National Awards

The AACA Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding restoration of the year of a pre-1921 automobile entered in each Division.  Award established in 1945 by a member who desired to remain anonymous.

The President’s Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding restoration of the year of a 1921 through 1942 automobile entered in each Division.  Award established in 1960 by AACA.

The Bomgardner Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding restoration of the year of a post-1942 automobile entered in each Fall Meet.  Award established in 1987 by AACA in honor of William and Jean Bomgardner for their years of dedication as executive director and office manager of AACA from 1959 through 1986.  The trophy itself was donated by Mr. Edward H. Marion.

The AACA Past President’s Racing Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding race car entered in each Division.  Award established in 1971 by Mr. And Mrs. Seth Pancoast, Sr. and is a cup won by Erwin Bergdoll on June 18, 1910, driving a Benz at the Point Breeze Race Track in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  P.D. Folwell, Mrs. Hyde Ballard’s father, was chairman of the contest board of the Quaker City Motor Club and presented the cup to the winner in 1910.

The Joseph Parkin Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Packard entered in each Division.  Award established in 1973 by Joseph W. Parkin, Jr., former race driver of the Fairmount Park races and the Point Breeze races.  Joseph W. Parkin, Jr. won this trophy in 1910 with a Packard “30”.

The Post War Car Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Junior Post-War automobile entered in each Spring Meet.  Award established in 1982 by the Southern California Region and R.J. LaPorte, Bill Honda and Al Gherardi.

The James Melton Memorial Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Senior Car entered in the Spring Meet in each Division.  Award established in 1963 by Dr. Samuel L. Scher in memory of James Melton (1903-1961), former AACA president and internationally known singer.  The cup itself is the racing trophy won by the famous Winton Bullet in 1905, and was once prized possession of James Melton.

The Chocolate Town Trophy

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Senior Car entered in the Fall Meet in each Division.  Award established in 1972 by the Hershey Estates and the Hershey Foods Corporation in commemoration of the first annual Fall Meet held in Hershey in 1954.  The Hershey Fall Meet, largest of its kind in the world, has been held continuously since that time.

The W. Emmert Swigart Memorial Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding restoration of a rare and unusual automobile entered in a National Meet.  Award established in 1950 by Mrs. Swigart in memory of W. Emmert Swigart (1883-1949), former AACA director and an early collector of antique automobiles and automobiliana.

The S. F. Edge Trophy

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding restoration of the year of a foreign-made automobile entered in a National Meet.  Award established in 1956 by Mrs. Edge of England in memory of S.F. Edge (1868-1940), winner of the Gordon-Bennet Race in 1902, and who was known as the “father of the British motor industry.”  An associate of the Napier organization, he designed the first six-cylinder engine for them.

The Pamphilon Distinguished Car Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to a pre-1916 self-propelled land vehicle of outstanding merit entered in a National Meet.  Award established in 1965 by Mrs. L. Edward Pamphilon in memory of a L. Edward Pamphilon who gave unsparingly of his time and energy to the Antique Automobile Club of America and to the advancement of the hobby.

Bert S. Harrington, Jr. Brighton Era Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to a pre-1905 automobile.  Awarded on the basis of restoration, maintenance or preservation selected from a National Meet or Tour.  Donated by Mrs. Lu Harrington in memory of her husband.

The Edgar E. Rohr Memorial Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to a 1920 or older Buick Junior or Senior automobile on the basis that it has participated in AACA events and has been driven at least 500 miles or more since restoration.  Donated by Mrs. Walser Rohr in memory of her husband, a great promoter of the hobby, who was a National President (1963-1964).  The Rohrs participated in more than 23 Glidden Tours in their 1912 Buick.

The Ford Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to Fords of the four eras of model years:

Brass Model era & Model “T” era cars (1903-1927); Model “A” cars (1928-1931); Pre-War Ford cars (1932-1945); Post-War Ford cars (1946 to current allowable year). 

One winner will be selected annually from the nominees from all National Meets.  Junior and Senior cars are eligible.  Competition and commercial vehicles are excluded.  All driven and non-driven cars are eligible.  With consideration given to driven cars.  The award is made on the basis of authenticity, appearance and reliability.  Award established in 1976 by the Southeastern Region of AACA.

Ransom E. Olds Memorial Trophy

Presented by Oldsmobile Division, G.M.C. honoring the year’s most outstanding restoration at a National Meet by a product of Olds Motor Works or Oldsmobile Division, G.M.C.  Trophy donated by Classic Oldsmobile, Merrillville, Indiana.

Louis Chevrolet Memorial Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding Junior Chevrolet shown at an AACA National Meet during the year.  This award was made possible by Chevrolet Motor Division, General Motors Corp.

