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September 2025 Newsletter

"Free Spirit" Chapter Posted on by

DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS  SEPTEMBER  2025

Can you believe it?  The summer car season is coming to a close now that Das Awksht Fescht is done for 2025.  It’s all downhill from here on in.  The annual 3 big shows left now, are, Carlisle show, this chapters’ “OLD CAR SHOW AT LEHIGHTON”, and Hershey AACA show!  Yes, there are still shows and cruises being held in September and October but the last big 3 are as mentioned. 

Hopefully we will see you all at this months’ dinner/business meeting to be held back at the STARLITE DINER & LOUNGE, Rt. 100, Allentown, Pa.  You are welcomed to join in for dinner at 6 pm, with the business meeting following at 7:30 pm.  There will be many things to be discussed since we last met in May.  When you enter the establishment, we meet in the meeting room off to your left.  If the greeter asks you a question, just tell them you are here with the BUICK Club.  Hope you can attend!

SAVE THE DATE, OCTOBER 25, 2025.  This is the date of our “Old Car Show “ @ Phifers Ice Dams, 880 Main Road, Lehighton Pa.  It will be run a bit differently this year with new changes, BUT we will still need your help!  The Franklin Township Lions Club will be providing BREAKFAST and LUNCH selection (all homemade).  There will be original usual DJ (Gary Brendel) as in the past.  Hope and pray for GOOD weather!                                                            Your Elected Director, Sally Getz        

If you haven’t sent in your  “CHAPTER RENEWAL DUES” (June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026), PLEASE do so to William Hallman.  Please submit your check ($15.00) to “FREE SPIRIT” CHAPTER OF PA and mail to William Hallman.  His information is as above on under “MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON.”  If you do not renew, this is your last e-newsletter, and “THANK YOU” for your past supportive membership.  Thank you.

“FREE SPIRIT”  Chapter Meeting Minutes, August 2025

No meeting, summer vacation.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025, DAS AWKSHT FESCHT

This event was totally a success.  Many “THANKS” to those members who parked BUICKS!  We will be in the same space next year!  There were 34 BIG BEAUTIFUL BUICKS on the show field!!  19 chapter members were in attendance.  Ways-n-Means items were sold while renewal dues were collected.  A lot of us got to meet Dan Giannini, Director of the newly formed Del-Val Chapter!  Lots of interesting stories were shared.  He and some chapter  members have been enjoying attending car shows and cruises throughout the summer months.  Next year, Resto-Rods, Hot Rods and the like will be able to register for all 3 days.         

How Old Is a Classic Car? Understanding the Age and Definition of Automotive Icons  (Part 1)

Classic cars aren’t just about style or nostalgia—they’re pieces of living history. But if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How old is a classic car?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking to buy, restore, or register a vehicle, understanding what officially qualifies as a classic car can help you make smarter decisions. For deeper insights and community knowledge, sites like capitolacarshow.com offer great resources for enthusiasts at every level.

What Defines a Classic Car?      At a glance, the term “classic car” sounds simple-old, stylish, and collectible. But legally and culturally, the definition can vary depending on the country, insurance providers, auto clubs, and government agencies.   So, how old is a car to be a classic? In most cases, a car must be at least 20 to 25 years old to earn the “classic” title. However, that’s just the baseline. Here’s how different sources define it:

  • Insurance companies (like Hagerty or State Farm): Typically classify best classic cars as those 25–30 years old, provided they’re in good condition and not used for daily driving.
  • DMVs or vehicle registration authorities: Some states offer “classic” or “antique” license plates to cars 25 years or older, although other criteria like originality and maintenance may apply. These plates may come with driving restrictions, such as limiting use to parades, exhibitions, or occasional driving.
  • Car clubs Often have their own lists of eligible vehicles, usually focusing on cars built between 1915 and 1948. Membership can offer access to exclusive events, valuation tools, restoration advice, and historical records that support a car’s classic status.

If you’re asking how old is a car to be considered a classic for legal, collector, or investment purposes, it’s best to check the relevant agency or organization’s criteria. The definition varies depending on who you ask-your local DMV might classify a car as classic once it’s 20 to 25 years old, while insurance companies may look at how the car is used and maintained.  Collectors often value originality, rarity, and historical significance, which means a heavily modified 30-year-old car might not make the cut. Always verify guidelines before assuming your vehicle qualifies, especially when paperwork, value, or tax implications are involved.

How Many Years Old Is a Classic Car?    There’s no single answer to how many years old is a classic car because different contexts have different rules. Still, here’s a breakdown:

Type of ClassificationTypical Minimum Age
Insurance Classic Car Policy20–30 years
DMV “Classic” or “Antique” Plate25+ years
Classic Car Club of America25+ years (specific models)
General Public Perception20+ years

So, how old is a classic car have to be? A safe rule of thumb is 25 years, but always check specific requirements based on your purpose.            (Look for Part 2 next month.)

