NJ Region AACA

**Display cars in the parking lot, with TD Bank Ballpark in the backgroud**

Friday, July 8, 2016 was Collector Car Appreciation Day in the U.S., the seventh year in a row that such a date was recognized. The date was designated as per a U.S. Senate resolution which was passed with the support of various auto hobby lobbying groups, most notably SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association).

As part of this celebration, the New Jersey Region of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) co-sponsored a car show held in the parking lot of the TD Bank Ballpark, the home stadium in Bridgewater NJ for the Somerset Patriots baseball team. This show was held on Sunday, July 10, 2016.

**Another view of the cars on display.**

Turnout among NJ AACA members was impressive, with 20 cars from the club on display. The Street Dreams Car Club had also been invited to participate. Their cars and trucks leaned toward newer and /or modified, but not exclusively so. In total, there were close to 50 vehicles in the show. Ballpark employees roped and coned off a section of the lot, allowing us to park together, and game spectators meandered the aisles, enjoying the vehicular variety.

**The Street Dreams club cars were mostly at the other end of the lot.**

The parking lot show started at 3pm, and the ball game was scheduled to begin at 5pm. Around 4 o’clock, word went out that we all should start our cars and get into a queue near the back of the lot. A large gate swung open, and every show car was allowed to drive one parade lap completely around the field’s warning track. This Alfa Romeo owner had his wife, step-son, and two granddaughters in the car (FIVE occupants, a world record), and we thoroughly enjoyed the chance to see the ballpark from the vantage point of a vintage automobile.

**A true family affair. Yes, we all fit into the little Italian job.**

At the conclusion of the parade lap, we all returned to the parking lot, and most of us entered the stadium to enjoy a little baseball. This was the first time that the NJ AACA helped conduct such an event, and I understand that the club has already decided to make this an annual occurrence.

A ’64 T-Bird, one of the last of the so-called collectible Birds.

This ’66 Mustang is a 1st generation car.

But by ’73, it was yet another size larger.

Older FoMoCo cars included this ’50 Ford

The styling similarity between the '50 Merc and the '52 Hornet is obvious from the rear. — **The styling similarity between the ’50 Mercury and ’52 Hornet is obvious from the rear.**

This 53 Cadillac is huge from any angle.

It looks especially wide from the front.

In length, it takes up more than a modern parking spot.

The owner of this '56 DeSoto has a sense of humor (but it really does have a Hemi). — **The owner of this ’56 DeSoto has a sense of humor (but it really does have a Hemi).**

The author's 1967 Alfa Romeo was the only non-American car in the show. — **The author’s 1967 Alfa Romeo was the only non-American car in the show.**

**Ballplayer enjoys his view of the show.**

Water boy waits for 'Bird. — **Water boy waits for ‘Bird.**

The New Jersey Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America (NJ AACA) held its annual car show at the Mennen Arena in Morristown NJ on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Compared to previous events, this year’s affair was unique in several ways: this was the first time that this location was utilized, as the venue which had been used for the previous 40+ years in Florham Park NJ was unavailable; and the turnout this year was the smallest your author has ever observed.

Yes, this was the NJ Region's 65th show — **Yes, this was the NJ Region’s 65th show**

The reason why 30 vehicles instead of the expected 200+ vehicles were in attendance had nothing to do with the location, and everything to do with the weather. The NJ AACA maintains a strict “rain or shine” show policy, but a steady series of showers combined with temperatures parked in the mid-40s kept entrants and spectators away in droves.

This '30 Model A was one of the very few pre-war cars out to brave the elements — **This ’30 Model A was one of the very few pre-war cars out to brave the elements**

Nevertheless, vehicles did arrive, even if for the most part they were owned by club members. An advantage for those whose cars were to be judged is that no class had more than 4 vehicles in it (some had 2), and with 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place prizes to be awarded, your chance of winning went up exponentially.

A trio immediate post-war iron: 2 Mercs and a Hudson — **A trio of immediate post-war iron: 2 Mercurys and a Hudson**

Below is a sample of the fine machinery, both domestic and imported, which graced the show field. A trend which has been noticed on the National level was also found at this event: as AACA’s “25-year” rule continues in effect, the inclusion of unrestored and/or original-owner cars is growing, reinforced by vehicles which were considered collectible when new and were salted away (think Eldorado, Fiero, Beetle convertible, and anything first-year, last-year, or commemorative edition).

General Motors