From cars, trucks and motorcycles to fire engines, tractor and military vehicles, we care passionately about vehicles from the early era of transportation right up through the present so that everyone can experience the history and fun preserving and driving these vehicles can bring.
VAE is 501(c) Educational & Charitable Organization that awards scholarships to encourage and support young men and women who wish to pursue a career in automotive trades. VAE has funded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for Vermonters like you.
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Recent Wheel Tracks Articles
- Bob & Duane – The Vermont Antique and Classic Car Show
This issue of Wheel Tracks is dedicated to Bob Chase and Duane Leach, two gentlemen who have made the Vermont Antique and Classic Car Show what it is today. The VAE honors Bob Chase and Duane Leach for their tireless work over these many years to continuously put on the best show in New England. Through rain, wind, mud, excessive… Read more: Bob & Duane – The Vermont Antique and Classic Car Show - Show TimeI don’t recall exactly what year it was, but I was pretty new to the VAE and attended my first “Stowe Show” committee meeting. Bob Chase was chairing the meeting as usual and seated next to him was Duane Leach. Bob announced, with a big smile on his face, that Duane had agreed to become co-chairman. There was good reason… Read more: Show Time
- Cookin’ at the Car ShowOccasionally, I realize that there is a good reason for not getting rid of stuff. I often start looking for something, and sometimes I get lucky. Today was one of those lucky days. I have saved Wheel Tracks for years and still have the first issues. When I get them out to look for something, sometimes I find it and sometimes… Read more: Cookin’ at the Car Show
- 1929 Plymouth Rumble Seat RoadsterPictured here Wendell Noble’s 1929 Plymouth Rumble Seat Roadster as it looked when he bought it (above) and as it looks now after restoration (below). Wendell is still waiting for a ride in the rumble seat. I fondly recall, as a kid, the thrill of riding with my brother in the rumble seat of our uncle’s ’41 Packard coupe. I… Read more: 1929 Plymouth Rumble Seat Roadster
About Vermont Auto Enthusiasts
The Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts was founded around a kitchen table in Essex Junction, Vermont by a small group of vintage automobile enthusiasts in 1953. It has continued to grow in membership and activity, and now has members not only from Vermont, but nationally and even internationally, among people who share an interest in all things related to automobiles and automotive history. VAE members are invited to monthly meets to explore Vermont’s scenic drives at the wheels of their prized autos in warmer months and visit historic sites and facilities of automotive or historic interest when indoor venues are called for. These include garage tours, restoration shops, and historically significant museum collections which add to each member’s enjoyment. And, yes, there’s a fair amount of car talk too. To the general public, we are probably best known for our annual Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet, now held in Waterbury, Vermont which is the high point of our yearly activity.
The VAE is now a 501 c (3) non-profit educational and charitable organization devoted to encouraging and supporting education of young people in fields related to automotive technology and history. Proceeds from our car show, as well as individual donations, go to support this educational outreach.
The VAE proudly provides and supports these educational programs:
- The Golden Wrench Award: This award is presented annually to one junior in each of the sixteen automotive technical career centers in Vermont. The award consists primarily of a valuable tool set and $500 scholarship for continued post- secondary education in an automotive related field. The winning students are selected by their teaching faculty in recognition of their demonstrated dedication to their education.
- Skills USA: We provide financial support to help career center students who are first place winners in the state wide Skills competition in four automotive related competitions. This support helps with the expense of representing Vermont in the national competition to which they are invited.
- VAE Automotive Seniors Scholarship: We are now annually awarding six $1,000 scholarships to Vermont high school seniors who intend to pursue further education in the automotive field. They are selected based on their applications which describe their career goals and indicate how they intend to achieve them through further education.