DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS, SEPTEMBER, 2026

Now that Das Awkcht Fescht car event has passed, the time seems to go downhill very quickly.  Before you know it, Christmas will be upon us, whew!!!!!  But, there are a few events which will take place before then.  Can you guess what those events could be?  Well, in September, the chapter monthly dinner meetings reconvene the first Tuesday of the month, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, at starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa.  Please join others for dinner @ 6 pm followed by the business meeting @ 7:30 pm.

Did anyone attend the National Buick Club of America meet in Albany, NY or the AACA Grand National meet, Allentown, Pa last month?  If you did, would you be interested in sharing your experience with this chapter by sending me an article with possibly some pictures to be printed into this chapter’s newsletter in October??  Please send your article n pictures to me, Sally Getz (csgetz@ptd.net), to be posted in Octobers newsletter, I would really appreciate it.  It is very nice to share your experience(s) with others! 

In October, there are 3 events happening:        Hershey region AACA will be hosting their annual FALL MEET October 6-9, 2026, Hershey, Pa.  I know a few of our members will be attending this show whether by vending parts, as spectator(s), or as actual car participants on that Friday, show day!

Since Octobers’ monthly meeting will fall on the first Tuesday during this show, the chapter meeting for October will be held on the second Tuesday, October 13, 2026.  Please make this change on your calendar!!

The 50^TH Annual Old car Show will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at the Phifer’s Ice Dams, 880 Main Road, Lehighton, Pa.  This event is a milestone to celebrate, 50 years!!!    This event is optional, but highly recommended, requiring everyone’s assistance to host a, hopefully, successful event for this chapter.  Let’s make this an event everyone will not forget!!!

                                                                                                                                                                 Your Elected Director, Sally Getz

The 90s Family Hauler That Left Sports Cars in the Dust

In the early 1990s, the American station wagon was a dying breed, seen as a slow, wood-paneled relic of suburban boredom. But one legendary “sleeper” changed everything: the 1994–1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate. While it looked like a massive grocery getter, it hid a Corvette-derived V8 that allowed it to embarrass unsuspecting sports cars at stoplights.

The Heart of a Corvette: The LT1 V8      The secret to the Roadmaster’s shocking performance was the 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine. This was the same basic powerplant found in the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro of the era. In the Roadmaster, the LT1 produced 260 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Despite weighing over 4,500 pounds, this “boat” could sprint from 0 to 60 miles-per-hour in roughly 7 seconds; fast enough to catch many 1990s sports coupes off guard.  Built on the rear-wheel drive GM B-platform, it shared its heavy-duty DNA with the Chevrolet Impala SS, making it a burnout-capable machine in a family-friendly disguise.

Why The Buick Roadmaster Estate WAGON FOOLED Everyone      The Roadmaster Estate was the ultimate “sleeper” because its exterior gave no hint of the muscle underneath. Many models featured the iconic “Vista Roof” and vinyl wood-grain decals, the international symbol of a slow family car. It was a traditional body-on-frame behemoth of enormous proportions that could seat up to eight passengers with its rear-facing third-row seat.     Unless the driver floored it, the LT1 V8 remained hushed, allowing the car to blend into mall parking lots without a second glance.   The Buick Roadmaster paved the way for a new generation of high-performance “longroofs” that continued the tradition of hiding big power in a family hauler body, such as the 2005–2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG wagon, the Dodge Magnum SRT8 muscle wagon, and the Audi RS6 Avant.

Why Enthusiasts Love a V8 Wagon      The appeal of the V8 wagon lies in its “no compromise” nature. These vehicles are for parents who want excitement without trading their soul for a generic SUV. They offer practicality in the form of massive cargo room for groceries, dogs, or track tires. Its sleeper looks keep it stealthy, giving the V8 wagon the ability to fly under the radar of both police and rival drivers. Plus, we can’t forget the visceral sound and torque of a V8 that modern four-cylinder hybrids often lack.   Today, the Buick Roadmaster has become a cult classic, with clean examples fetching between $9,000 and $23,000 on auction sites. It remains the perfect reminder that you should never judge a car by its wood paneling.

