Hotel 620 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 954-467-0671; for more information: ftlauderdaleaaca@gmail.com

June 4-6, 2015- CENTRAL SPRING MEET: June 4-6 – Independence, MO Hosted by Kansas City Region ; details: aaca-kc-events.org June 12-14 The Elegance at Hershey & Grand Ascent Hill Climb; Hershey, PA June 25, 2015 Ft. Lauderdale Region- Where The Cars Are Las Olas Cruise-in, 6-9pm,Riverside Hotel 620 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 (954-467-0671); for more information: ftlauderdaleaaca@gmail.com

July 15-18, 2015- SOUTHEASTERN FALL MEET: – Louisville, Kentucky; sponsored by Kyana Region

August 30-September 4, 2015 70th Revival AAA Glidden Tour; Pre-1943 Historically correct vehicles; Oklahoma City, www.gliddentour.org

South Florida Region Events

MAY 2015 05- Board Meeting– 7:30 P.M-Luis Quevedo 17– 60th Anniversary Picnic– Indian Hammock Park– Catered BBQ (see enclosed flyer or attachment, view on website) 21 -General Meeting-7:30 P.M. Miami Friends Meeting House 1185 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables 33143

JUNE 2015 02– Board Meeting– 7:30 PM– TBA 18– General Meeting–7:30 PM Miami Friends Meeting House 1185 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables 33143

JULY 2015

04– Venetian Isles Fourth of July Celebration 07– Board Meeting-7:30 P.M. TBA 16– General Meeting 7:30 P.M. Miami Friends Meeting House 1185 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables 33143

OTHER CAR EVENT

The 10th Annual Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring is being held in Dunedin, New Zealand from the 15th-24th January 2016. The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, Inc understands there is a large cost involved, so overseas participants are able to borrow cars or motorcycles from New Zealand members. To request this please visit our website www.historicmotoring.co.nz . Our Facebook is International Festival of Historic Motoring– Dunedin, NZ 2016

Dunedin is a beautiful historic city with many attractions and Otago has many scenic roads which are well suited to historic motoring.

Diane Ash Richard Ash Stephen Baldwin Renata Cymer Jaime Del Valle Ricardo Ortiz Frank Rubino Carmen Talarico Susan Shapiro Mark Tenzer Steven Spector Billy J. Williams Nina Stowe Gloria Zannis

SUNSHINE REPORT Oscar and Marcia are the proud grandparents for the 6th time.

Philip Williams won a one-year membership from the drawing at the April General Meeting.