Potomac Classic T-Bird Club | Chapter 23

In the summer of 1968, amid the vibrant backdrop of a weekend concours at Nags Head, North Carolina, orchestrated by Bob Rosson, the seeds were sown for a new community of classic car enthusiasts. Pete and Kathe Van Schuyler, struck by the camaraderie and shared passion for Thunderbirds, envisioned a regional chapter that could bring together like-minded aficionados. By September of that same year, their vision took form with an organizational meeting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and by November, the Potomac Classic Thunderbird Club (PCTC) was officially born as Chapter 23 of the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI).

Starting with a core group of 18 members from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the PCTC quickly became a vibrant hub for Thunderbird owners across the Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia. The club’s ranks swelled to 120 by 1975, and today it boasts around 75 households each year. The membership roster includes expert restorers and knowledgeable parts vendors, ensuring that help with any aspect of Thunderbird care—from maintenance to full restoration—is just a club member away.

PCTC’s calendar is packed with events that cater to the entire spectrum of its membership’s interests. The club organizes everything from scenic caravan drives and local trips to elaborate dinner meetings and casual brunches. Not to mention the much-anticipated annual Holiday Party and picnics that feature friendly concours. Meetings might also include technical sessions, which often turn impromptu due to a classic car hiccup or two, led by skilled members of the club.

The highlight for many are the club’s newsletters, a monthly dispatch that keeps the Thunderbird spirit alive with updates, event information, technical advice, and features on club activities. It’s a testament to the vibrant community spirit that defines the PCTC.

Since its inception, PCTC has proudly participated in every CTCI concours since the 1969 showdown in Lake Placid, New York, and has made its mark on numerous regional concours as well. PCTC vehicles routinely come home adorned with trophies, a nod to the meticulous care and passion of their owners. Notably, in 1983, the club hosted the prestigious Region 4 Concours in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and in 1990, they took on the mantle of organizing the national CTCI convention in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Throughout the year, PCTC and its parade of pristine Thunderbirds are a fixture at local events such as the Washington, DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Annual Das Awkscht Fescht Car Show in Macungie, Pennsylvania, the Virginia Wine Festival, and the Sully Plantation Antique & Car Show, as well as the Rockville Antique Car Show in Maryland. Each appearance is not just a showcase but a celebration of a shared legacy, making the Potomac Classic Thunderbird Club a cornerstone of the classic car culture in the Mid-Atlantic region.