Hershey Fall Meet: The World's Largest Fair

In the US state of Pennsylvania, the collector vehicle fair has been held for 58 years Hershey Fall Meet. For now, It is the largest in the world and in the 2013 edition it has brought together no less than nine thousand exhibitors on its enormous esplanade.

With the currency exchange somewhat favorable to the euro, we were a group of thirty-five Spaniards at this huge fair. So big that we knew in advance that it was impossible to find out about the entire genre that was for sale.

Those of us who were newbies and those interested in seeing it again, first visited the museum that the Antique Automobile Club of America It has close to the outdoor fairgrounds.

1- Twenty of the thirty-five travelers to Hershey during their visit to the AACA museum
2- Among the automobilia objects, pumps and 50s style plates

And that said museum left us enchanted. Both for the quality of the cars, buses and motorcycles on display and for the setting chosen to evoke each historical period.

Already transferred to the fair, in which there is no entrance fee and you only pay for parking, each one followed the route according to their tastes. My intention was to go immediately to the Car Corral, knowing that I was going to be entertained along the way.

So it was, since while I was heading towards its beginning I could see gasoline pumps from the 50-60s as new, all at a sale price of $ 2.295. Or XNUMXs electric horns, each with its price tag.

1- Hundreds of headlights, corresponding to cars from the 30s
2- Some exhibitors had houses with wheels as appetizing as this

Then there was an area where spare parts for prewar American cars were plentiful. It was impressive to see the hundreds of used headlights but in good condition and with their glass intact. And on the side of the box, the model and year to which they corresponded.

By then I had already come across people who moved around in electric strollers, or amateurs dragging a cart with three white old-fashioned car tires - and the fourth held by hand - while their faces expressed satisfaction.

The vehicles of some exhibitors, of fine "classic" taste, also attracted attention. In this sense the streamlined trailers and caravans were eye-catching, their homes during the four days of the fair.

During the ride, surprises like this Stanley steam made in 1907

Nourished Car Corral

He had been walking for almost an hour, in no hurry due to the desire to savor what was emerging. And by the way, check, once again, the number of electric vehicles for rent, to save time browsing and not end up exhausted every day from so much walking.

By 12 noon, most would approach the many fast food stalls and the smell of grease. Moment that I took advantage of to see in detail a Stanley from 1907, powered by steam and whose boiler occupied the space that other cars dedicate to the engine.

Shortly after I arrived at the beginning of the Car Corral. It is a wide street with almost no traffic, in whose length of 1,4 km you had to find hundreds of cars for sale from any era. But suddenly a distant high ceiling made me take a detour.

1- Already in the Car Corral, where almost a thousand vehicles were for sale
2- I saw her from afar. A 1970 Volkswagen camper in top condition

It was what I imagined! A Volkswagen T2 camping van, built in 1970 by Westfalia in far-off Germany. Of good appearance, they asked for her $ 15.000, but I settled for the simple and gratuitous pleasure of seeing her in detail.

Back in the street full of cars for sale, he wanted to move slowly. Noting each of them, there were still another two days left to move around the premises.

And when a car was sold, the buyer could start the paperwork right there. Both to sign the sale at the established campaign notary, and to manage the transfer with an international transport company.

1- This 1913 Hudson could hardly be better
2- Despite how beautiful this Jaguar E-Type coupe was, it did not sell

As I walk, I see on each side some cars that carry their corresponding little sign, with the name of the model, the year of production, the price and the owner's mobile number. And in general, all the vehicles in the Car Corral are in optimal condition.

And also with numerous hundred-year-old cars, like the impeccable 1913 Hudson outlined in the photos for which they asked $ 85.000. A good example of why vintage cars appear in excellent condition in current American historical setting movies.

Also striking is the range of imported models from Europe, especially Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and British brands. However, units as neat as a 4.2 E-Type 1966 coupe, at $ 82.500, did not end up changing owners.

1- Pontiac GTO: A good price / power ratio
2- A De Tomaso Pantera in excellent condition

Of course there were also muscular Yankee sports cars, in the style of the 1970 Pontiac GTO pictured. And at a truly unbeatable price / power: $ 29.500 for a coupe equipped with a 8-liter V6,6 and 350 hp.

