HENRY W. “HANK” HALLOWELL, III PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As I reflect on all that the Museum has accomplished, it is important for you to know how your generous donations are used. We are committed to ensuring that our finances are detailed, accurate, and transparent. Information about how the Museum uses its funds is crucial for building trust and maintaining strong relationships.
As a result of our keen attention to ficsal responsibility, the Museum has earned the highest rating, 4-stars, from Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator’s rating system helps donors make informed giving decisions and enables well-run charities like the Museum to demonstrate their commitment to proper stewardship of donor dollars.
Today, many organizations use donors’ contributions for exorbitant executive salaries, expensive perks, and luxury SUVs. Their waste, fraud and abuse has made headlines.
You can be assured that excessive spending is not part of the Museum’s financial plan. We are laser-focused on budgeting and keeping Museum expenses in check.
Cost-savings is a pervasive mindset of our staff leadership both professionally and personally. For example, our Executive Director and Curator drive personal vehicles to work, each with more than 100K well-worn miles.
The Museum’s annual audit information below affirms our stewardship and our IRS 990 filing is available to the public on our website (www.ATExPA.org).
As you read about our Accelerate Capital Campaign (p.5) and legacy giving (p.9), you can rest assured that donations support the advancement and preservation of transportation history for future generations.
Affirming Museum Stewardship Audit Reveals Commitment to Fiscal Integrity
America’s Transportation Experience operates under Board-approved policies to ensure responsible stewardship of Museum resources. The Executive Committee sets forth policies and procedures for accession, conservation, preservation, deaccession, management and promotion of Museum assets, and artifacts. The directives are consistent with the long-term vision of the Museum and effectively supervise and monitor investments.
Recently, Boyer & Ritter LLC, certified public accountants, performed a comprehensive examination of the Museum’s 2024 year-end finances. The audit validated the accuracy of financial statements, confirmed compliance with regulations, and provided assurance of fiscal integrity to stakeholders.
The results revealed the Museum’s commitment to excellent fiscal responsibility. Additionally, Charity Navigator suggests, “This charity’s score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating...you can give with confidence.”
We deeply appreciate every generous contribution. Every donation, big or small, helps us reach our goals as we preserve and present wheeled vehicle history in an engaging, entertaining, and educational manner for our guests through changing exhibits focused on a variety of aspects of conveyance.
WA Message From
JEFFREY E. BLIEMEISTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ith summer speeding up, events, activities and exhibits are racing ahead at the Museum. Thanks to your support of the “Accelerate” Capital Campaign’s ”Now” phase, we are enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a new roof, which was the largest objective of the campaign’s first phase.
Now the campaign’s “Next” phase is underway. The main focus is on our aged HVAC system. Other “Next” phase initiatives include security and lighting improvements, additional defibrillators, and extensive building waterproofing and water remediation. For details, see page 9.
I am also happy to report that after patiently waiting in the queue, restoration of our 1962 Impala Station Wagon is finally underway at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. This Chevrolet is one of a fleet of wagons customized for the Milton Hershey School by coach
builder, Armbruster-Stageway for the transport of students. The wagon was donated by school alumni who helped raise a portion of the funds needed for its restoration. Additional funds and parts are needed. If you can help, please let me know.
Fall events are coming up fast. Our annual Night at the Museum event is planned for Tuesday, October 7th, and we will honor Richard O. Ullman as our Automotive Heritage Award recipient. Also, we welcome special guest and renowned collector Robbie Wolfe to the festivities. Wolfe stars on the popular television series, American Pickers More information about NATM can be found on page 6. Tickets are now available.
Thank you for helping to make all this and much more possible at your Museum.
Museum Expense Breakdown
Total Museum Revenue: $1,991,566
Check out the Museum’s YouTube channel and subscribe. It’s FREE! With more than 170 videos, the channel offers Museum insights, Collection Chronicles vehicle features, full-length Museum Live webcasts, virtual tours, vintage vehicle driving videos, and many memorable moments. Subscribe and receive notifications when new content is released. https://qrco.de/AACA Museum-YouTube
Become a Member
See the most extensive collection of Tucker ‘48s and memorabilia in the world, view examples from the largest collection of vintage buses open to the public, and travel through eight decades of motoring history. Your membership provides year-long access to the Museum and much more. Memberships start at just $45. Visit: www.ATExPA.org/ membership
What’s On Families
on the Move, Fast Cars, & the First Mega-Dealer
Our featured exhibits, which opened in May, offer an eclectic array of must-see motoring exhibits and displays presented on three levels of the Museum.
Tailgate Travelers
Classic Station Wagons
Our Tailgate Travelers exhibit rolled into the Museum as our spring/summer 2025 featured exhibit. Originally dubbed “station wagons” because they were used to carry passengers to and from train stations. They soon gained popularity as post-war baby boomer family haulers.
In the early 1980s, Chrysler introduced the first minivans. They offered an appealing and affordable alternative to the station wagon. Their popularity began to wane with the rise of SUVs.
During the vacation season, we spotlight station wagons — the nostalgic, original family haulers and their impact on generations of family road trips and daily motoring.
Corvette Then & Now Benefactor’s Gallery Legacy Series
The Corvette legend began when General Motors introduced the Chevrolet as a concept car at the 1953 New York Motorama. The exhibit in the Benefactor Gallery continues our Our Legacy Series by contrasting iconic Corvette generations. The car’s evolution is presented with a front-engine 1954 model donated by the Richard O. Ullman family and a current C8-generation example.
Get Your Husky On Husqvarna Motorcycles:
Our Husqvarna exhibit continues, presenting examples of the brand’s dirt and street bikes from the 1970s to today.
The First Mega-Dealer: Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective
The Williams-Clyne Gallery is home to our Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective from the collection of Willett G. Seltenheim of Skillman, NJ. In the 1950s, Don Allen was the largest Chevrolet dealership in the world, with locations in sixteen American cities. His enterprise was the first “mega-dealership.”
A promotion visionary, Donavan “Don” Allen, introduced innovative marketing techniques. “His extraordinary energy, flair, and showmanship transformed the business of selling automobiles into grand social events,” said the Automotive Hall of Fame, which inducted Allen in 1974.
