The history of the Mopar brand of Chrysler Corporation is full of innovation, resilience, and a dedication to excellence. Starting from its early days, Mopar has grown to become a legendary name in the automotive industry. As a result, it has made a lasting impact on the roads and in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.Read More
Walter P. Chrysler, a visionary industrialist and the founder of the Chrysler Corporation, left a significant mark on the automotive industry through his pursuit of engineering excellence. He is known for the iconic brands under the Chrysler umbrella—Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, and Chrysler—and for introducing groundbreaking engineering advancements that revolutionized the automotive landscape.Read More
If you’re a fan of classic cars and automotive history, then the Hershey Region Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) is a treasure trove of excitement and camaraderie. Nestled in the charming town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, this club has become a beacon for car lovers, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of automobiles. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Hershey Region AACA so special!
Founded in 1955 by Jim Ladd, the Hershey Region AACA has been a driving force in the classic car community. The club brings together enthusiasts who share a passion for vintage automobiles, creating a welcoming environment for both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. Members range from those who own rare models to those who simply appreciate the artistry and engineering behind classic cars.
One of the highlights of being part of the Hershey Region AACA is the array of events held throughout the year. From monthly meetings to car shows and swap meets, there’s always something happening. The annual Hershey Auto Show is a standout event, attracting thousands of visitors and participants. Here, you can marvel at stunning displays of classic cars, engage in friendly conversations with fellow enthusiasts, and even pick up some hard-to-find parts for your own restoration projects.
A core mission of the Hershey Region AACA is education and preservation. The club organizes workshops and seminars where members can learn about car restoration, maintenance, and the historical significance of different models. This commitment to education helps ensure that the knowledge and appreciation of classic cars are passed down to future generations.
The Hershey Region AACA isn’t just about cars; it’s about community. The club participates in various charitable events and local initiatives, showcasing their vehicles while giving back to the community. Whether it’s a car show benefiting a local charity or a partnership with schools to teach students about automotive history, the club emphasizes the importance of community engagement.
Joining the Hershey Region AACA means becoming part of a family. Members share stories, swap restoration tips, and forge friendships that extend beyond car talk. The camaraderie among members creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Whether you’re sharing a laugh over a favorite model or seeking advice on a restoration project, the support from fellow members is invaluable.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Hershey Region AACA remains committed to celebrating the past while embracing the future. With electric and hybrid vehicles becoming more prevalent, the club is exploring ways to incorporate these innovations into their activities, ensuring that classic car enthusiasts remain engaged in the changing automotive world.
The Hershey Region AACA is more than just a club; it’s a vibrant community dedicated to preserving the rich history of automobiles. Whether you’re a classic car owner, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of vintage vehicles, there’s a place for you here. So, why not join the Hershey Region AACA? You’ll find a welcoming family, exciting events, and a shared passion for all things automotive. Rev up your engines and get ready to celebrate the timeless allure of classic cars in Hershey! If you’d like to learn more, check out Hershey’s Official Website
The history of Chrysler Corporation’s semi-automatic transmissions began in the late 1930s with the introduction of the Vaca Matic transmissions. Chrysler initially used these transmissions in DeSoto and Chrysler cars, marking an early innovation in automotive technology. Because of their semi-automatic operation, drivers found the Vaca Matic transmissions notable, offering a smoother and more convenient driving experience compared to traditional manual transmissions.Read More
The Mopar Flathead 6 cylinder engine is a key piece of automotive history, loved for its reliability, longevity, and versatility. First released by Chrysler Corporation in the late 1930s, this engine quickly became popular. As a result, it powered many Plymouth, Dodge, Desoto, and Chrysler vehicles.Read More
In the aftermath of World War II, the American automotive industry underwent a dramatic transformation. It shifted gears from wartime production to peacetime manufacturing. As a result, the 1946-1948 lineup of Chrysler Corporation cars featured classic Chrysler car parts and old Chrysler parts. Consequently, these vehicles stand as a testament to this pivotal era. The period was marked by innovation, resilience, and a renewed sense of prosperity. For instance, notable models from this period include the Desoto S-11, Dodge D-24, Chrysler C-38 and C-39, and Plymouth P-15 Deluxe and Special Deluxe. Each car embodies the spirit of post-war optimism and technological advancement.Read More
The Plymouth P15 of 1946-1948 are a great choice for anyone who wants to restore, collect, or simply drive a great American car of the post war 1940’s.
First, Plymouth made a LOT of them. Automobile production in the United States had been halted in February 1942. This was due to the U.S. government’s decision to prioritize resources and manufacturing capabilities for military production during World War II. The automotive industry shifted its focus to producing military vehicles, aircraft engines, and other war-related equipment.Read More
If you’ve been in the classic Mopar game for a long time or are brand new to it, you are probably fascinated with stories of fantastic barn find cars that are often rescued from decades of long term storage.
If you are lucky to have discovered a barn find Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto or Chrysler – I am jealous and would like to hear all about it!Read More
Chrysler Corporation was late to the game with V8 engine power. While Ford and Cadillac had been mass producing V8 power plants since the 1930’s Chrysler continued to power their top of the line cars with flathead straight 8 power right up until 1950.
But when Chrysler finally did enter the V8 arena, they did it with a bang! The iconic Chrysler “Firepower” Hemi V8 came out for the 1951 model year and was a sensation, beating the overhead valve Cadillac V8 by 20 horsepower and powering the Hemi equipped Chryslers to Caddy beating 0-60 times too.
In one fantastic technical innovation Chrysler moved aheadRead More
From 1935 through 1959 Chrysler flathead 6 cylinder passenger car engines developed a reputation for durability. They looked similar, but went through several changes along the way. For our purposes we will concentrate on the Plymouth and Dodge engines (PD) and the 1937 through 1954 Chrysler and DeSoto engines (CD). The PD engines are both 23.5” long, as measured at the head. 1935 through 1941 Plymouth engines had a bore of 3.125” for a displacement of 201 cubic inches. The Dodge engines throughout had a bore of 3.25” as did the Plymouth engines from 1942 though 1959 giving either 218 or 230 cubic inches. Chrysler and DeSoto engines were 25.5” long and came in 2 bore sizes: 3.375” from 1937-1941 and 3.4375” from 1942-1959. A variety of displacements were arrived at due to different strokes including 228, 236, 241,250 and 265 cubic inches. For our purposes, the bore size tells us what we need to know about the internal parts.Read More