1953 Glidden Auto Tour

[Charles D. Barnette #1465]

The 1953 Glidden Auto Tour included a photo session with the 1953 Cadillac Le Mans Show Car in Cleveland, Ohio. What is the Glidden tour and when was it(specific date)in Cleveland in 1953? Let us see if the magic CLC message board can answer this one. Thanks.

[Bill Ingler CLC#7799]

Hi Charles- The Glidden tour is run each year in different parts of the country by either the Antique Automobile Club of America or the Veteran Motor Car Club. They alternate each other year. I think to be on the tour in AACA your car has to be 1936 or older. In the VMCA I believe the car can be up to 1941 or older.To answer your question about the 1953 Glidden,the closet I can remember about the actual date was it was about the third week in Sept 1953. I was a member of the Cleveland Chapter of the AACA at that time, living in Columbus Ohio. In those days the only AACA chapter in Ohio was in Cleveland and I think they acted as host for the tour in 53. In 1953 I was 21 and was to be married on Sept 5th 1953. I owned a 1913 Ford that I wanted to drive on the Glidden tour as our honeymoon but my bride had other ideas.I settled for watching some of the tour come through Columbus on their way to Cleveland.

[Charles D. Barnette #1465]

Thank you Mr.Ingler for your prompt response. I never cease to be amazed at the power of this message board. You have saved me from having to do a ton of research.  I am sorry your bride refused the 1913 Ford ride; maybe she would have consented if you had offered her a 1913 Cadillac! Just kidding. You have been very helpful. Charles

[Charles D. Barnette #1465]

With the information supplied by Mr. Ingler, I contacted the AACA and they informed me that cars began arriving in  Cleveland for the Glidden Tour on Sunday, Sept. 13. On Monday, Sept. 14, 1953, there was a parade of cars through Cleveland as well as the opening banquet. The Tour left Cleveland on Tuesday morning, Sept. 15. One of the tour participants was a 1909 Cadillac!