The ACCELERATE Campaign: Ensuring the Future
True to our mission, the Museum has completed two successful decades of “preserving and presenting transportation history in a manner that educates, engages and entertains our guests.” Now we’re positioning the Museum for the next twenty years. With your continued support, we’re e building on our success and bolstering our campus through The Accelerate Capital Campaign—a three-phase plan designed to address current and future needs.
“NOW” Phase: Complete
First phase accomplishments:
• Installed a new, fully-operational turntable in our lobby! The turntable is flush with the floor, so we can easily drive onto it without mishap.
• Completed new roof installation! The roof is approximately 54,600 sq.ft. The project lasted three weeks.
• Raised funds toward HVAC units. Half the cost of the large units was received.
“NEXT” Phase: In Progress
Second phase initiatives:
• Replacing the HVAC system, including three large units at $30,000 per unit (half of which has been raised) and 16 smaller units at $16,000 per unit. The units have exceeded their projected lifespans.
• Waterproofing/restoring the front facade of the building. Below-grade water issues, particularly in the stairwells, have been ongoing. The plan
includes excavating the front of the building to the foundation, installing a waterproof membrane, regrading, and re-engineering the storm water runoff system.
• Updating the exterior lighting with energy efficient LED lights.
• Purchasing three new defibrillators (AED) for campus buildings.
• Enhancing the security camera system. The system will work seamlessly with our upgraded WI-FI technology.
Next Phase: McClure HVAC tech Tim Kelly inspecting unit five
Now Phase: Roof replacement
Mark Your Calendar, October 7th
Welcoming American Pickers’ Robbie Wolfe
This year’s Night at the Museum (NATM) focuses on “Marques & Milestones.” The annual appreciation and fundraising event is planned for Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. Again hosted by Bill Rothermel, the gathering welcomes Robbie Wolfe, star of the hit show American Pickers. The event features storied vehicles from the Museum’s collection and honors those who have made a significant impact on Museum success.
The event kicks off with a 5:00 p.m. main gallery reception featuring live music by artist Danny Spec, delicious hors d’oeuvres by C&J Catering, and a chance to meet Robbie Wolfe. Following the reception, guests enjoy dinner, live music by JazzMe, and the evening’s program on the Museum’s lower level.
Welcome American Picker Robbie Wolfe
Robbie Wolfe has been hunting for “unknown treasures” since he was eight years old. Over the years, he has built a large collection of old Americana, vintage cars, and advertising memorabilia. Museum Executive Director Jeffrey Bliemeister said, “We’re excited to have Robbie as our special guest. His appreciation for vintage vehicles will add a unique perspective to the evening.”
Marques & Milestones
The evening’s program, “Marques & Milestones” highlights five storied vehicles from the Museum’s collection. Experts from the Museum family and Robbie Wolfe will spotlight the featured vehicles.
• Iconic Marque: Studebaker: Represent ed by a1932 Model 55 St. Regis Brougham
• Tucker ’48 #1022, fully operational for the first time since the 1980s
• Vintage Marque: Greyhound: Represented by a 1952 GMC Model 4103
• 100th Anniversary of Chrysler: Represented by our 1958 Chrysler 300D
• 60th Anniversary of the Ford Bronco: Represented by our 1970 Bronco Honoring Those Who Make the Museum a Success
NATM is an event to show our deep gratitude to those who support the Museum’s efforts.
Richard O. Ullman Honored
Mr. Ullman, who passed away in 2011, will be posthumously honored as the recipient of the prestigious AACA Museum, Inc. Automotive Heritage Award. His family will accept the award on his behalf.
As a young man, he never drove the same car for long and always looked for another project car to turn into something special. He loved cars, turned his passion into a lifelong hobby, and built a diverse collection. He was an innovative entrepreneur, devoted family man, and strongly believed in giving back. He generously supported the Museum in many ways, and the Richard O. Ullman Family Foundation Gallery is named in his honor.
In addition to honoring Mr. Ullman, the Museum will induct the 2025 class of William H. “Bill” Smith Fellows. Fellow status is conferred upon recipients for outstanding contributions or service toward Museum advancement. This year’s inductees are Toni Rothman, Bill Jackson, and Warren Erb
We look forward to welcoming everyone on October 7th. Tickets are on sale: www. ATExPA.org/night-at-the-museum/ n
Above: Robbie Wolfe, star of American Pickers, joins the Night at the Museum celebration.
Below: Richard O. Ullman, is our AACA Museum, Inc. Automotive Heritage Award honoree.
Rock Solid Donation
Added to the Collection
America’s Transportation Experience has evolved over the years to meet the needs and expectations of its visitors. Our diverse collection and changing exhibits showcase much more than just antique automobiles. Visitors are often surprised to find full-size buses, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and a wide variety of trucks and commercial vehicles.
With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that we have received a 1956 White “Super Power” concrete mixer truck from Mario Diliberto and family from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The donated truck is a tribute to one of the original eight purchased by his parents, Charles and Frances Diliberto who founded the company in 1955 in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. Delaware Valley Concrete Co., Inc. has expanded greatly over the last 70 years due to their commitment to customer service and a quality product. They now have nine modern plants situated throughout eastern Pennsylvania.
White Motor Company, commonly known as “White,” was an American automobile, truck, bus and agricultural tractor manufacturer from 1900 to 1980. The Museum has a custom-built, all original White passenger car built in 1935, years after the company had shifted away from cars in favor of trucks and commercial vehicles. They also manufactured diesel- powered generators for the military that powered bases and installations throughout the country. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, White expanded its truck lines and at one point either built or distributed Freightliner, Auto Car White and Western Star brands under its umbrella, making them a leader in commercial trucks through the mid-1970s.
The 1956 Delaware Valley Concrete truck was purchased in Pittsburgh in 2008. It was restored and modified as a tribute to truck number 24 in the photograph
above that Mario contributed as part of the donation. The photograph shows the company’s original 8-truck fleet in 1956. Mario said, “The truck was a real crowd-pleaser when we used it for a promotional event and took it to car shows.” He went on to note, “After 70 years in business, it was decided that the best place to showcase a magnificent machine like this one is the AACA Museum, Inc.—America’s Transportation Experience.” We thank Mario and his family for this unique donation. We know it will be well-received and appreciated by our many visitors. n
Considering a Vehicle Donation?
