Nation's Oldest & Largest Antique Auto Tour to Visit Holland, MI Area Sept. 19 - 24, 2010

What:

The AAA Glidden Tour®  -- the largest and longest recurring annual antique automobile tour -- will travel the roads of Holland,  South Haven, Grand Haven, Coopersville, Saugatuck-Douglas, Allegan and Otsego Township Sept. 19-24.  Throughout the weeklong event thousands of local motorists will have a rare opportunity to view hundreds of pre-1942 autos as they travel area roads.  The AAA Glidden Tour is named after the early automotive pioneer and promoter Charles Jasper Glidden.

The 165-vehicle tour -- organized by the Veteran Motor Car Club of America --will be the 65th annual re-enactment of similar events sponsored by the AAA motor club from 1904 to 1913.  AAA Michigan will act as the local host AAA club by assisting the tour's sponsors and awarding trophies at the conclusion of the event.  The original Glidden tours were held by AAA to prove the reliability of automobiles and the need for improved laws, roads and services.  

Who:

Owners of approximately 165 antique vehicles produced before 1942 will travel to Holland from throughout the United States to re-create an historic automobile touring event of the early 1900's.

Why:

AAA originated the first reliability tour in 1904 shortly after its founding in 1902.   The tours were revived in 1946 by antique car enthusiasts and remain one of a few premiere venues for viewing vintage automobiles.  This will be the first time the AAA Glidden Tour® has visited the Holland, Michigan area.

When:

Sunday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Sept. 24.

Where:

On scenic area roads throughout the Holland area, with planned stops including  historic locations, museums and schools  (Daily itineraries available by request.)

Featuring:

165 antique autos produced during and before 1942 with some drivers and passengers dressed in vintage touring outfits

Awarding of the historic AAA Glidden Trophy at the tour's conclusion at the Holland Doubletree Hotel Friday evening.