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You never can tell by how much noise the horn makes, how much gas is in the tank.
Unknown
Go directly to your state’s “Triple A” office by entering your zip code. You already know about their famous Triptiks and the 24/365 road service that offers car lockout help, jump starts, and fixed flats. But what about their travel reservations and discounts, domestic and international tours, and $1,000 arrest bonds? These are among the 67 reasons that AAA wants you to join.
Although it was in production only from 1975 through 1980, the futuristic Pacer’s pop culture acceptance didn’t take hold until years later (perhaps due to Wayne’s World?). Pacer owners are encouraged to register their cars and keep all documentation. Members receive the newsletter, but you don’t have to own one of the famous bubble cars to join! The site also features Warholesque Pacer art.
An organization dedicated to the assimilation of information regarding the history of the American trucking industry. The society publishes Wheels of Time, a magazine distributed to members worldwide. They maintain a reference library and archives, and hold a truck show every year.
The AACA is not just for people who like old cars. Actually, they want to preserve and celebrate all modes of “self-propelled vehicle,” by which they mean any vehicle meant to carry people that runs on gasoline, diesel, steam, and electricity. Founded in 1935, the AACA has over 400 chapters all over the world, and their Web site is exhaustive in its coverage of history, legislation, film and video, museums, links, and much more.
A Britain-based site about every aspect of safety and driving you could conceive: skid control, accident investigation, motorcycles and “lorries,” “tarmac terrorism,” and much more. Includes stories from the road, such as the one about the man who survived a crash with a utility pole, but who died when he touched the downed 11,000-volt wire.
The Contemporary Historical Vehicle Association is a club dedicated to the preservation of vehicles from the Action Era, which is defined as any car 25 years old or older, back to 1928. Members receive free classified ads, access to an extensive club library, and CHVAID, a volunteer-based roadside assistance program.
The EAA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement and adoption of the electricity-powered car. The EAA is based in the fact that electric vehicles (EVs) are more efficient and better for the planet than those that run on standard fossil-fuel. A long list of links to other EV-related sites is provided.
If you thought the Blues Brothers were the only civilians to own their own police car, consider the 200 members of the international EVOOA. If you have any interest in or want to buy any type of public-safety vehicles, from classic police cruisers to tow trucks, this site for the Spokane, Washington, club is the first stop for you.
Great Drives is a list compiled from contributors far and wide who’ve gone down the road feeling casual. Featured drives include detailed road descriptions and sights to see from Astoria to Portland, San Francisco to Oakland, and all points Yellowstone National Park. So fill the tank and pack a lunch because it’s time to cruise.
A worldwide organization founded in 1959 that is dedicated to the preservation of the automobiles produced by the Hudson corporation, and later by American Motors. Members enjoy parts locators, annual meetings, and “The White Triangle,” a 60-page bimonthly magazine. Includes chat room now in beta testing for members to help each other.
If you stop for every funeral procession to admire the shiny black paint and sober motion of the hearse, this site is for you. Actually, hearses are as diverse as their owners, who have leanings toward all things “weird and wonderful.” Activities include grand tours of grand cemeteries.
MOTAA was devised in 1958 to be a collection of small antique car clubs, since most of the larger clubs were too far away to be of any use. The organization publishes a bimonthly newsletter, “The Antique Car Times.” Membership in member auto clubs is not required for MOTAA membership, but it is recommended.
The NMA exists to protect your rights as a driving citizen. Among their many services, the NMA lobbies for sensible road traffic laws and engineering, argues for your right to drive whatever you want, helps you fight tickets, and opposes camera-based enforcement, as well as speed traps designed to generate revenue.
Though the subject of many a joke, the wood-paneled station wagon has its own hardcore fans, who recognize that their “woodies” have crossed over from tongue-in-cheek kitch to art in motion. Woodies were the vehicle of choice for the country’s original surfers, but does this mean that Web surfers will take to wood-paneled computers?
In 1993, the government combined forces with Ford, Chrysler, and GM with the goal to build a “supercar,” which would be an environmentally friendly car with three times the fuel efficiency, without sacrificing performance, affordability, or safety.
RADAR is concerned with the driver’s right to use radar and laser detectors, but it also provides info about defending yourself from unjust speeding tickets. Did you know that regular radar guns make mistakes 10 to 30 percent of the time! The site provides links to related sites, important information regarding relevant legislation, and much more.
For those lucky enough to own a Rolls-Royce or Bentley automobile, this club provides a variety of services. There is a parts exchange service and national events. The Web site also includes a FAQ and maintenance tips.
If you’ve ever driven down the street and made car racing noises to yourself, then the SCCA is the club for you. You are encouraged not only to love sports cars and racing, but to enter racing school and go racing yourself. This site provides a huge list of pro and amateur races and other events. Do you have a teenager with a heavy foot? How about entering them in the Speed Freakz program?
The Lone Star State hosts many clubs for many different kinds of cars, and the Texas AutoNut site is the place to start. Clubs exist for models including Avanti, Studebaker, Chrysler muscle cars, and even Nissans. Web surfers may fill out forms to inform others of clubs, associations, and events.
Angry about poor prices, service, and treatment of single women looking for cars, the Women on Wheels Webmaster started her site to help members protect themselves. WOW’s mission is to provide a trustworthy referral service for repairs and sales, empower and educate female drivers about what to look for, and offer other benefits to members. All women are encouraged to recommend businesses that have done them right.
Membership is free at the Women’s Auto Help Center, and you will find more articles and help than you can shake a stick shift at. The Center’s Advisory Board is comprised of women from all aspects of the automotive industry, all dedicated to help women make the best automotive decisions they can through dealers who will treat them fairly. Related topics include cars and how they relate to men, children, and style.