Member Article

Wayne & I recently attended the AACA Grand National Meet, Dayton, OH from July 24-26. It was a fantastic location being held on the grounds of the National Museum United States Air Force.  The first day, Wayne & I headed over to the Dayton National Cemetery where Wayne’s Great Granduncle, Hiram Kelley, who fought in the Civil War is buried.  That evening the festivities began with a welcome reception held at America’s Packard Museum.  We enjoyed sliders & baked macaroni & cheese while seeing some of the museum cars plus the Zenith nominated cars were on display.

Friday everyone was on their own, so Wayne and I spent the day touring the National Museum USAF. There are over 350 aircraft on display in four hangers plus several large aircraft on located in an Air Park outside. The museum starts with the Early Years & WWI, then moves into WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Cold War Years, Missiles, Space Exploration and finally several Presidential Planes that you can actually walk through. My Fitbit showed that we walked over 5 miles touring the museum!

Saturday of course was show day with over 300 cars registered for the meet.  The cars were parked among the aircraft in the Air Park.  We took our 1956 Corvette to compete at the meet.  The Awards banquet was held in the Museum, with the aircraft from the Korean conflict on the one side and the Vietnam aircraft on the other side of the awards banquet.  We were awarded a second grand national award & also a 1st preservation award since the car had not been shown again after winning a Senior Award.  After the awards were presented the AACA members had free access to the museum.                                                               Wayne/Leah Kieffer

 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2025                                 HAPPY LABOR HOLIDAY!

  • 2 – Monthly Chapter business meeting,  STARLITE DINER & LOUNGE, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
  • 7 – Strausstown Lions Car Show
  • 28 – 24th Annual BOP Show, Star Buick GMC, Easton, Pa

OCTOBER 2025                                                    HAPPY FALL!

  • 1 – 5 – Fall Carlisle Show, Carlisle Fair grounds, Carlisle, Pa
  • 5 – 37th Annual Lehigh Twp. Show, Becky’s Drive-In, Walnutport, Pa
  • 25 – 49TH ANNUAL OLD CAR SHOW, PHIFER’S ICE DAMS, 880 MAIN ROAD, LEHIGHTON.  A must attend event!

NOVEMBER 2025                                            HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

                                                                                 CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

SIDEVIEW MIRRORS        (Contact Sally Getz, csgetz@ptd.net, 484-464-3418)

  • #1143     1973-77 Chevy Nova/Camaro/Monte Carlo;  1971-72 Caprice/Impala/Bel Air/Biscayne;   1971-79 Buick/Olds;   1971-72 Pontiac/Bonneville/Catalina   #9826594 CBC, 1 = C/J DC 10-DMI-3 (C/J); 2 = C DC = 12-DMI-3, 1=C wo DC n mirror replaced  $30.00 each
  • #1144       2 – REMOTE mirrors, #D60245-402-2931245; 1962-67 Buick/Olds/Pontiac;   1965-67 Skylark/GS/WC/LeSabre/Riviera;  1965-68 Pontiac Grand Prix/GTO;  NO PITTS/CRACKS, $120.00 EACH
  • #1145      1978-87 Chevy/Pontiac/Olds LH #2009407,DC 10-DMI-1, $25.00
  • #1146      1971-79 BOP/Chevy RH/LH, #9826594, DC=10-DMI-9,  $50.00
  • #1147      1963-67 Riviera/GS/WC/LeSabre/Electra with trishield crest, #5711730, (date code 11-DMI-4 = BASE PITTED 1 SIDE;    $30.00
  • #1149        1970’s FS Buick REMOTE mirror, #D60371, LH, pitted, $20.00
  • #1150        1970-76 REMOTE Skylark/GS, #1814,  w/ gasket  $100.00
  • #1153        1955-56 LH MOPAR (Dodge/Plymouth/DeSoto/Chrysler/Rat Rod), AACO  #1616,  $30.00
  • #1154       1960-66 MOPAR (Chrysler/Dodge), #2299521 DP  CD  AACY, DC 1-DMI- 4,  $20.00
  • #1156       MOPAR, (Chrysler) LH mirror, #4063, $20.00
  • #1157       1967-69 MOPAR (Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler) LH or RH mirror, #2802699,  60271-402-4,  $30.00
  • #1158    C/J    1964-66 Ford Mustang mirror, #BE100021,  $20.00
  • #1160    C     1978-87 Chevy/Pont/Olds LH, #20009407  15-3661 , 5-DMI,  $50.00 RAPP SALVAGE, 1920-70 BUICKS, Starlite, Pa 18461 570-798-0390 (CALL FIRST)

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