The Vintage Motor Car Club of America

An update from the Technical Vice President, Steve Fitzgerald

- posted February 18, 2026

As I have entered the final chapter of my time on the VMCCA Board, I pass the torch to John Zimmerman. I believe he will do a great job as he has done with tours. He is far more knowledgeable than I am when it comes to the mechanics of automobiles.

I joined the VMCCA and became the local chapter president by showing up to three meetings. I had been the president of a large typical shine and show club, then I started the Western Rockies Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club (SDC). I was excited with the part about VMCCA being “The Touring Club.” In addition to tours for the SDC, I led four tours for the VMCCA and planned more but found few people were really interested in progressive tours. I participated in seven tours this year, and I wish there were more.

I enjoy driving and drove over 17,000 miles last September alone, but as my health began to fail, I needed to rely on others for help. Were it not for Mark Berkley of Berkley Automotive, my touring in vintage cars would not have been possible. Then there are the good folks at discount tire stores all over the nation who even stayed open late waiting for me to arrive. There is American Glass in Fort Morgan, Colorado, whose owner dropped what he was doing to replace a left side mirror that had fallen off my Studeolet on Colorado’s terrible roads. There was the owner of the NAPA store in Sayre, Oklahoma, who had the starter I needed and then called to arrange for two mechanics at the Flying A truck stop to install it for me. The nice mother/daughter team with their old parts store in Hannibal, Missouri, who had the ignition parts for my 1939 Pontiac when none of the stores at home had them. And there was a truck driver who towed my Studeolet and trailer with the 1939 Ford uphill to start it on compression. There was the truck driver who gave me a gallon of drinking water when my Lincoln overheated. And then there was the wonderful owner of Wagner Repair Service in Hays, Kansas, who came to my rescue when my 1939 Ford’s electric fuel pump failed on the way to the Revival AAA Glidden Tour®. There have been many lately who have handled the ramps on my trailer after I could no longer do it myself. There are always great people who have been raised well and are willing to help. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance when needed. It allows life to go on. I enjoyed driving my trouble truck on many tours when I was able. Helping those in need brings me joy.

Last, but not least by far, there are folks like Mike Huffman who always pitches in wherever he sees help is needed. And of course Sally Murray, who is on loan from a higher authority to answer questions and keep me on track. What a gift they and many others are for the VMCCA. I will see you down the road.

Steve Fitzgerald
VMCCA Technical Vice President