And why not a De Tomaso Pantera? For $ 59.000 negotiable, this immaculate 1972 unit was ready to sell, with only 46000 miles driven, a ZF five-speed manual transmission and a truly sensational condition.

1- The next day the weather could be better, but the activity barely declined
2- Ford Falcon Futura at a very tempting price

Small scrap yards and advertisement men

On the second day, Thursday October 10, the rain reduced the number of visitors somewhat and some exhibitors chose to leave, so as not to spoil the genre. Instead, the vast majority of us go with appropriate clothing and footwear.

And the striking thing was that, passing through the same places, he discovered different cars and at the cost of thinking about it. And if not, let's see what you think of the 1964 Ford Falcon Futura convertible above, with an electric roof and for $ 12.000, about € 8.800 to change.

Or be stunned by three shiny late XNUMXs Cadillacs with their spectacular rear fins.

1- Spectacular Cadillac from the late fifties
2- In Hershey there are also old toys and miniatures

To avoid being overwhelmed by so much car, a new detour to see another type of material. And there are also many veteran toys, miniatures or old catalogs.

And as in an immense temporary Trail, come across countless antiques. Even cameras and vintage clothing.

And this neat mini scrap? Nice to see and that solves the ballot to whoever looks for two doors or two fins for their car.

1- Small and tidy this scrapyard
2- More toys and antiques

And more temptations, in the form of the 1971 MG Midget. English green color, good looking and reduced to $ 4900 (€ 3.600). To think about it, right? but after adding the costs of transport and documentation.

Incredible pieces also emerged where you least expected. Like a tube radiator for Ford T, brand new and for $ 850.

Or the sight of ad-people needing 1964 Dodge Dart aftermarket parts, while passing a 1952 Chevrolet for sale.

1- Before giving up a price, it is convenient to take into account the transport and documentation costs
2- Why look when they can find you, these fans-advertisement will think

And suddenly, a conspicuous jumble. That includes enameled plates, rusted body parts, rims and even a John Deere tractor brand light.

Impassive in the rain, a 8 Ford V1934 pick-up. Since 1944 it has belonged to a family garage and now they want to sell it.

Amid the friendly and slow traffic of Hershey, where electric rental strollers abound as we have said, a 1910 Rambler faced a test in front of its potential buyers.

1- Rambler from 1910 in the testing process
2- A luxurious Packard Super Eight, again at a good price

An attractive piece for $ 108.000 was this Packard Super Eight Convertible from 1934. Mid-wheelbase, winner in AACA elegance contests and which works up to its vintage radio.

In the afternoon I visited one of the marquees of the RM Auctions auction house, where the more than one hundred lots subject to bid were shown. For example, the 1953 Packard Caribbean in the foreground was sold for $ 90.750.

During the RM Auctions auction lots like this 1953 Packard Caribbean were sold

A CONCENTRATION AND A MULTITUDINARY PARADE

On Saturday morning, the Antique Automobile Club of America organizes a rally every year that brings together around 1.500 vehicles, from ancient electric, steam and explosion cars, to impeccable sports cars made thirty years ago. But more than quantity and quality, the order of arrival and education were surprising. Each driver left his car in the assigned place, along with those of his time and style, in each of the fifteen avenues of the park and without hearing a single honk. Once parked, the 76 members of the jury divide into groups of two to examine the vehicles, which compete in 38 different categories. Of course, the oldest was a DeDion tricycle from 1897, made in France and owned by North America.

1- 1.500 cars in competition!
2- Madrid fans Enrique Gómez Erustes and Manolo Barragán, along with an impressive Lincoln

At the end of the meeting, A good part of the participating vehicles participated in a simple parade of more than a thousand cars. In it, it was surprising to see how all of them coexisted, from machines manufactured before 1910 to sports cars from the '80s. And not only passenger cars, but also pick-ups, fire trucks or applauded World War II Jeep. And even motorcycles and even a 1932 Detroit Electric - powered by batteries - or a Stanley steam engine built in 1903. In short, an hour and a half of enjoyment, watching more than a thousand vehicles of various eras, sizes and styles pass by in an orderly fashion.

An orderly parade of 1.000 cars