The AACA Museum, Inc. / America’s Transportation Experience has built its antique automobile and vehicle memorabilia collection through the generous contributions of many thoughtful collectors. Their donations have allowed our visitors to make lasting memories and enjoy one-of-a-kind automotive experiences. If you would like to share a vehicle, please consider a donation. The Museum’s Curator and Executive Director work with donors during the process to ensure a seamless transaction. Furthermore, because the Museum is a recognized Pennsylvania non-profit organization, donors are generally permitted to deduct the full fair market value of the vehicle. Vehicle donors also receive a lifetime Museum membership. Find out more: www.ATExPA.org/join-support/vehicle-donations/
Museum Live Webcasts
Mark Your Calendar, Register, and Join Us on Zoom
From heart-pounding adrenaline rushes to heart-warming recollections, vehicles provide plenty of opportunity for memory-making. You can rekindle good vibes by adopting a vehicle in the Museum’s collection.
The Adopt-a-Ride program offers the opportunity to put your name on a special vehicle display and support the Museum’s mission.
Find out more: www. ATExPA.org/adopt
‘Great Stories from the Great Race X-Cup Division’ — Saturday, September 13th
Last year, we presented our “Great Stories from the Great Race” webcast. The online and on-site event was among our most popular “Museum Live” events. With the success of the program, we’re presenting another edition of “Great Stories from the Great Race.” This time we’re focused on the X-Cup Youth Division with a FREE live webcast via Zoom on Saturday, September 13th, at 11 a.m. ET.
Every year, the Great Race, a nine-day time-controlled road rally, hosts X-Cup Teams made up of high school, college, and technical school students who prepare their cars and drive them in the rally. The teams are from across the nation and frequently are competitive with some
of the most experienced Great Race Teams. The webinar will be co-hosted by the RPM Foundation whose mission is to encourage youth to get involved in the restoration and preservation of antique and classic vehicles through mentorship and experiences like the Great Race. Please register to receive online or on-site access to the presentation: www.ATExPA.org/x-cup/
‘The Awakening: The Return of Tucker 1022’ — Wednesday, October 8th
Register to attend Museum on-site participation:
• Suggested $10 donation
• TAPS members FREE Online participation is FREE
The Tucker ‘48 1022 returns home to the Museum’s Cammack Tucker Gallery this fall. Since the late 1980s, the car has not been drivable. Thanks to the support of the Cammack family and a year-long effort by Nostalgic Motoring, the car returns to the Museum fully-operational and in exquisite condition.
On Wednesday, October 8th, at 7 p.m. we’re hosting a “Museum Live” online and on-site presentation taking an in-depth look at the process to restore and awaken the vehicle. Tucker Automotive Preservation Society (TAPS) members Mark Lieberman and Mike Tucker lead the conversation from the Museum.
The event takes place at the Museum during the Hershey Region AACA Eastern Fall Meet. The Museum will be open 6:30-9:00 p.m. to welcome visitors. Conditions permitting, guests will enjoy seeing the car driving on the Museum campus. Light refreshments served. Register now: www.ATExPA.org/tucker-1022/
Make the Museum a Part of Your Legacy
With exceptional foresight, many remarkable individuals have made provisions for the AACA Museum, Inc. and/ or America’s Transportation Experience in their estate plans. As motoring enthusiasts passionate about preserving the history of the 20th century’s most impactful invention, their financial gifts and vehicle donations help to ensure the Museum’s future. They are among the distinguished members of the Museum’s Legacy Society.
The AACA Museum, Inc. Legacy Society recognizes and honors those who make the thoughtful decision to include America’s Transportation Experience as part of their estate plans. All members have made commitments to the Museum either through a bequest intention (a gift in their will) or through a charitable gift annuity, trust, or another deferred giving instrument.
Members of the Legacy Society receive various benefits for their future support including a welcome gift, an honorary Museum membership, invitations to exhibit openings and receptions, and personalized behind-thescenes tours (by appointment). In addition, some members of the Legacy Society receive income for life as a result of their deferred giving arrangements.
If you have already included the AACA Museum, Inc. and/or America’s Transportation Experience in your estate plan or plan to do so, please let us know by completing our online Gift Intention Form (www.ATExPA. org/planned-giving/) so that we can thank you and ensure your gift is used according to your wishes. For information, or to share your intentions, please contact: Kristen Hassman, khassman@aacamuseum.org. n
Types of Planned Gifts
Bequests
By including The AACA Museum, Inc. and/or America’s Transportation Experience in your will, you can make a meaningful gift without reducing the assets available to you during your life. Your gift may be for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of the estate after other provisions are satisfied.
Beneficiary Designation
You may name The AACA Museum, Inc. and/or America’s Transportation Experience as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or a donor-advised fund by filling out a beneficiary designation form from your plan administrator or download a change of beneficiary from your provider’s website.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust provides you or a beneficiary with an annual income for a set number of years or for life. At the end of the term, the remaining assets are distributed to America’s Transportation Experience.
Charitable Lead Trust
Fund a charitable lead trust to provide America’s Transportation Experience with a fixed amount each year for a set period of time. The remaining assets are distributed to your beneficiary(ies).
More Ways to Give
The Museum also accepts gifts of stock or securities, grants made through donor-advised funds, distributions from your IRA, and memorial and tribute gifts, as well as gifts-in-kind and of property. Gifts may be subject to review based on criteria of our gift acceptance policy.
Perfect Location; Event Destination
Plan Your Event Now
America’s Transportation Experience — the AACA Museum, Inc. is an impressive venue for vehicle events, social gatherings, weddings, and corporate meetings. Located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, the Museum offers spacious galleries, picturesque views, adaptable floor plans, and professional event-planning services.
Guests gather annually for national, regional, and local events. Last year, the Museum welcomed:
• The PAA’s Skip Wagner Automotive Technology Competi tion for high school teams selected to compete in five timed auto-focused workstations.
• The William D. Lebo Memorial Foundation honoring the legacy of LT. William D. Lebo, who served 40+ years with the City of Lebanon Police Department.
• CJ Pony Parts presents Customer Appreciation Day featuring the original pony cars.