Author,  Tara Hurlin, an automotive journalist for over a decade, is also a car nut to the core. She feeds her addiction by attending as many car shows and motorsports events that she can fit into her schedule alongside her own personal projects in the garage, a 1963 Dodge 440 drag car, a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, and a 2013 Toyota GR86.

“FREE SPIRIT” Chapter Meeting Minutes, AUGUST,  2026              No meeting held.    

DAS AWKCHT FESCHT, AUGUST 2026

Another year in for this yearly event.  The day was cloudy at times, but overall, very good.  There was a constant breeze and it felt good being shaded by the huge, beautiful tree!  Hopefully it will stay healthy!!  21-chapter members were seen meandering amongst the Buicks.  While 28 Buicks were registered, 23 Buicks attended and were present on the show field!  Many “THANKS” to those volunteers who parked this section:   Chuck Mason, Dan Reiniger, Brent Senseny and Linda Cluck.  Again, “Thank You!”  Despite our volunteers having done a marvelous job, the older couple, as in the past 2 years, “NOODLED” the Buicks as they parked!   

Throughout the day, some Ways-n-Means were sold.    While some chapter members renewed their membership dues with William Hallman, 1 new member was taken in:      BOB KAUTZMAN,  3509 FAIRCHILD STREET, ALBURTIS, PA 18011,  610-682-4510 (h), 484-553-3387 ©, bob@vachunter.com.  Bob has a 1946 and 1947 Buick Roadmaster, Series 71 .  Bob was welcomed to the chapter!   Be sure to add his information into your membership roster.   Till 2027………………………..!                        Sally Getz   

50^th ANNUAL OLD CAR SHOW

      Well, next month this chapters’ 50^th Annual Old Car Show will take place!!  The plaques and participation awards have been ordered.  A special treat for everyone has been ordered.  The DJ has been booked.  The Franklin Township Lions group will be providing many food selections for the day, including breakfast and lunch.  Car registrations are beginning to filter in.  Be sure to save the date, OCTOBER 31, 2026!!!  Chapter members will be needed at the registration table area and to direct participants as they enter the show field.  So please volunteer your time for the day to help.  Part of this shows huge success, is YOU, helping to host this event!!

Annual “HOLIDAY GATHERING”

The annual “Holiday Gathering” will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at the Starlite Diner n Lounge, Rt. 100, Allentown, Pa, home of the monthly dinner meetings, with social hour being 5-6 pm, followed by the serving of dinner @ 6 pm.  Dinner will be ordering off their menu.  Specialty drinks will be paid by you.  Price TBD.  “Crazy Bingo” will be the entertainment for the evening and requires EACH individual to bring a wrapped $15.00 gift, who will in return, take home an unwrapped gift by the end of the evening.   Reservations are required.   Look to begin to make your reservation(s) in Octobers’ newsletter.

SEPTEMBER 2026                                             HAPPY LABOR DAY!

• 1 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, Starlight Diner n Lounge, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 12 – Chariots of Fire, Classic Auto Mall, Morgantown, Pa
• 25 – 27 – Rally on the Rocks Vintage Camper Rally, Blue Rocks Campground, Lenhartsville, Pa
• 30 – October 4 – Fall Carlisle

OCTOBER 2026                                                    HAPPY FALL!

• 3 – 13^th Annual Show, Cars For Kacie, Morgantown, Pa
• 6 – 9 – Hershey Region AACA Meet, Hershey, Pa
• 10 – Show at ChalkPalooza, Kutztown, Pa
• 13 – Monthly dinner/business meeting, Starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa, dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 25 – 50^th Annual Old Car Show w/ Flea Market, Phiffer’s Ice dams, Lehighton, Pa.  CELEBRATING OUR 50^th YEAR!!!!

