While Chasing Classic Cars IV

           

                                                     A Rainy Day, a Hidden Gem, and a Classic Car Legend at the AACA Museum

 

While attending the Carlisle Show this past weekend, I found myself detouring due to some uncooperative weather. Friday was cold and miserable — perfect conditions to explore somewhere indoors. So I headed over to the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum in Hershey, PA.

   

And honestly? I’m glad it rained.

The museum is a dream for classic car lovers. Beautifully curated exhibits, an incredible variety of vintage cars — and most notably, amazing people.

That’s where I met Walt Weidner, a 93-year-old volunteer who is nothing short of a living legend.

Meet Walt: The Museum’s Oldest Treasure

Walt isn’t just a volunteer — he’s part of the museum’s very foundation. He proudly told me he was around before any of the cars even arrived, helping during the building’s construction back in 2000.

Still sharp, witty, and full of incredible knowledge, Walt lives in an assisted living community but spends his time volunteering at the museum, chatting with guests and sharing stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

Walt’s not just a storyteller — he’s a restorer too. Over the years, he’s brought four classic cars back to life:

• A 1975 Bricklin (with notoriously tricky gullwing doors — made in Canada!)
• A 1927 Franklin
• A 1931 Franklin
• A 1938 Graham

His attention to detail and deep appreciation for automotive history are evident with every story he tells.

Classic Car Nuggets You Didn’t Know (Until You Talk to Walt)

Here are just a few gems Walt dropped while we toured the museum:

🚘 1931 Cadillac Town Sedan – It had a unique cable-driven windshield wiper system that moved back and forth instead of in a circular motion.

🚚 1914 Jefferys Truck – The first vehicle with both 4WD and 4-wheel brakes. It was in high demand by the French and Russian military during World War I.

🔦 1924 Moon – This vintage car featured a built-in trouble light mounted on the dashboard. You could pull it out and use it all around the car — pure genius!

And the best part? Walt has written a book! Titled “6 Unfamiliar Cars & Their Stories,” it’s available at the museum, with all proceeds supporting the AACA. He’s already teasing a second book — and promised it includes a little-known fact about which car company turned a profit during the Great Depression. Walt, we’re waiting!

Make Time for This Museum — and Walt

Whether you’re a lifelong classic car enthusiast or just curious about automotive history, the AACA Museum is a must-visit. And if you’re lucky, Walt will be there, ready with a story, a smile, and maybe a secret or two from the past.

In my ongoing journey chasing classic cars, I’ve discovered a true gem — not just in the museum, but in Walt Weidner, Hershey’s most beloved antique.

Do yourself a favor: Visit the AACA Museum, and if you see Walt, stop and chat. It’ll be the highlight of your trip.

The Museum is amazing and full of excellent autos. Best of all, I metWalt. Walt Weidner a 93 year old volunteer attendant and car buff aficionado.  

The museum picked the perfect volunteers. Walt and Dennis, another attendant, were not only cordial they were very knowledgeable. Both had been involved with Classic Cars for many years and both were glad to share their knowledge with visitors.

Not only was I able to enjoy some great cars, I got an automotive history lesson as I went along taking pictures and writing notes.

Allow me tell you about Walt.

Walt is 93 years old, lives at an assisted living facility and volunteers at the Museum. Truly he is 93 years young. He brags about being at the Museum before any of the cars. He was there during the building’s construction in year 2000.

Walt has always had a love affair with cars. Over the years, he has restored 4 cars bringing them back to museum quality.

His cars were a 1975 Bricklin. What’s a Bricklin, you ask? Walt informed me that these were Canadian built. The most difficult part of the restoration was the winged Doors. His other beauties are a 1927 Franklin, a 1931 Franklin and a 1938 Graham. Good taste Walt!

Spending time with Walt, you will find out all kinds of Classic Car Historical tidbits.

 For example did you know that:

1. Did you know that the 1931 Cadillac Town Sedan had unique windshield wipers? These wipers were on a cable system and clean the windows in a back and forth motions.

2. Did you know the 1914 Jefferies Truck was the first vehicle with 4wd and 4wheel brake systems? These were highly sought after vehicles by the French and Russian Governments during WWI.

3. Did you know that the 1924 Moon had a hardwired light mounted on its dash board that could be pulled out of the car and it reached all around the vehicle to act as a trouble light?

Walt shared these as well as many other details as we walked the Museum. The coolest thing about Walt is that he has written a book titled “6 Unfamiliar Cars & Their Stories.” He assured me that I would love the book and all proceeds benefit the AACA Museum here at Hershey. Soon, he hopes to have his second book completed. Of course, he teased me a bit by telling me that this book will reveal a very little known fact. It will reveal which car company made a profit during the great depression.

Walt, I am waiting.

While Chasing Classic Cars, I have found another gem. The Hershey AACA Museum and its best antique, Walt Weidner. Do yourself a favor; make time to tour this museum. Oh yes, make sure to say hello to Walt.  

   

D

1939 Cord L-29

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