The Antique Automobile Club of America Cape Fear Chapter and the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear are two area clubs that provide a way for residents to create a community sharing what they love with like-minded people.

Lisa Schnitzler is president of the Antique Auto Club of America’s Cape Fear chapter. She purchased her 1968 convertible Buick Skylark while she was in college in 1981 and has enjoyed it for the past 44 years.

The AACA is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the U.S., and the Cape Fear chapter was established in 1972. Schnitzler is now serving as the Cape Fear chapter’s “literally first female president in the organization’s history.”

The roughly 110-member organization makes its car available to serve in various parades in Wilmington, including the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the annual Christmas parade.

While ownership of an automobile is not a requirement for membership, many of the AACA members own antique automobiles. Several of these local cars are regional and national award winners.

An antique automobile is considered a car that is 25 years old or older; however, the oldest car in the club is from 1915, and many members have muscle cars from the 1960s through the 1980s.

“We would love to get younger and newer members. Our club will age out with many of our members in their 80s, but we would love for younger people to get involved,” Schnitzler said.

The AACA’s monthly dinner meetings are held at various local restaurants on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Each year, the club hosts an annual car show in early spring at Legion Stadium, an ice cream social in the summer and a Christmas party in December. 

Occasionally throughout the year, club members participate in local tours, enjoying an afternoon of motoring to area destinations. 

“Our club will age out with many of our members in their 80s, but we would love for younger people to get involved.” - Lisa Schnitzler, president of the Antique Auto Club of America’s Cape Fear Chapter

Club members often participate in events hosted by other AACA Chapters.

For those who are more into cars from the other side of the Atlantic, the British Motor Club of the Cape Fear welcomes all car enthusiasts.

“You do not have to have a British car to join, so if you just want to have a good time with folks into motoring, we’d love for you to join us,” longtime member Pam McMahon said.

Monthly meetings on the third Thursday of each month take place at Hieronymus Seafood on Market Street, a monthly ladies’ lunch for “those who are not particularly into techy stuff,” as well as tech sessions with club members who are knowledgeable about these little British cars, McMahon said.

“Some of the most fun events are the ‘Drives’ when a member emails everyone on the distribution list and suggests they ride out to a restaurant, meet up and eat, then caravan along the beautiful backroads of southeastern North Carolina,” McMahon said.

For members who do have a British car and have questions or problems, the club is an invaluable resource. Dozens of members who have been working on British cars for years offer their help and guidance, sometimes even spare parts.
“It is a communal, very fun club. Members are very close and supportive,” McMahon said.

As a nonprofit, it supports other nonprofits through the club’s annual car show. The 2025 Cape Fear British Car Show, its 26th annual event, will be held May 26 this year, in partnership with the Scottish Society of Wilmington and the Port City Highland Games. The event will support paws4vets, an assistance dog placement program for veterans.

“Come to monthly meetings, no requirements to register. Just come meet some folks. We are always welcoming new people,” McMahon said.

Many of these club members and other car enthusiasts meet during the monthly Cars and Coffee event in Wilmington. The event that features “Cool Cars, Hot Coffee, Great People (and) Pure Fun” is scheduled for the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. until noon. Currently, it takes place at The Pointe at Barclay in Wilmington, at South 17th Street and Independence Boulevard.

What started as a small group from the Antique Auto Club that used to meet in the Kmart parking lot years ago has grown to be a “much bigger beast,” according to Schnitzler. But like the clubs, Cars and Coffee is a great place to find connections within the car community.