MATC Celebrates 45th Anniversary

A 45th anniversary is always an important milestone. Whether it recognizes a long and successful marriage, business, career, fraternal or social organization, it is a testament to a significant accomplishment. It is especially significant if it relates to a local car club. The Mid-Atlantic Thunderbird Club is celebrating that accomplishment in 2019. For 45 years MATC has supported Thunderbird owners in MD, PA, VA, WV, DE and DC. From the beginning the club was formed by, and continues under the direction of, serious, dedicated Thunderbird enthusiasts. MATC has been affiliated with several national TBird clubs and has hosted regional events and national conventions. It has the distinction of hosting the largest all year Thunderbird event ever held. Members own or have owned some of the most distinctive and important vehicles in Thunderbird history.

To celebrate the 45th anniversary, a group of lady members that included Judy Dickenson, Celeste Skruch, Phyllis Cherry, Lynn Horn and Barbara Panowitz under the direction of Cathy Kelley coordinated a three day event in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia. Magnetic car signs were displayed with the new 45 years logo and members wore matching t-shirts with the logo also. Attractions and venues included participation in a huge cruise night, a visit to a unique car museum, unique shops, Luray Caverns, Skyline Drive and more. There were also great restaurants (Including the Thunderbird Diner), a great hotel, a party with an anniversary cake, and great weather. Caravans of mostly retro TBirds attracted lots of attention no matter where it went. Some new members joined us for their first MATC cruise and we hope to see more of them in the future.

The weekend even included an unexpected tech session when the transmission in a ’02 would not disengage from park. The Thunderbird “experts” got it resolved sufficiently so the car could be driven in short order.

Plans are already in process for a 50th anniversary event and possibly several in between. If you live in our area, check us out at: www.midatlantictbirdclub.org.