DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS  OCTOBER  2025

HAPPY FALL!!!  As the car season is ending, now we can look forward to the upcoming holidays!  This will be the time of the year where families get together with their extended family, and friends, to celebrate the holidays. 

For those who are going to attend Hershey AACA Fall Meet this month, be well and have a good time.  Whether you will be attending as a vendor, spectator, car corral participant or car show participant, pray for good sunny weather and GOOD LUCK!  Due to some members attending/vending during the Hershey meet, this months’ chapter meeting will be held on the second Tuesday, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.   

Don’t forget about attending the Lehighton Old Car Show on Saturday, October 25, 2025!  Pray for nice weather.  While the DJ, Gary Brendel, will be providing all varieties of music, the Franklin Lions group will be providing breakfast and lunch items.  Tell your friends about the show!  Changes this year are the parking of cars and the voting.  Cars participants will be parked as they enter the show, NO classes.  As far as awards, there will be the top 10 awards given out.  As this chapter’s membership has aged over the years and the volunteering has diminished, these changes are needed to continue to host this event.  Hopefully everything will go smooth and will have a good turnout. 

During this months’ business meeting, nominations will be taken for the following positions: 

• Director (2-year term); Secretary (1 year term);
• Treasurer (1 year term);
• Activities Director (1 year term);
• Membership Chairperson (1 year term);
• Board of Directors (2 persons, 2-year term). 

Please make plans to attend to offer your nominations to maintain this leadership of this chapter, and to take this chapter into the future!                                                                                                  Your Elected Director, Sally Getz        

 “FREE SPIRIT”  Chapter Meeting Minutes, September 2, 2025

Meeting called to order at 7:33 pm.  17 members & 2 guests in attendance.  Sally “Welcomed” everyone and asked if anyone wanted to share what they have done in the past month.   Director Sally Getz welcomed everyone to tonight’s meeting.  Sally had two guests from Virginia visiting who came along to the meeting.      Eric Hunsberger and the Lenny’s attended the Buick Nationals in Concord, North Carolina in July.  They did not know the others were there, but they did see each other at the end of the banquet. Eric got a bronze in his class – CONGRATULATIONS!       Bill Hallman attended the AACA Grand Nationals in Ohio. He had a great time including seeing the Packard museum and the Air Force museum.         

No meeting minutes for June/July/August.

Treasurer’s Report:  Sally read the August treasurer’s report forwarded by John Moore. Motion to accept was made by Kathleen Duckett, seconded by Isabel Lenny. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Historian:    no report         Lehighton:   Kathleen Duckett reported that a solution has been created for concern regarding multiple votes by the same person when using the QR code system.  Two votes from the same person will not be counted, only the first vote will count.  Kathleen asked that we think about whether we would like spectators to be allowed to vote as well as participants, or just participants, a decision will need to be made soon.      To date, we have the following pre-registered:  2 flea market spaces;      13 cars.

Membership:  $3 was collected for “No wear badge”.     Bill reported getting 5 renewals and still waiting on 4.

E-newsletter/newsletter:  Sally had to purchase a new computer which means she now needs a new printer. October newsletter may be really early or really late because of this.           Publicity:    The car show flyer will be posted on free web sites.  There is an Ad already in the September Bugle.        Ways – n – Means:  Sally reported selling the following during Das Awkscht Fescht:  1953 Skylark note cards, 2 blankets, paperweight, plastic Buick Tri-shield emblem, yardstick, Buick book (Celebration at NB center, donated to the chapter by Leah/Wayne Kiefer), $5.00 donation.

OLD BUSINESS:      Annual chapter picnic was held June 22^nd under the Weeping Willow pavilion at Macungie Park.  Buick Nationals were held in Concord, North Carolina in July.  Also held was the AACA Grand Nationals in Ohio.  DAF was held in Macungie Park, August 3.  34 BUICKs were on the show field.  19 chapter members were in attendance.    Dennis Snell has reported that the AMC/AMX club display is in the lead for votes by spectators at AOW.  From now until October, all paying spectators get a ballot to fill out to see which display they like the best.        

NEW BUSINESS:  Anne Gibson (Chapter, Region & Division Coordinator) is still looking for Regional Directors for the Great Lakes, the Four Corners/Golden West and for the North East Regions. She is continuing to pursue two possibilities for the Great Lakes Region, however she has no possibilities for the others.

