Antique Automobile Club of America welcomes the Class of 1998
AACA recognizes the Class of 1998 that’s crossed the 25-year-old threshold.
Hershey, PA – The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA)…America’s Premier Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community…defines an “antique” as any 25-year-old-or-older self-propelled vehicle that is intended for passenger use. The organization is dedicated to the history, maintenance, restoration, judging and enjoyment of any and all such automobiles in the inclusive spirit of sportsmanship and good fellowship.
AACA therefore recognizes the Class of 1998 that’s crossed the 25-year-old threshold. Here a sampling of some recognized examples that now enjoy antique automobile status and are welcome on AACA Show Fields across America and around the world:
1998 New Volkswagen Beetle
In a nod to its iconic heritage, Volkswagen rolled back the clock and treated automotive enthusiasts to a reimagined 1998 VW Bug in anticipation of the soon to arrive new millennium. The company said that, “A car like this only comes around twice in a lifetime.” But they weren’t thinking small…this time…with this all-new edition. Built off the Golf, the last one would leave the line in 2019.
1998 Mercedes-Benz ML 320
Remembered as the first modern luxury sport utility vehicle, the Mercedes M-Class pioneered the idea of combining off-road prowess with utmost creature comfort, along with refined performance, on-road handling precision and steadfast safety sentiment. It was assembled in a purpose-built plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
1998 Ford Crown Victoria
In 1998, Ford took the opportunity to redesign its mainstream, full-sized four-door sedan for the masses with a more elegant and formal execution. Versions specified for law enforcement were now designated Police Interceptors. Over what would become a fourteen-year lifespan, just under 1 million were manufactured.
1998 Toyota Sienna
The then-ever popular minivan segment enjoyed the arrival of a new entry from Toyota. Replacing the rear-wheel drive Previa, the front-drive “Camry of minivans” was designed specifically for the North American market. Now in its fourth generation, the award-winning Toyota Sienna remains with us to this day.
1998 Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird LS 1
The bowtie brand took its new-for-1997 LS (Luxury Sport) 1 Corvette engine and dropped it into the Camaro for 1998. It was considered “balanced and brutally fast” with a 0-60 mph elapsed time of 5.2 seconds. A sister Pontiac Firebird F-body was also offered.
1998 BMW Z3 M
Likewise in the performance domain, BMW breathed on its Z3 sportscar with factory “M” treatment. Engine and chassis upgrades were calibrated specifically for enthusiasts, and the Z3 M is now considered BMW’s last analog sports car.
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
In 1998, the Stuttgart automaker may have been busy with the groundbreaking ML sport utility, but that didn’t stop it from also introducing the SLK sports car. A bit tamer than the BMW Z3 M, it instead distinguished itself by taking a page out of automotive history and reintroducing the retractable hardtop.
1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
If that weren’t enough, Mercedes also launched the CLK sport coupe in 1998 in the U.S. As a company that previously produced primarily four-door sedans, it was intended to be a new expression of rolling sculpture. And succeeded.
1998 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln entered the full-size, luxury SUV fray with the Navigator, which was built off the Ford Expedition. It was advertised under the headline…“Damn the tuxedos, full speed ahead.” Over-the-road serenity has since been its objective.
1998 Dodge Ram Quad Cab
Dodge joined the door wars with the lure of more…actually, four…in its full-size pickup truck. The Quad Cab was marketed through an ambitious campaign that promoted, “More power. More torque. More towing. More payload. More room.”
In conclusion, if you are the proud owner of any of these vehicles or one of the many other “new” antiques, please consider joining one of the best car clubs in the world and start showing off your 1998 treasures. Visit AACA.org for more information.
Images provided by the Chris & Kathleen Koch AACA Library & Research Center…America’s Automotive Library.
The AACA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, has served as the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community since its formation in 1935. Through its national office, publications, online forums, Library and membership, the Club has assisted countless individuals, historians and collectors, along with other libraries and museums, in the quest to preserve and enjoy the antique automobile experience. Club membership is only $45 a year and includes our award-winning magazine, Antique Automobile. For more information on AACA, judging guidelines, National Awards or National Activities, visit www.aaca.org.
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