Hershey Antique Automobile Museum Delights Car Enthusiasts
Aficionados come from miles around to enjoy the outstanding collection of automobiles on display at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum (AACA) in Hershey. I visited the museum on assignment and because I’m no enthusiast, I was surprised to enjoy the tour as much as I did. It was both interesting and enlightening.
The Hershey Antique Automobile Club of America (Photo courtesy of the AACA)
The AACA welcomes nearly 70,000 guests per year, with rotating exhibits to keep visitors coming back. Volunteer John Marsh said, “We rotate our cars in and out, so people can see something new every time.”
The three-story,70,000 square foot building houses nearly 100 cars and visitors follow a timeline that progresses through the years starting with an Early Model T.
Car pictured against a backdrop of the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania
A permanent exhibit, which fascinates many visitors, features the world’s largest collection of Tucker 48 automobiles built by Preston Tucker, a forward-thinking entrepreneur from Michigan. To learn more about Tucker and his creativity and ingenuity, consider viewing Francis Ford Coppola’s 1988 film, “Tucker: The Man and His Dream.” The three vehicles on display at the AACA include the first ‘production’ prototype, along with number 1022 and 1026 — the only Tucker built with an automatic transmission. Tucker crafted each stylish car by hand and touted them as “the car of tomorrow.” Today only 27 are known to exist.
Rare Tucker automobiles on display at the AACA
The AACA is also home to the largest collection of antique buses under one roof. Located on the lower level, the collection includes a 1912 White SF 1038PA bus run by Martz Lines, a 1915 white 15–45 Fullington Autobus Co (Clearfield, Pa) and a 1924 Fageol Safety Coach 12-B.
The AACA is home to the largest collection of antique buses under one roof.
Also on the lower level is a cute, compact diner, which dates back to the 1940s. The restored eatery, once known as the Flo-Inn Cafe, was transported from Wichita, Kansas and was in operation until the 1980s. You can read more about the Flo-Inn Cafe here.
The Flo-Inn Cafe from Witchita Kansas
From November 19-April 22, 2017, visitors will see a collection of Italian cars. The “Amore della Strada” exhibit translates to “love of the road,” and will feature 18 cars and seven motorcycles. Cars will include a 1971 Fiat 850 Spider and a rare 1974 DeTomaso Longchamps Coupe, a 1967 Italia Omega Convertible and a 1977 Piaggio Ape.
The 1952 Siata BC Sports Spider is part of the “Amore Della Strada” exhibit that runs through April, 2017. (Photo courtesy of AACA)
If you’re trying to think of something different to do with the family during the holidays, the AACA is a good choice. The annual “Cars and Christmas” celebration features a vintage Hess toy truck display, a Grinch scavenger hunt and Sammy the 29-ton Snow Plow greets children at the front of the museum. A perennial favorite for children of all ages is the popular 12-foot-fall, 26-foot long, custom-made Kissmobile cruiser which resembles three Hershey’s Kisses and is parked at the main entrance. An interactive custom train display designed under the leadership of founder Ed Maloy, is also a hit with the little ones.
The famous “Kissmobile”
You can take a limited virtual tour of the AACA by clicking here, or learn more by visiting their website at www.aacamuseum.org.
Upcoming Exhibits:
Amore della Strada: Italian Cars November 19 — April 22, 2017
Cars & Christmas November 19 — December 31, 2016
Cammack Tucker Exhibit — Permanent Exhibit — Now Open
Route 66 Permanent Exhibit — Now Open
Events:
Holiday Food & Toy Drive — 11/19–12/30
Spirits 161: A Speakeasy Soiree — January 13
AACA Museum Wedding Show — February 26