• The Cumberland County Corvette Club’s “Wreaths Across America” car show.
Elevate your next event at the Museum. The perfect setting awaits. Whether you’re planning an outdoor event, conference, or corporate reception, our tailored services arranged by C&J Catering and Events promises an unforgettable atmosphere. Visit www.ATExPA.org/host-your-event/ for information. n
Accessories Online: Ready, Set, Shop
We’re pleased to announce the beta launch of Accessories online, our brand-new online gift shop designed to bring the charm of our in-person shopping experience to enthusiasts everywhere.
Located on the Museum’s main level, our physical gift shop, Accessories, has long been a favorite stop for visitors seeking transportation-inspired items. Now, with Accessories Online, you can shop for unique, transportation-themed gifts and apparel from the comfort of your home.
Our online shop kicks off with a curated selection of items, including: Tucker-themed items, collectibles, apparel, toys, books and transportation-themed keepsakes. As we expand, we will offer products inspired by our latest exhibits, events, and seasonal trends.
When you shop at Accessories online, you’re not just finding unique treasures—you’re supporting the mission of the Museum, an independent nonprofit organization committed to celebrating America’s rich transportation history. Proceeds from every purchase help sustain our exhibits and educational programs. Visit us at www.ATExPA.myshopify.com/ or scan the QR code above to start shopping. n
Best
Museum Ranks #4 in USA Today 10Best Competition
Maintaining Top 5 National Status
From car museums and factory tours to behind-the-wheel driving experiences and live auctions, the editors and readers of USA Today independently selected twenty-four competitors to vie for a place on their annual 10Best “Attractions for Car Lovers” national honor roll. Then car fans from across the U.S. voted for their favorites car-centric venues.
Again this year, America’s Transportation Experience/ AACA Museum, Inc. earned the number four spot on the 10Best list. Maintaining last year’s top five position, the Museum tied its highest ranking in the national competition’s history.
Executive Director Jeffrey Bliemeister said, “We appreciate everyone who voted for the Museum. It’s exciting to be once again recognized on a national stage along with the best attractions for car lovers.”
Be sure to include a visit to the Museum on your automobile enthusiast’s bucket list. We look forward to welcoming you.
Celebrating 15 Years
Craft Brew Event Brings Back Chicken Wing Contest
Autos & Ales, one of the region’s oldest and most enduring craft beer festivals, is planned for Friday, November 7th. This year’s event, sponsored by Brew Barons Beer Trail, marks its 15th anniversary.
As in past years, guests will enjoy live music, food, and beer tasting, all within the galleries of our award-winning transportation museum. More than 50 regional craft breweries will be on-hand with dozens of craft-brewed beers for sampling. Also, returning this year is our popular chicken wing contest. Guests will vote for their favorite unique zesty, hot sweet, or savory wing flavors.
The event begins with VIP admission at 6 p.m.; general admission begins at 7 p.m. The VIP hour presents the debut of our special event beer. This year it comes from our friends at Conyngham Brewing Company, a community-oriented brewery in Conyngham, PA, opened by Marc Eble in 2013.
Marc is a Corvette owner and car enthusiast; his brewery is pirate themed. The term “Corvette” originally defined a small nimble warship from the age of sail before becoming the name of Chevrolet’s sporty two-seater in 1953. Corvettes were used by both pirates and the nations that fought to stop them. Marc will put all these things together for a truly delicious and very marketable signature beer for our event.
We also hope to again offer “A Taste of Hershey Experience” featuring all of our participating local breweries.
Plan now to join us for the 15th anniversary of Autos & Ales, November 7th, 2025. Get tickets and information: www.ATExPA.org/autos-ales/ n
Road(map)Ways
Road Map Collectors Association
Who is Hy Finn?
IBy Dave Leach
n 1911, the Supreme Court broke John D. Rockefeller’s vast “Standard Oil” petroleum monopoly into several regional “Standard” companies, each with their own territory. As a result, the “Standard” name or derivative, (such as ESSO phonetic spelling of SO or Standard Oil), could only be used by each particular company in their assigned territory. We had ESSO in the Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the South. SOCONY was in New York and New England. Sohio was in Ohio, KYSO/ Standard Oil in parts of the South, Standard in the Midwest and some central states, and Standard/Chevron in Texas and the Pacific states. As companies began to expand into each other’s territories they had to come up with non-Standard names to market under. There were many lawsuits over the years as companies tried to encroach on other territories. As a result, companies gave up, replacing the “Standard” names with Exxon, Mobil, Amoco and Chevron. Now we will look at Chevron’s early expansion into the ESSO territory.
Standard of California began expanding in the Rocky Mountain states, in the late 1930s using the name CALSO (short for California Standard Oil). After World War II they expanded again by acquiring a refinery in New Jersey leading to expansion on the East Coast as the California Oil Company using the brand name CALSO in 1947. In 1958, The decision was made to drop CALSO and adopt the Chevron brand throughout the country.
An incredible advertising campaign in print and broadcast media was developed, featuring Mr. Hy Finn, and it was
central to their road map covers as well. Why “Hy Finn?” Well, you know those great cars from that era with space age-looking “fins”... Hy Finn just loved the new Chevron sign and the new premium Chevron Supreme gasoline. A giveaway key chain shows the dealer, “Henry,” taking down the CALSO sign and putting up the Chevron shield, with Hy Finn looking on.
The company held a contest for people to send in their Hy Finn quips. I don’t know if any were used, but I know that the map covers changed every year.
Here are some of the Hy Finn materials, advertising and maps. The current road map exhibit at the Museum pays homage to Hy Finn and lots of other cute and funny road maps. Stop by for a laugh, and bring the kids too! n
Road maps have been a resource for wayfinding but are often overlooked for their ingenuity and artistry. We’re teaming with the Road Map Collectors Association to bring colorful and intriguing stories to America’s Transportation Experience. For more information on road map collecting and to join the RMCA visit to www.roadmaps.org
Tucker Owners: Living the Dream
Tucker 1051 debut at the Greenwich Concours d`Elegance, June 2025
Tucker 1051: A Family Dream Realized
A Tucker Owned By Mike Tucker, Sean Tucker, and Rob Ida
This spring, something remarkable happened. Tuckers became owners of a Tucker. Preston Tucker’s great-grandsons Mike and Sean and longtime friend and collaborator Rob Ida became owners of Tucker 1051. They became the first family members to own a Tucker since their great-grandmother Vera over 60 years ago.