NOVEMBER 2026                                                      HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

• 3 – Monthly chapter dinner meeting, starlite Diner & Lounge, Rt 100, Allentown, Pa.  Dinner @ 6 pm, meeting @ 7:30 pm.
• 14 – Dowingtown Cars n Coffee, Downingtown, Pa   
•  14 – Malvern Cars & Coffee, Malvern, Pa

ISO/CARS & PARTS FOR SALE

I have recently purchased 1942 Buick Special Eight.  I am reaching out for help sourcing some parts.  The wiper motor was missing and I bought an electric motor kit from Bobs Automobilia. When I received the motor, I realized I am missing the wiper motor transmission rods. The wiper spindle / wiper arms are intact on the windshield.  I also need the following parts … if possible;Heater Control Unit (my one is leaking);    Dashboard Gauges (mine are in poor condition);    Rear Wing Panels ??? (I think there is a panel missing on both sides at the rear of the rear wheels).    I would be most grateful if someone could help me sourced these parts.  Please contact:  Gary Keville of Ireland, gary.keville@gkt.ie, Telephone: +353 1 6674322;   Mobile: +353 86 2484503.

• 1955 Buick Super 4-dr Sedan, 52 for sale by Eric Huinsberger, hunsie3@yahoo.com, 610-970-4878
• 1965 Buick Riviera, 48K miles, “A” title ALL ORIGINAL,  best offer,  Joe Young, 484-425-0063

DISTRIBUTORS        (Sally Getz, 484-464-3418)

• #13        1970 Delco Remy 455 Distributor, #1112027, Buick Skylark GS, GSX, WC, Electra, Riviera
• #14        1964-65 Delco Remy Distributor 401/425 Nailhead, #1111055, Skylark WC, Electra, Riviera
• #15        1967 Buick Distributor #1112110

PAIRED FENDERS                 

•  3.     1968 Electra (BLUE 4 holes)    
•   4.     ? 1965?  1966 Electra (BLACK, Very Nice)
•    43.     1953 Special fenders w/ headlights (bluish-gray)
•    44.     1968 Skylark (GREEN/GOLD), (FITS A 2/4 DR, CONV.) Passenger w/ 2 small dents front, small hole back bottom;   drivers w/ hole back bottom
•    47.     1958 Special (BROWN NEEDS WORK)
•    51.     1965 Skylark (RED, 1965 GS (BLUE), $500.00/PAIR OR $300.00/1 fender
•  106.     1980 LeSabre Diesel front fenders
•  178.     1966 Electra fenders (nice)
•  187.     1950 Buick Super pr fenders, 57 1/2” long, 26 ½” tall, 2’ front w/light  hole   

SINGLE FENDERS          

• #2   1965 WC (WHITE) w/ rust out behind wheel, DRIVERS SIDE ONLY
• #5     1965 Riviera drivers fender (gray)
• #6     1965 Riviera drivers fender (black)
• #8     1965 Riviera  (BLUE)  drivers side 
• #9     1964 Wildcat  (WHITE)  passenger side
• #12   1972 Riviera  (RED w/ dent)  drivers side
• #14   1962 Electra  (TURQUIOSE w/ 4 holes)  drivers side, round light
• 17        1970   Riviera  (GREEN)  passenger side
• 18        1979 – newer?? Regal  (RED w. pin stripe)  drivers side
• 19        1978 Estate Wagon  (BLUE w/ Wood Grain)  drivers side,  $100.00 w/ passenger Inner fender part
•   #39    1966 Electra (BLUE) passenger
•   #40    1971-73   Boat Tail Riviera (GREEN w/ dent) passenger side 
•   #42     1966 Skylark (BROWN), passenger side only
•   #46    1958 Special (RED) drivers’ side
•   #49    1963- 64 Riviera 1 (WHITE) & 1 (black) passenger fender  
•   #53    1965 Skylark (RED) drivers’ side
•   #55    1967 LeSabre (BLUE, front damage near light), passenger side RAPP SALVAGE, 1920-70 BUICKS, Starlite, Pa 18461 570-798-0390 (CALL FIRST)