Northern Neck Region 
Of
Virginia

TWO MEMBERS DO WELL AT MOBILE NATIONAL

     Two Highland Lakes Region families attended the AACA National Meet in Mobile, Alabama the weekend of March 16-18. These were Ron and LeeAnn Laird with their 1948 Pontiac convertible and Earl & Judy Beauchamp with their 1956 Buick 2-door hardtop. The trip was about 565 miles each way, so the cars were trailered.

     There were approximately 160 cars in attendance from all around the country; however, there was heavy support for the meet from the local members in the Mobile area. Many Deep South Region members had the opportunity to participate with their cars right there at home. We did not see significant hurricane damage in the area, but we could see some of the effects to the motel, both inside and outside.

The show was seven miles from the host hotel and held at the local country fairgrounds. On the way to the field we drove by the Deep South Region club house which is a very nice converted and extended former three-bedroom home on a large corner lot across from the local park. There was a big AACA sign in the front yard. Judy and I had been there before on a Southeastern Divisional Tour. It’s amazing what a Region club can do when they have the desire.

The Laird’s won a Preservation Award for the tenth time at the show. As luck would have it, AACA has instituted another new benefit. Special commemorative “wheel tab” mementos are now being awarded for the 10th, 20th and 25th Preservation Awards giving to Senior Award vehicles. They are bronze, silver and gold. Ron and LeeAnn were awarded the bronze tab.

     It was also a good day and night for Earl and Judy Beauchamp, as their 1956 Buick Special Riviera hardtop won its National First Junior Award. This car was restored in San Angelo, Texas by 80-year-old Don Harrison who formerly ran a restoration shop in Wachula. This keeps his record clean, in that he used to guarantee a National First on his restorations if they were shown nationally. His cars never failed and he was very happy when I called him. Don has suffered some health problems during the last year, but says he is feeling better now. Another local car that he restored, many years ago, is Spence Lloyd’s 1938 Cadillac. For those of you who know him, it might be nice to give him a call and see how he is doing.

Ed. Note; From a Highland Lakes Region article submitted by Earl D. Beauchamp

Judy Beauchamp receives an AACA First Junior Award first time out from AACA President, Bo Croley of Tennessee.

Judy’s 1956 Buick Special Riviera hard top.