The journey to ownership wasn’t a transaction—it was a decades-long story woven with passion, persistence, and a little bit of fate. Three families—the Tuckers, the Idas, and the DeLorenzos—are now forever linked through one extraordinary car.
The spark of interest in all things Tucker began in the 1940s. Preston Tucker and the Tucker Corporation envisioned “the car of tomorrow.” The excitement around the “Tin Goose” prototype swept the county as thousands gathered to get a glimpse of the car. Soon, Preston Tucker established a sales network. Carlo DeLorenzo in Butler, New Jersey and Joe Ida in
Yonkers, New York signed on as dealers. Generations after the fall of the Tucker Corporation, it would be easy to assume the interest in Tucker cars may have diminished. That assumption proved wrong as their interest in Tucker cars never waned.
Carlo F. “Chick” DeLorenzo, the dealership owner’s son, would go on to become the owner and restorer of the car known as Tucker 1051. Chick completed the build in 1986. After his passing in 2012, the car sat untouched for years in the garage he shared with his wife Kathy.
A Friendship Forged with Vision
The Tucker-Ida connection began serendipitously in the early 2000s. While Sean and Mike were in college, Rob Ida reached out to their father, John R. Tucker, Jr., hoping to debut his Tucker recreation at the family’s Tucker-themed café in Ypsilanti, Michigan. That first meeting sparked an enduring friendship. “From day one,” Mike said, “we just clicked. We had a shared vision.” With Sean living in eastern Pennsylvania near Rob’s shop, Ida Automotive in Morganville, NJ,
Chick DeLorenzo’s Tucker 1051
collaborations naturally followed. When Mike moved to Pennsylvania in 2012, weekends were often spent together working on Tucker projects, including Howard Kroplick’s Tucker 1044. That restoration became a pivotal moment for them.
“That was our first huge adventure,” Mike recalled. “Howard shared our vision for originality and quality. It gave us the confidence to say, ‘We can do this.’” It was a turning point for them. “1044 changed everything for us thanks to Howard. It made people take notice.” Their skills, attention to detail, and ever-increasing Tucker experience led to work on cars 1034, 1029, and many others together with Mark Lieberman of Nostalgic Motoring LTD in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Remembering Chick
Chick, a maintenance person at Chilton Hospital, wasn’t wealthy—but his passion ran deep. With ingenuity and grit, he remortgaged his house, tracked down parts, and eventually acquired 1051.Chick was a hands-on craftsman, casting parts, making molds, and finishing the car piece by piece.
Chick finished the car in the late eighties. Mike and Sean were twelve when they last saw it in 1992. The story had always been that the car Chick bought was a collection of parts, and he assembled it himself. That’s what everyone thought and the car was impressed in their memory.
In the early 2000s, Rob and his father Bob had connected with Chick through Tucker circles. Because of their years-long friendship, in 2012, Rob was hired to paint Chick’s car creating an enduring connection. Soon after, Chick passed away.
The Car in the Garage
For years, 1051 sat quietly in Chick’s garage in Butler, New Jersey. Mike said, “About 10 years ago, while working on something at Rob’s shop, we decided to drive to Butler and reconnect with Chick’s family.” They knocked on the door, met briefly, and left their contact information.
For four years, they tried to reach out. Each time, Kathy politely declined to talk. They later learned Chick had instructed her to keep the car hidden, with a list of trusted contacts tucked in the glove box. He wanted to ensure that when she decided to sell the car, she would find the a trustworthy buyer.
Eventually, Sean wrote letters to Chick’s son, Steve, now living in Colorado. No response came. Then in December 2024, message arrived from Kelly Hunt, Steve’s wife. Steve was back in New Jersey due to Kathy’s declining health. She invited them to see the car.
Mike drove through the night. “We weren’t there to buy it,” he said. “We just wanted to help preserve it.” It was the first time seeing the car in over 30 years.
A Hidden Treasure
The car, under wraps and untouched since Chick’s death
Live Webcast:
The Return of #1022
We’re pleased to present the “Awakening of Tucker 1022” webcast at America’s Transportation Experience on Wednesday, October 8th, at 7 p.m. The fully-operational car returns to the Museum’s Cammack Tucker Gallery thanks to the support of the Cammack family and year-long restoration efforts. The TAPShosted online and on-site presentation event takes an in-depth look at the process to restore and awaken the vehicle. Mark Lieberman and Mike Tucker lead the conversation live from the Museum. The Museum will be open 6:30-9:00 p.m., and conditions permitting, guests will enjoy seeing the car driving on the Museum campus. Light refreshments will be available.
Register to attend: www.ATExPA.org/tucker-1022/ Museum on-site participation:
• Suggested $10 donation • TAPS members FREE
• Online participation is FREE
Jeff Bridges as Preston Tucker with Chick DeLorenzo on the Tucker movie set.
in 2012, was covered in cobwebs. Kathy had never even removed the car’s cover, but underneath 1051 was clearly something special.
The DeLorenzo family was unaware of the car’s history or identity. Mike and Rob examined everything and returned the next weekend with Sean to inspect the car.
Despite concerns—Would the engine turn over? Was the transmission shot?—the car was remarkably preserved. Without knowing the possible shortcomings, Mike, Sean, and Rob decided to try to buy it, wondering if they could make it happen.
Assessing 1051
Finally, with the ownership transfer complete, cleaning and polishing revealed a beautifully preserved vehicle. Though its mechanical systems are in need of work, the exterior and interior are in remarkable shape. The immediate focus is to get the car running again. The long-term restoration decisions will follow.
The Story of 1051
Piecing together the car’s origin revealed a fascinating history. 1051 traces back to the Tucker Corporation’s 1950 auction. Ezra Schliff bought most of the remaining car parts at the auction including a rolling chassis featuring body 1054 which would eventually become 1051. He also bought the famous “rollover car,” 1027. He soon sold 1027 and 1051 to Dewey Bloomquist. Between the two owners motor 33584 was installed in the car.
