The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Grand Nationals featuring some 200 antique vehicles will be Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 10-12, in Bettendorf.
Many of the events will be at the Isle Casino Hotel and the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center. While many of the events are for AACA members, there is free admission to many of the displays.
The public is invited to view this history lesson on wheels during the Grand Nationals car show and judging from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Isle Casino, 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf. The vehicles will be on display in the parking lots on the east side of the casino and past the parking garage.
At AACA meets, two outstanding vehicles are recommended for the Zenith Award, and it is awarded to the best of the best. Competition for this top award happens on Friday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with awards given at 4 p.m. The public is invited to view these 19 spectacular automobiles during the judging process on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. indoors at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St., Bettendorf.
The Grand Nationals not only showcase the history of the automobile from the 1900s to 1998, but also show the work that goes into preserving and restoring these quality vehicular examples to their former glory.
The show sponsor is the AACA Mississippi Valley Region.
Events at the show include:
- Thursday, Aug. 10: Registration at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Zenith Show at the Waterfront Convention Center.
- Friday, Aug. 11: Zenith competition starts at 10 a.m. at Waterfront Convention Center; Cycle and race car certification at 11 a.m. at the Isle; Zenith awards presentation at 4 p.,. at Waterfront Convention Center.
- Saturday, Aug. 12: AACA judging 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Isle; dinner and awards at 6 p.m. at Waterfront Convention Center.
The Grand Nationals not only showcase the history of the automobile from the 1900s to 1998, but also show the work that goes into preserving and restoring these quality vehicular examples to their former glory, the organization said.
To be eligible for an AACA show, vehicles must be fully operational and 25 years old or older. A vehicle can become qualified to show at the Grand Nationals by taking part in other AACA meets that happen throughout the year in different regions of the country. AACA members’ antique cars are judged on the quality of their restorations. A high-quality restoration can win a Junior award if it’s being judged for the first time or a Senior award subsequently. Once the Senior level has been achieved, a car is eligible to compete at the Grand Nationals.
Find information on the show here.