Senior Chevrolet Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding Senior Chevrolet shown at an AACA National Meet during the year.  This award was established in 2002 by Lafayette and Janice Williams.

The Motorcycle Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding restoration of the year of a motorcycle shown at a National Meet.  Award established by the Southwestern Two Wheelers Region of AACA.

The Minicycle Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding restoration of a minicycle entered in Classes 5d and/or 5e at a National Meet (other than an AGNM) during the year.

The Hershey Region Junior Truck Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding Junior truck entered in a National Meet.  Award established in 1989 by the AACA Hershey Region.

The Hershey Region Senior Truck Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding Senior truck entered in a National Meet.  Award established in 1980 by the Hershey Region of AACA.

The Annual Grand National Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to the owner of the vehicle participating at the Annual Grand National Meet which best exemplifies the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of antique motor vehicles in keeping with the purpose of the Antique Automobile Club of America.  Award established in 1980 by the Scranton Region of AACA, host Region of the first Annual Grand National Meet.  This is the only National Award presented for the Annual Grand National Meet.

The Mercer Plaque

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Mercer automobile entered in a National Meet and judged on the basis of age, authenticity, appearance, and mechanical condition.  Award established in 1956 by the late honorary member, Vincent Galloni, who was a Mercer employee during the existence of that company and who was the greatest Mercer authority until his death in 1958.

The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Award

Awarded to an outstanding Auburn, Cord, or Duesenberg automobile presented at an AACA National Meet.  Selection may be a Junior or Senior vehicle.  This award was made possible by the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum, Auburn, Indiana.

The Foo-Dog Trophy

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Rolls-Royce automobile entered in a National Meet judged on the basis of age, style and quality of coachwork, authenticity, appearance and mechanical condition.  Award established in 1945 by former AACA President, D. Cameron Peck.  The trophy itself is an ancient and valuable Chinese work of art.

AACA Post War Buick Award

To be awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Post War (WW 2) Buick entered in a National Meet.  Donated by Eileen and Jeffrey Brashares of Worthington, Ohio.

The Walter P. Chrysler Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an outstanding Chrysler built vehicle, (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSota, Chrysler, Imperial, Jeep) car or truck shown at the National Meet during the year.  Award established in 1998 by Darrell L. and Jacqueline Davis.

George M. Holley Award

Awarded for an outstanding restoration of a 1921 through 1942 antique vehicle entered in a national meet for each division, senior vehicles only. Award established by the Holley Foundation.

Peterson Fire Apparatus Award

Awarded for an outstanding fire apparatus entered in a National Meet. Presented in 2001 by Edward L. Peterson President of SPAAMFAA

The Cadillac-LaSalle Award

Awarded to an outstanding Junior or Senior Cadillac or LaSalle shown during the year at a National Meet. Presented by the Cadillac LaSalle Club.

Discontinued Automobile Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding automobile whose manufacture ceased during the period of 1939 through current allowable year entered in a National Meet.  Award established in 1999 by Darrell and Jacqueline Davis in honor of Paul D. Davis.

HPOF Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to the outstanding vehicles in the HPOF (Historical Preservation Original Features) Class in three categories:

Two- or Three-wheel cycle vehicle — Award established in 1988 by the AACA Northern California Antique Motorcycle Region.

Vehicles through 1929 (excluding two- or three-wheel vehicles) —Award established in 1991 by the AACA Hershey Region.

Vehicles 1930 through current allowable year (45 years or older) —Award established in 1992 by the AACA Hershey Region in memory of Shirley M. Mader, longtime member and Secretary of the Hershey Region.

The Thomas McKean Tour Trophy

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for an antique automobile which completed a National Tour on the basis of age, authenticity, appearance, condition and distance traveled to and from the tour.  Award established in 1949 by Thomas McKean, former president of AACA.

Benny T. Bootle Memorial Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an outstanding V8 Ford Automobile, which completed an AACA National Tour (Founders, Glidden).  Award established in 1998 by Mrs. Donna Bootle in memory of her husband who was an avid Ford collector and served as AACA National President in 1995.

The Augustus Post Memorial Plaque

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to the AACA member doing the most to preserve or re-create the spirit of the original Glidden Tours during a National AACA Tour.  Presented first in 1953 by AAA and since 1959 by AACA in memory of Col. Augustus Post, a founder of the AAA, early motorist and aviator, and instigator and participant of every original Glidden Tour (1905-1913).  He participated with AACA in every revival Glidden Tour from 1946 until his death.

The AACA Divisional Tour Award

Awarded at the annual meeting to an individual or region in recognition of their outstanding contributions in hosting a Divisional Tour.

The Winters Racing Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an AACA member in recognition of an outstanding contribution to documented racing vehicles by his or her deeds and display of enthusiasm.  This award was established in 1996 by James E. and Clarice B. Winters, racing enthusiasts.