In 1953, the Poll Museum in Holland, Michigan, bought 1051 and parts from 1027 from Bloomquist. Documents show that over the years, David Cammack, Bill Hamlin, and Richard Jones were all in communication with the museum to gather parts to finish the car.
Chick bought the car from the museum in 1986.1051 was a partially-assembled body shell. At that time, it had fenders made by museum owner Clyde Poll.
Soon after Chick acquired the car, Francis Ford Coppola began filming the movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream. Chick sent the car to be included in the film. Coppola found a way to cast fiberglass fenders from one of the other fiberglass cars and put them on 1051. On the set of the movie, there was a mysterious dark blue car. It was 1051.
When the car returned from the movie’s production, Chick remade the fenders, put it all together, and “made a car.”
Chick always loved the car. It is believed that this car may have had a complete rolling chassis. He was probably correct in thinking that 1051 would have been the next car in line, but it never got a serial number or data plate. The actual body number is 1054. Technically, it’s considered a continuation car because it was put together after production.
Full Circle
Owning a Tucker is more than a milestone for Mike, Sean and Rob. “It still doesn’t feel real,” he said. “When I stood with the car at Greenwich, it felt like I was representing someone else’s car.” But 1051 has come home. Through generations, friendships, and fate, their Tucker dream lives on. n
Mike and Sean Tucker uncover Tucker 1051 in Chick DeLorenzo’s garage.
Owners Sean Tucker, Rob Ida, and Mike Tucker working on 1051.
Tucker Archivist
We’re pleased to welcome Thomas Morrow as curator of the David S. Cammack Tucker Archives. Since joining the Museum’s staff, Thomas has accessioned hundreds of items, significantly expanding the historical record of the Tucker legacy. His meticulous work and enthusiasm for archival preservation have made him an essential part of the team.
Thomas brings a diverse background in archival work, with prior experience in fashion history and local genealogy collections. In addition to his archival duties, he actively contributes to the TAPS social media pages, helping share stories, artifacts, and updates with a growing community of enthusiasts. He will also be instrumental in managing content for the new TAPS website and improving the online archives.
We are grateful for what has been accomplished. Thomas’ dedication ensures the Tucker story is preserved and celebrated for future generations.
Vote! Hall of Honor
In 2023, we launched the “Tucker Hall of Honor.” Preston Tucker and Alex Tremulis were obvious choices for the first honorees. Last year, we honored David S. Cammack and Eddie Offutt. We invite Tucker Society members to vote for this year’s honorees Visit: www.ATExPA.org/tucker-hall-of-honor/ Nominees include:
Dan Leabu led the work to modify the Cord transmission, creating the Y-1 transmission, and converted the Franklin aircooled engine to be a traditional water-cooled engine.
Nick Jenin purchased over ten Tuckers, the original Tucker chassis, numerous Tucker parts, photos and documents at the original Tucker auction. He developed a traveling display called “The Fabulous Tuckers” that toured for ten years.
Warren Rice developed a continuously variable transmission called the “Tuckermatic” which was strong enough to handle the Franklin O-335’s power and torque. He was also the creator of the Buick Dynaflow transmission.
Preston Tucker, Jr., was Preston Tucker’s oldest son. Of his siblings, he was the most involved with the company. He was instrumental in the technical aspects of converting the Franklin 335 c.i. engine from air-cooled to water-cooled.
Richard Jones was a founding member of TACA and secretary for the club. He was known for rebuilding Tucker engines and carefully documenting the cars and their technical aspects. He was the key man on the set of the Tucker movie and kept the cars operational for filming.
Stan Gilliland was the primary founding member of TACA. He owned several Tuckers, body tubs and parts. He worked on Tucker restorations including those in the Cammack Tucker gallery. His Cord parts business enabled him to rebuild Cord and Y1 transmissions and provide parts and tech support.
Preserving the Past and Positioning for the Future
Evolving Tucker Engagement and Outreach
By Joe Kahn
“When it’s time to change, you’ve got to rearrange - who you are into what you’re gonna be.” Whether or not you get that reference might define where you fit into the Tucker saga.
Like all things, we must evolve to stay relevant, and that’s precisely what the Tucker Automobile Club of America (TACA) has done for 52 years. In fact, TACA is older now than the Tucker ‘48 sedan was when the club was founded in 1973. Taking that further, Tucker: The Man and His Dream is 37 years old! That’s a long time to keep the memory alive for a handful of cars, which, to the layman, are virtually all identical.
TACA took a huge step in 2017 when it merged into America’s Transportation Experience/AACA Museum, Inc., and combined its historical collection and library with the Cammack
Tucker Collection. It was not easy or even completely popular then, but it was necessary to continue serving TACA’s mission to “keep the legend alive.”
The simple fact is that all car clubs are changing. International, national, and even local clubs have suffered dwindling membership for several years. This problem is not unique to niche marques like Tucker; it affects all mainstream brands. Sure, we can blame it on the aging demographic of classic car owners, the definition of a classic or special interest car, changing social norms, or the role of the Internet in sharing technical and social information. What’s important is how we react to these changes.
When I first got into the [life-sized] car hobby 30 years ago, I joined a local Mustang Club. Most of the members back then had 60s-era Mustangs. We’d get together every month for a formal club meeting. We’d hang out at local cruise nights,
schedule car cruises to various places, and, of course, host an annual all-Ford car show as the year’s main event. Another vital part of the club was having technical knowledge that could be shared, and of course friendships that were cast by helping each other fix our cars.
For many of these reasons, our charter members formed TACA in the early 1970s. They swapped parts, shared knowledge, wrenched on each other’s cars, and even got together a couple times per year to hold a convention or mini-meet. As time marched on, TACA shared the Tucker story with the masses, and a fella named Francis made a little ‘vid’ about the car that swelled TACA’s membership to over 400 members. It was truly a great run through the first decade of the 2000s. Tucker Topics was a fantastic newsletter that had gone full color! Conventions were very well attended by club members. But there was one thing missing…Tucker cars.
• What happens to a car club when only one or two cars are being restored every few years?
• What happens to a car club when the cars’ values make them unobtainable for 90% of the club’s members?
•What happens to a car club when those enthusiastic members who carried the torch for so many years start to burn out?