Chapter received an invite 8/7/2025:        Good morning,     I am a Recreational Therapist at Good Shepherd Bethlehem Home located on Schoenersville Rd. We serve as a medical nursing home for 60 residents with varying levels of neurocognitive and physical deficits. We will be hosting our HarvestFest event on October 10, 2025 from 1:30-3:30pm in our outdoor garden area and are interested in adding a small vintage car/truck display. We found out about your club during our recent trip to America on Wheels, and our residents thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits!    Please feel free to contact me via email or phone number below to ask any questions. Thank you so much!    Kelly Corrigan, CTRs  Therapeutic Recreation Department   Good Shepherd Home Bethlehem484-484- 1527

The BCA Board of Directors are pleased to announce that the new BCA Membership Directory and Handbook, Volume 45 will be on sale during the upcoming BCA 2025 National Meet in Concord, North Carolina.  The Directory will be available for a special $15 one-time introductory price for those attending this National Meet.  There is no postage/shipping service available for this on-site purchase during the time the National Meet is being held, July 23-26, 2025. Pick up and take home only.    Normal Directory prices including shipping are;  1.  Within the United States: $20;    2.  All other Countries:  $35.    Outside of this special introductory offer, you can purchase the 2025/2026 Membership Directory and Handbook from Cornerstone Registration by writing a check or money order made out to the “Buick Club of America” and mailing it to:  Buick Club of America,  c/o Cornerstone Registration Ltd,  PO Box 1715, Maple Grove, MN  55311-671.5  Phone orders can be made by calling 763-420-7829 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5 pm CDT).

2026 Buick Nationals, Albany, NY, August 19-22, 2026. 

 Next year will be the 50^th Annual Old Car Show.  Do we want to think of planning anything special a year in advance? Think about it.  Motion made to adjourn: Bob Miles, seconded by Isabel Lenny, time 8:11pm.           Respectfully submitted:  Linda Cluck, Secretary

How Old Is a Classic Car? Understanding the Age and Definition of Automotive Icons  (Part 2)

Classic vs. Antique vs. Vintage    These terms are often used interchangeably, but each has its own meaning in the automotive world:

• Vintage cars: Typically built between 1919 and 1930.
• Antique cars: Generally defined as 45 years or older.
• Classic cars: Usually 20–40 years old, often with historical interest and collector value.

Understanding this difference helps when buying, registering, or insuring a vehicle.

Why Age Isn’t the Only Factor      Asking “How old is a classic car?” is a great starting point-but age alone doesn’t guarantee classic status. The car’s condition, rarity, cultural impact, and originality also matter. For example, a well-maintained 1995 Toyota Supra could be more desirable and valuable than a neglected 1980 sedan.      Classic status also affects your wallet. Cars officially recognized as classics may be eligible for:

• Reduced insurance premiums
  Classic car insurance policies often cost less because these vehicles are typically driven less frequently and maintained more carefully.
• Special license plates
  Many states offer vintage or classic plates, which can be cheaper and even exempt the vehicle from certain usage restrictions.
• Exemption from emissions tests (in some regions)
  Older cars may be exempt from modern emissions standards, saving owners both time and money on testing and compliance.
• Collector events and shows
  Recognition as a classic can open the door to exclusive events, such as car shows and rallies, where owners showcase their vehicles and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Collectibility: When Does a Car Become Iconic?      Car enthusiasts often agree that a vehicle becomes collectible when it hits a certain age and represents a cultural moment or design milestone. That’s why some cars from the 1990s and even early 2000s are starting to enter the classic spotlight.  You might wonder, how old is a car to be a classic if it’s a limited edition or cult favorite? In such cases, some models earn classic status even before they hit the 25-year mark due to their legacy, performance, or fan base.

Summary: So, How Old Is a Classic Car?       To wrap it all up:

• Typically 20 to 25 years old is the minimum age for a car to be considered “classic.”
• How old is a classic car have to be? At least 25 years to meet most legal or insurance definitions.
• How old is a car to be considered a classic? It depends on who’s defining it-but aim for that 25-year mark.
• Other elements like rarity, historical value, and condition also affect a car’s “classic” status.
• Final Thoughts      Whether you’re restoring your dad’s old Mustang or eyeing a ’90s Porsche, understanding the official guidelines helps you make informed choices. And next time someone asks, “How many years old is a classic car?”, you’ll know the answer isn’t just about the odometer-it’s about history, preservation, and passion.

ANNUAL “HOLIDAY GATHERING”  2025

Tuesday, December 2, 2025,  the annual “Holiday Gathering” will be held at the Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, PA.  Social hour will be held from 5-6 pm, with dinner to be served by 6 pm.  We will be ordering our entrée of choice off their menu(s).   Our meal will include soup n salad bar, bread, entrée w/a side, beverage, and dessert.  Alcohol, wine(s) drink(s) NOT included.  Cost PER PERSON = $5.00.      Crazy Bingo will then be enjoyed by the group.  EACH PERSON should bring a WRAPPED gift worth $15.00, only to take home an unwrapped gift.   Please submit your reservation money (cash or check made payable to “Free Spirit: Chapter of PA) to:    Sally Getz, 1060 Main Road, Lehighton, Ps 18235.  Reservation deadline is Thursday, November 27, 2025.  Please save this date to enjoy a fun-filled evening with others!                                                                                                                                                                 Sally Getz

 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 2025                                                    HAPPY FALL!