The Charles E. Duryea Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an AACA member for outstanding effort on behalf of the Club on the basis of the value of the member’s contribution to the general welfare of the AACA.  Presented by Marion and M.J. Duryea in memory of Charles E. Duryea (1860-1938), inventor of America’s first gasoline automobile in 1892 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The AACA Library and Research Center Award

Awarded annually to the person who made an outstanding contribution of any kind (personal service, financial support or other aid) to the AACA Library and Research Center.  Presented to AACA in 1984 by Harry and Lorraine Logan.  Lorraine was the first secretary of the AACA Library and Research Center.

AACA Museum, Inc. Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to the person or persons whose dedication and personal service has contributed to the general welfare of the AACA Museum.  Presented to the AACA in 1999 by the AACA Museum Advisory Council.

The Fiala Old Faithful Award

To be awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to a member of AACA, not elected or appointed to a National office, who best exemplifies the true spirit of our Founders for service and accomplishment to the Antique Automobile Club of America, by his or her deeds and display of enthusiasm through the years.  This award was established in 1995 by the children of Theodore and Suzanne Fiala in their parents’ memory.

The I.C. Kirkham Membership Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to the Region or Chapter with the greatest membership gain according to a weighted formula that considers the number of new National members acquired and the percentage of increase in membership.  This I.C. Kirkham trophy is presented by the Genesee Valley Antique Car Society Region in memory of Elmer Bassage who probably sponsored more new members for AACA than any other person.

The George R. Norton, Jr. Award

To an individual or group which has significantly contributed to the development and growth of AACA membership. Established by the Ontelaunee Region in memory of Mr. Norton

The Samuel E. Baily Memorial Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an AACA member in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the improvement of performance in the AACA Judging System.  Presented to the AACA in 1968 by Mrs. Samuel E. Baily in memory of Samuel E. Baily who was the pioneer in complete restorations and prepared the basis for our present-day judging.

The Thomas J. Wells Memorial Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an AACA Field Judge whose continued performance has contributed to the success of the judging program.  Tom Wells set high standards for judging and this award is made to those who give their time and knowledge to support the AACA Judging System.  Selection shall be made by the Judging Committee and the National Awards Committee.

The Founders Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to the National Director, selected by his fellow directors who, in their opinion, has contributed outstandingly to the guidance of AACA toward its founding principles:  the perpetuation of the pioneer days of automobiling by furthering the interest in and the preserving of antique cars, and the promotion of sportsmanship and of good fellowship among all its members.  The trophy itself is the actual steering wheel from the 1907 Thomas Flyer driven by Montague Roberts in the 1907 Briarcliff Road Race, given to Robert and Dorthea Laurens in 1952 by their dear friend Montague Roberts, one of the great pioneer race drivers of the early 20th century, and presented to AACA in 1975 through the efforts of Founding Members Frank Abramson, Ted Brooks, Earle Eckel, Sr., and Ted Fiala, Sr., for use as the “Founders Award Steering Wheel Trophy,” by Mr. And Mrs. Laurens in memory of “Monty Roberts.”

The AACA Plaque

The AACA plaque is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in the preservation of the automotive history.

The Ann S. Eady Memorial Award

Presented to the editor of  a region or chapter newsletter for their contribution to the general welfare and spirit of the Antique Automobile Club of America.  Presented by the Southeastern Region of AACA, the trophy itself is Ann S. Eady’s typewriter which she used as editor of “Peachtree Parade” from 1965 to 1974.

The Thomas McKean Memorial Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting for worthwhile effort during the year in automotive historical research on the basis of accuracy, interest to club members, and the use to which the research is put.  Presented by the AACA in 1949 in memory of Thomas McKean (1909-1949), former president and bibliophile.

The M. J. Duryea Memorial Cup

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to an AACA member for outstanding contribution to automotive history through the ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE magazine during the year.  Presented in 1958 by the AACA in memory of Merle J. Duryea (1895-1957), a former president and editor who contributed more to the success and growth of the AACA than any other individual in his time.

The Editorial Award

Awarded at the AACA Annual Meeting to a member of the staff of the ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE magazine in recognition of outstanding editorial services.  This award is sponsored by the Raymond E. Holland Automotive Art & Toy Collection, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is awarded annually.

The Sparkplug Award

Awarded to the webmaster of a region or chapter internet website for their contribution to the general welfare and spirit of the AACA. Donated by Ruth and Roland Dunkelberger

The Senior Master Judge

Awarded to a Senior Master Field Judge with less than 100 judging credits.  In recognition of exemplary performance and knowledge of AACA judging principles and practices. Presented in memory of Glen Neidigh, an AACA judge with 25 years of judging experience.