•What happens to a car club when so much information that one might seek is available for free online?
…It’s time to change. To rearrange.
TACA’s mission has always been to keep the legend alive. That will never change. However, the methods we use to accomplish that mission must evolve.
The Tucker Automobile Preservation Society (TAPS) launched in late 2024 to continue to tell the story of Preston Tucker and his “car of tomorrow” through modern and relevant channels. Sharing the Tucker story, with the world’s most extensive collection of Tucker artifacts, TAPS now has a professional archivist on staff (Thomas Morrow) to document and prepare Tucker treasures for the archives and public display. In addition, TAPS is:
1. Expanding our membership base and America’s Transportation Experience attendance.
2. Getting the word out through traveling exhibits and educational outreach.
3. Building engagement to promote interest through social media channels, live and virtual presentations, and in-person events.
4. Elevating legitimacy, the TACA foundation positions TAPS as THE authority on all things Tucker. History must be preserved and defended, or it can be distorted or lost.
With your help, we’re keeping the Tucker legacy alive. We encourage you to participate in all aspects of TAPS evolution. We look forward to growing interest, providing innovative, and educational outreach, and encouraging exponential growth. n
As we used to say: Tuckerly, Joe
Archive Addition
Postcard of Tucker ‘48 1014. Text on the back describes the technical aspects of the car. Written on the back is a message from Bill Hamlin to Joe Walker mentioning an event where Tucker 1011 and 1002 will be featured and Bill is asking Joe to attend the event.
Join/Renew
The Tucker Automobile Preservation Society Member Benefits
When you add the Tucker Automobile Preservation Society to your America’s Transportation Experience/ AACA Museum, Inc. membership, you receive:
• Scheduled access to view archived Tucker artifacts and documentation in on-site with a Museum/TAPS representative.
• FREE access to the Tucker digital archives (currently being improved and expanded).
• Advanced notification and FREE access for selected Tucker-related online, on-site, and special events.
• Votes for annual Tucker Hall of Honor selections.
• An annual chance to win Night at the Museum tickets and other Tucker-related prizes.
Bus Musings
‘Spring Fling’ Success Despite the Weather
After a week of foreboding weather forecasts that proved to be pretty accurate, more than 400 bus enthusiasts attended the America’s Transportation Experience Bus Collection Spring Fling (www. ATExPA.org/event/bus-collection-spring-fling/).
Although attendance was down a bit from previous years, it was quite a success, considering weather. It was the first rainy Spring Fling Saturday in 20 consecutive annual events.
This year was special because an intrepid group of volunteers drove 30 (out of the total fleet of 40) historic buses up from the Annex to display at the Museum’s main campus (Note the
photo below of the empty Annex). These buses were displayed with a number of visiting buses and motor homes. One of the volunteer group’s major accomplishments this year was setting up a library of maintenance and parts manuals. In the course of doing that, they identified a number of duplicates that were displayed and sold at the memorabilia marketplace. The sale of these manuals raised money to help maintain our buses and puts these rare resources in the hands of folks committed to preserving bus history.
Thanks to everyone who braved the weather. We hope you had a great time and look forward to seeing you in June 2026. Special thanks to Stefan Aleo for these great aerial images. n
The empty Annex when buses were moved to the Museum’s showfield.
Thirty buses from the Museum’s bus collection on display.
HERSHEY, PA
Workday Progress
Our recent workdays focused on preparing for the 2025 Spring Fling, and there was plenty of work to do. On May 7th and June 4th-6th, more than 20 volunteers gathered at the Annex to ensure our event’s success. As usual, our dedicated team traveled for miles to lend their time, talent, and tools to accomplish needed preparations.
Some highlights include:
• Our GMC PD-4501 Scenicruiser, that had ongoing shifting issues, was repaired with the help of our Rhode Island volunteer group and a volunteer who came from California.
• The same volunteer from the “Golden State” was able get the Golden State GMC New Look running. We were able to bring it to Spring Fling, a first for this bus since 2020.
• Overall, we accomplished repairs on more than 15 buses.
• In addition to washing the exteriors of the buses that were on display, the interiors were cleaned. Also, our crew cleaned most of the buses that remained at the Annex.
Special Promotion for Spring Fling
John Bailey led the way to spread the word about this year’s Spring Fling to the Harrisburg/Hershey area. Thanks to his efforts we received coverage from WITF-TV a non-commercial TV station in Harrisburg, and The Sun serving Hummelstown, Hershey, and Palmyra. Also, thanks to Larry Plachno and National Bus Trader for their support over the years, and for their help in letting folks know about Spring Fling.
We appreciate all who participated in our efforts. Our next workday is September 20th. Since we accomplished so much while preparing for Spring Fling and with the summer’s heat, we decided to postpone our July and August workdays.
Came for the Spring Fling. Loved it! — Tom B.
Love the classic buses! — Eric M.
What’s the bus story you most love to tell when you gather with friends?
We’re Looking for a Few Good Writers
We’re always looking for interesting, and informative articles of 700-1000 words for Bus Musings. Your favorite bus adventures, industry leaders, “war stories,” or travel tips help readers learn about, engage with, and appreciate bus transportation history. Stories from the industry, the mechanic’s perspective and the driver’s seat are perfect for our upcoming “Bus Stops” series. The feature is designed to help readers appreciate today’s industry and the nostalgia of bygone days.
You could see your story in print accompanied by your byline. If you’re interested in submitting a bus-related story, please email Executive Director Jeffrey Bliemeister (jbliemeister@ AACAMuseum.org) and forward any relevant photographs that have the appropriate permissions to be included. The story must be previously unpublished and original. The Museum reserves the right to accept/reject any submission. n
Future driver! Photo by Stefan Aleo
Sage Memorial Bus Annex Fundraising for the Future
Fresh off the success of the 2025 Spring Fling, the Museum’s Bus Committee is turning its attention to needed improvements at the George M. Sage Memorial Bus Annex. This off-site facility, which was purchased by the former Museum of Bus Transportation to house buses not on display, became part of America’s Transportation Experience through the museums’ merger. The building and its grounds have immediate needs that must addressed. We are seeking your support for the following projects, which aim to enhance drainage, stability, access, and security at this facility.
