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"Sometimes we forget that out of all the wonderful cars
people collect throughout the world, only a few represent the beginning
of the automobile industry."
Many collector car clubs throughout the U.S and the rest of the world recognize specialty
marques or a broad spectrum of makes and years of manufacture. Very
few remaining collectible automobiles represent the dawning of the
age of the automobile industry. This unique period of automotive
history covers the turn of the century to the end of carriage coachwork,
gas lights, hand cranking and profuse use of brass. For the most
part, only the wealthy owned automobiles during this pre 1916 era,
and ownership required a pioneering spirit, inventiveness and superior
mechanical ability to keep these early automobiles functioning.
These early automobiles were called horseless carriages as they
were capable of transporting people and freight faster and longer
distance without the need of a horse to pull them. Unlike a horse,
the automobile did not require feeding or veterinarians to maintain
health when not in service, but like a horse they often got a colorful
language lecture by the owner when they would not perform.
In essence, all automobiles are Horseless
Carriages, but HCCA has defined the Horseless Carriage as any pioneer
gas, steam and electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior
to January 1, 1916. Membership in this organization
is open to anyone interested in this unique era and does not require
the member to own a pre-1916 automobile. HCCA Regional Groups and
HCCA Registers of specific types or makes are located throughout
the world. Many of the HCCA Regional Groups also welcome post 1915
vintage automobiles on their tours. It is the goal of the Horseless
Carriage Club to preserve originality or restore these automobiles
to their original condition, use them for their original purpose
of driving and completing tours, and promote the preservation of
their historical value. Children and adults are fascinated even
today, as they were in the early days, at the uniqueness, charm
and character exemplified by these historic vehicles.
On behalf of our many members and the Board of Directors, welcome to the Horseless Carriage Club of America!
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