AACA Museum, Inc. Collection Chronicles Series stories from the Museum's archives.

Many automotive historians and enthusiasts consider the 1930s the highpoint of automotive design. In a decade of beautiful vehicles, 1932 stands out as a benchmark year. Every manufacturer offered stunning cars, and Studebaker was no exception.

For the Love of "Helen"

1932 Studebaker Model 55 Two-Door Saint Regis Brougham

The Studebaker Saint Regis Brougham was a new model offered across several of their four distinct series. The 55 was the smallest and least expensive of the series. Still, it packed a lot of technology and style into its $992 price tag. The drive train featured an 80 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine with a floor-shifted three-speed transmission. Improved aerodynamic styling led Studebaker to claim in its advertising that it had added 1½ to 3 miles per hour to the top speed of every 1932 vehicle due in part to their slanting windshields and rounded front body corners.

Fred Messner of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, devoted 5½ years to restoring his Saint Regis Brougham. Considering it a "labor of love," he did everything himself with the exception of the color paint coat and re-chroming the bumpers and trim. He wanted an impeccable car able car to compete for a national award, and he achieved his goal.

Fred and his wife had four boys. He always wanted a girl to call "Helen." With the restoration nearing completion, Fred spent hours working with his friend, who applied the color coat of paint. Together they color sanded, wet sanded, and finally buffed the new paint to a mirror-like finish. This was a new experience for the restorer, and he was impressed with the process and the results. In Messer's eyes, he finally had his "Helen." In his words, "the car was sure beautiful, and it deserved the name."

Fred is no longer with us, but his legacy lives on through his Studebaker. "Helen" was donated to the Museum by his son, Donald Messner, in 2013. It is a loving and beautiful family memorial that is viewed and appreciated by tens of thousands of visitors annually. The car occasionally represents the Museum at local shows and invitational events across the region.

Note the ratcheting hand adjustment for the front seat. Most vehicles in the 1930s — even the most expensive and luxurious — had fixed position seats. Few have seen anything quite like this in cars of the 1930s era.

As our re-opening is on the horizon, we invite you to the Museum to see "Helen" in person. The AACA Museum has built its world-class collection of cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles one donation at a time, given by people just like you. For more information on the donation process, please follow the link below or call us at 717-566-710 and ask to speak with the Curator or Executive Director.

Donate a Vehicle Information

Navigating the Nation with Road Maps

In today's digital world, turn-by-turn driving instructions are readily available on smartphones. However, a generation ago, drivers relied on a trusty and proven road map for navigation. Printed travel directions date back to ancient Egypt, where paths were drawn on papyrus. For U.S. motorists, road maps began in 1905 when the American Automobile Association (AAA) issued its first hand-drawn maps of roads in Staten Island, New York. Quickly publications from Rand McNally followed that provided visuals that linked the country via interstate highways. In the 20th century, the American landscape evolved along with automobiles. Road maps marked the progress. With sponsors, advertising, and often beautiful artwork, road maps could be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Just be careful. If you open a road map, refolding it is a challenge! The Road Map Collectors Association's ever-changing exhibition at the Museum highlights this history for our visitors.

What's in the Store?

Say it with Signs for Father's Day

Looking for something special for Father's Day? For motoring enthusiasts, sometimes a sign can say it all. We have a selection of metal signs and license plate-themed gifts that just may say, "Happy Father's Day."

Copyright © 2020 · AACA Museum, Inc. | 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA | 717-566-7100
The AACA Museum, Inc. has been and remains an independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, not affiliated with the Antique Automobile Club of America.

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Hershey, PA | 17033 United States

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