Horseless carriages’ rally the Columbia River Highway

I was traveling along the beautifully historic Columbia River Highway, when all of a sudden I began to see an array of vintage automobiles traveling toward me. Seeing a great opportunity to capture some unique video along a spectacular and historic stretch of highway, enticed me out of my truck. While I was setting-up, I noticed some activity that made me realize this was an organized event of sorts. I spoke with some representatives and learned that it was an annual rally with the folks from the Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA).

Decked out in period garb to coincide with their vintage automobiles, the rally participates were treated to a beautiful stretch of highway, with a number of waterfalls on one side, and the Columbia River on the other. My understanding is that HCCA conducts an annual rally, each year in a different location. The last time it was in the Portland area was some 26 years ago.

The Horseless Carriage Club of America is a non-profit organization for automobile antiquarians dedicated to preserving vintage automobiles. Prerequisite to becoming a member is owning a restored 1932 or older historic automobile.

If you’ve driving along the Columbia River Highway, leave a comment below and let my readers and me know what you enjoy most. If you enjoyed this post with video, please hit the “Like” button below.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.

2 Comments

Bill Carpenter says:

September 17, 2011 at 5:07 am

Very nice video. One mistake – you mentioned that to be a member of the HCCA, you must own a restored 1932 or older auto. Actually, HCCA autos must be Brass Era cars, that is, pre-1916; and, no ownership is required at all, nor do they need to be restored. A note – if you want to find or restore a brass-era car, one of the best ways is to join the HCCA. Our members like nothing more than to guide you to the perfect automobile. You will be hard pressed to find a group of more knowledgeable and friendly people. Be prepared for the “Experience of a Lifetime!” Check out our website at http://www.hcca.org

Bill Carpenter
National Secretary HCCA
1. Mike's Road Trip says:
  
  September 21, 2011 at 11:18 pm
  
  Thanks Bill. I think I got that info off of the Portland chapter website…apparently they have different rules. Thanks for clarifying. Cheers, Mike