• 1 – 5 – Fall Carlisle Show, Carlisle Fair grounds, Carlisle, Pa
• 6-10 – Hershey Region AACA Fall Meet, Hershey, Pa
• 14 – Monthly Chapter dinner meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Allentown, dinner @ 6 pm, business meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 5 – 37^th Annual Lehigh Twp. Show, Becky’s Drive-In, Walnutport, Pa
• 25 – 49^TH ANNUAL OLD CAR SHOW, PHIFER’S ICE DAMS, 880 MAIN ROAD, LEHIGHTON.  A must attend event!

NOVEMBER 2025                                            HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

• 4 – Monthly Chapter business meeting, STARLITE DINER & LOUNGE, Allentown, PA.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 8 – Lehigh Valley Slot Car Show and LV RC Tail and Scale Crawl Trail, Green Pond Rd. Easton, Pa

DECEMBER 2025                                                 HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

• 2 – Annual “HOLIDAY GATHERING” STARLITE DINER & Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Social hour 5-6pm, dinner 6pm.

CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

Sideview Mirrors:         (Contact Sally Getz, csgetz@ptd.net, 484-464-3418)

• #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      1964-66 Ford Mustang mirror, #BE100021,  $20.00
• #1160      have 2 of these,  1978-87 Chevy/Pont/Olds LH, #20009407  15-3661 , 5-DMI-1, $50.00
• #1163      1930-40’s Long Arm CLAMP-ON Rat Rod mirror, mirror = 4” diameter, dent and scratches,  $30.00
• #1164      1964-65 Ford Merc Comet/Galaxie 500 REMOTE,FOMOCO LH $100
•  #1165     1970-72 Olds Cutlass/442 REMOTE, #404550-1413,  $125.00
• #1166      1961- 62 Ford T-bird mirror, date code 11-DMI-2,   $20.00 
• #1167      1970’s – early 80’s GM LH Bullet style REMOTE, DC 9-DMI-2, $60.00
• #1168       1970 NOS Mopar E body LH mirror;  #3454119 DC 7-DMI-9,  Dodge Challenger,  Plymouth Baracuda/Cuda,  $60.00
• #1169       (have 1 of these)    clamp-on (round) Vintage Arm Peep Side door view mirror Hot Rod, $20.00
• #1170       1976 Chevy Monte Carlo REMOTE  LH, #20009412  61089HA $30
• #1171       1968-69 Skylark/LeSabre REMOTE, #JC1387819 LH, $30.00
• #1172       1965-68 Pontiac GTO LH, #JC D0245-402, #2931245,  $30.00
• #1173       Vintage clamp-on mirror, some pitting on base on 1 side, see pictures. Mirror in great shape! $20.00
• #1174       Chrome rectangle clamp on mirror,  $15.00
• #1175       1970-72 Olds REMOTE Cutlass/422 LH, #404550/60300, $100.00
• #1176       1940-50’s Olds Visor Vanity Mirror, $15.00
• #1177      1961-64 Cadillac Deville, #5954489, $20.00
• #1180      1957-62 MOPAR REMOTE Chrysler 300/Plymouth/Dodge/Desoto, #D60078-401,  $40.00
• #1182      MOPAR REMOTE 1975-77 LH Chrysler/Plymouth/Aspen/Volare/Dodge Charger, #3796634, 53093-30549-401, $40.00
• #1183      1973 Buick/Olds REMOTE LH mirror, #60434  414, $30.00
• #1184      1973-78 Ford Mercury LTD REMOTE LH mirror, #D3AB 17743DB, DC 4-DMI-3,  $30.00
• #1185      1970 vs Buick FS REMOTE (LeSabre/Electra/Estate Wagon);  1980-81 Chevy/BOP, base w/ pitting, #8799133  #D60387  401,   $30.00
• #1186      have 2 – LH Quasi-Bullet Style mirror, #H1161474  SF36575 36, DC 7HA1,  $30.00 each
• #1188      1974-78 Ford Mustang II;  1971-80 Pinto (white)  RH, #12B17713 AWA, 60481 401,    $30.00
• #1189       1965-67 LH Buick REMOTE Skylark, GS, WC, LeSabre/Electra/Riviera/Special,#JC D60245-402, 281245,  $30.00
• #1191       1965-67 B (WC/LeSabre/Electra 225) OP rearview mirror & mount, #4482074, $30.00
• #1192   Quasi bullet-style Chevy/Javelin/AMC/Dodge/Ford LH mirror, #JC60474  AM3657578, mirror intact but casing loose, $20.00 RAPP SALVAGE, 1920-70 BUICKS, Starlite, Pa 18461 570-798-0390 (CALL FIRST)