“When the Bus Committee was an independent organization, they frequently had an annual fundraising campaign and other initiatives to assist with ongoing expenses and special projects,” states Executive Director Jeffrey Bliemeister. “Now that the organization is a working committee within the Museum, funding must come from the general budget. I am hoping you will
join me in supporting these much-needed improvements to better service and protect our treasured fleet of historic buses.”
Sitework
The Bus Committee has done its best to work within the existing physical limitations of the Annex and property. Many improvements have been implemented over the years to make the facility safer, more efficient for working on buses, and an overall better home for our collection. Our dedicated bus volunteers have done much of the work themselves. However, we have reached the point where the next round of needed upgrades are beyond their scope, or require materials or equipment that must be purchased.
Specifically, we need to demolish and dispose of the existing concrete walls present in two areas at the rear of our building. The property’s driving lane and parking area, which were previously stoned, require additional fill to improve their function and long-term stability. Finally, the bus access ramp to the building needs to be raised at its lower end to allow for easier access. These improvements will help to mitigate potential flood damage, significantly enhance access for people and vehicles, and contribute to the property’s long-term viability.
Building and Property Upgrades
The Bus Committee holds regularly scheduled workdays at the Annex, where volunteers travel from all over the area (and beyond) to maintain the fleet, organize the parts department, and assist the Museum’s staff with routine building and grounds work. Though the Annex is equipped with a service pit and many of the tools needed for bus-related repair, improvements are always a welcome addition.
Early this year, Hoffman Services Inc., Newark, NJ, made a generous donation
to the Museum, specifically for the Annex. They are a leader in the field of truck, bus, and commercial vehicle lifts. They graciously donated and delivered a set of four reconditioned Stertil-Koni heavy-duty lifts for servicing and repairing the fleet. To utilize this equipment, we must install a three-phase electrical service to the building, which will incur a cost of approximately $9,000.00.
Finally, we would like to upgrade our security and safety through the installation of new and more effective fencing. Ideally, we would like to secure the entire perimeter of the building and install new, fully functional access gates.
Bus Committee Chairperson Tom McCaughey and his group have done a great job organizing and breathing new life into the collection and the use of buses in movies, exhibitions and public education. “Fundraising has taken a back seat temporarily, but is now critical for us to move forward,” he stated when asked about these proposed improvements. “We hope those who share our passion for bus history will help support these efforts.”
All contributions, large or small, are encouraged and appreciated. Please make checks payable to “AACA Museum, Inc.” and note “Bus Annex Project” on the memo line. For online donations, visit: www.ATExPA.org/bus-donation/ and note “Bus Annex Project” in the dedication area. All contributions to the Museum are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. n
Lifts donated by Hoffman Services Inc.
The annual Night at the Museum (NATM) fundraising and recognition event is planned for October 7th. The evening’s program, “Marques & Milestones,” highlights storied vehicles from the Museum’s collection. This year, Bus Committee Chairperson Tom McCaughey will present the story of our 1952 GMC Model 4103. Amazingly, before the bus embarked on its years-long service with Trailways, it was driven by the father of our Fleet Chair Randy Wilcox. On April 26th, 1955, with Quaker City Bus Company driver Floyd Wilcox at the wheel, the bus was involved in a major accident. Floyd and a bus passenger were injured. Soon after the repairs were complete Quaker City was bought by Trailways, and Floyd continued driving for Trailways. Prior to the bus being donated to the Museum, the coach was painted with Greyhound colors and livery. Through documentation and research, Randy and his dad soon discovered that the bus was the vehicle from the 1955 crash. Join us at NATM for the full story and other stories from the road. Visit: www.ATExPA.org/night-at-the-museum/ for details and tickets.
Bus Featured at NATM Donation
We’re pleased to announce that Greyhound Lines recently donated their collection of historic memorabilia to the Museum. The gift, containing over 130 boxes of valuable documents and artifacts from their HQ in Dallas, Texas, arrived just before Spring Fling. It’s being stored in a climate- controlled storage unit in Pennsylvania. Our next edition of Bus Musing will feature more information about this collection. We truly appreciate the gift.
Join the America’s Transportation Experience Bus Collection team and help to keep the history of the bus and motor coach industry alive.
We’ re looking for volunteers to work alongside some of our industry’s top coach mechanics, many with more than 40 years of experience. You’ll network and build lifelong friendships while learning about and working on historic, vintage and classic buses and coaches.
We hold nine workdays (March-November) and one or two multi-day events each year. Our efforts culminate each June for our annual “Spring Fling.”
Whether you’re living near the Museum or from miles away, we have opportunities to get involved in preserving the legacy of bus transportation. Visit: www.volgistics. com/appform/1269797598 or scan the code. n
The Bus Collection’s Growing Online Presence Volunteers Needed
The Museum’s Bus Collection has a dedicated presence on the America’s Transportation Experience website. The homepage’s main menu (www.ATExPA.org) includes a “Bus Collection” tab that leads to speciallyformatted pages for events, galleries, and stories. More content will be added soon.
Current Exhibits:
n Featured Exhibits:
• Tailgate Travelers: Classic Station Wagons
• The First MegaDealer: Don Allen Chevrolet Dealership Retrospective
• Husqvarna: Get Your Husky On
• Legacy Series: The Corvette Then and Now Through–October 17th, 2025
Upcoming Events:
n Walter P. Chrysler National Meet Chrysler 100th Anniversary Celebration July 9, 2025
n Wreaths Across America Car Show July 27, 2025
n Museum Live Webcast: Great Stories from the Great Race X-Cup Division September 13, 2025
n Model T Driving Experience September 14 and 27, 2025
n Fall Carlisle October 1, 2025
n Night at the Museum October 7, 2025
n Museum Live Webcast: The Return of Tucker 1022 October 8, 2025
n Caffeine Behind the Scenes Behind the Scenes Open House October 9, 2025
n Model T Driving Experience October 18 and November 1, 2025
n Autos & Ales Craft Beer Festival November 7, 2025
n Fall Featured Exhibit Opening Old School Hot Rods & Customs Presented in conjunction with Pocono Mountain Street Rods 50th Anniversary November 21, 2025
The AACA Museum, Inc. has been and remains an independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, not affiliated with the Antique Automobile Club of America.
