Hershey, Pennsylvania, globally renowned for its celebrated chocolate and often referred to as the candy capital of the U.S., plays host to an esteemed annual event each October. The Hershey Lodge, an elegant establishment with a charming chocolate theme, becomes the centre of the Eastern Fall Meet organised by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). This event, a cherished tradition for over seventy years, is a prime destination for automotive enthusiasts seeking rare and historic vehicles. For the past twenty years, RM Sotheby’s has proudly served as the official auction house for this prestigious event. This year’s auction promises an exceptional selection of vintage automobiles, each representing a significant chapter in automotive history.
1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster
The Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster, an American counterpart to the famed Bentleys and Bugattis of the 1920s and 1930s, was first introduced in 1928. Its design remained largely consistent throughout its production, with only minor updates. The 1935 model stands out with its sleek, tapered 'boattail' rear, a design feature that enhances its aerodynamic profile. This Speedster, equipped with a supercharged engine delivering 150 horsepower, far exceeded the standard Auburn's 115 horsepower. Its dual-ratio rear axle allowed it to excel both on bustling city streets and tranquil country roads.
This particular vehicle has an illustrious history, having been owned by prominent figures such as Tom Barrett of Arizona in the 1970s and Chuck Spielman in the early 2000s. The current owner, who acquired it in 2021, has overseen a meticulous restoration, preserving the car’s original components and its striking black and red colour scheme.
1933 LaSalle 345-C Convertible Coupe
General Motors introduced the concept of ‘companion cars’ in the early 1920s to complement its core brands - LaSalle, for example, was the companion brand to Cadillac. Despite its initial success, LaSalle was on the verge of extinction less than a decade later due to evolving consumer preferences and a lagging economy. Harley Earl, GMC’s chief designer and one of the backers of LaSalle, gave the marque new life in 1933 with a streamlined new design that ensured its continued production until 1940.
The 1933 LaSalle 345-C Convertible Coupe featured here is an extraordinarily rare example, being one of only 146 produced and among just five surviving models listed in the LaSalle Club Directory. It has undergone a careful restoration with attention to period details, showcased in a sophisticated grey and dark red colour combination.
1916 Locomobile Model 48, Series 6 Coupe by Locke
Locomobile, a distinguished manufacturer from Connecticut, was known for producing robust and well-engineered vehicles during the Brass era of motoring. Although Locomobiles prioritised craftsmanship and robust engineering over stylistic choices, the Model 48 stands out in contrast to its predecessors with a sporty three-seater coupe design and vibrant emerald and yellow finish.
The early history of this specific model is somewhat elusive, but it was previously part of a significant collection owned by Helmut and Ivone Peitz before being acquired by Terence Adderley in 2013. It has been showcased at various events and remains a prized component of the award-winning Adderley Collection.
1937 Packard 1507 Twelve Coupe Roadster
A rare and highly coveted car by Packard, this 1937 roadster carries its original data plate identifying it as the 38th vehicle produced on the 1507 chassis. Originally owned by a relative of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it was passed down to two owners - each of whom held onto it for a few decades - before entering the collection of renowned car dealer Ervin ‘Bud’ Lyon in 1998. Lyon, known for his meticulous restoration work, engaged the services of the esteemed restorer Chris Charlton to return the Packard to its original grandeur.
In 2009, the vehicle was acquired by William B. Ruger Jr., CEO of Ruger firearms, who successfully restored its original vehicle plate.
1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Tourer by Hooper
The Hispano-Suiza is a French automobile developed by Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt and produced in Barcelona, Spain. The H6B is distinguished as one of the French-produced models, with a 135-horsepower six-cylinder engine and custom chassis. It was further modified in London before being delivered to a client in Kenya, with the earliest records of ownership dating back to 1954. The Hispano-Souza journeyed across the ocean over the span of six decades and eventually joined the renowned Adderley Collection in 2013.
Restored to its former glory by Terrence Adderley, the Hispano-Suiza retains distinctive features from its previous ownership, including tyres fitted in the 1960s. It represents an excellent candidate for further restoration and competitive performance.
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward
Mulliner Park Ward was established in the 1960s by Rolls-Royce, formed from the merger of two prominent coachbuilders. Mulliner, part of this new entity, specialised in creating bespoke modifications to Rolls-Royce chassis. Faced with the challenge of adapting a striking modern chassis designed by Vilhelm Koren, the newly formed entity of Mulliner Park Ward produced this particular make of drophead couples. Only 101 examples were made, 52 of which were designed with a left-hand drive for the American market. This 1965 model was part of that latter group and was delivered to noted collector and dealer Donald Cain.
Originally finished in porcelain white with a distinctive black and white leather interior, the car was later acquired by Andrew Darling, a prominent Midwestern collector who had it refitted to a sophisticated black and red colour scheme. Following Darling’s passing, the car was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1996 and remains a notable example of contemporary Rolls-Royce design and craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts
The Fall Meet of the AACA is a fantastic opportunity for lovers of vintage cars to uncover some truly rare gems. The RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction has an impressive collection of restored classics from various eras of American automotive history and is poised to once again captivate both collectors and enthusiasts.
