“Resolved, That the Senate —
- designates July 11, 2014, as ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day’;
- recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States; and
- encourages the people of the United States to engage in events and commemorations of Collector Car Appreciation Day that create opportunities for collector car owners to educate young people about the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the United States, including through the collection and restoration of collector cars.
The words above come from U.S. Senate Resolution 493 as passed last month by the 113th Congress. So, how are you going to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day this weekend?
This is the fifth year in a row that the SEMA Action Network, the legislative relations arm of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, has worked with the U.S. Senate to produce such a resolution, introduced again this year — as it has been every year — by Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, and for 2014 with co-sponsorship by Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Sen. Mark Begish of Alaska.
[pullquote]
It’s not just about the cars, it’s also about spending time with my son – who is really into them. He and I have spent hours in the garage together working on vehicles.”
— Sen. Jon Tester
[/pullquote]As a car collector myself, I have a great appreciation for classic cars,” Sen. Tester told ClassicCars.com in an email exchange. “Not only are they are an important part of preserving technological achievements and acknowledging our heritage, they’re also a helluva lot of fun.
“But for me, it’s not just about the cars, it’s also about spending time with my son – who is really into them. He and I have spent hours in the garage together working on vehicles.”
Sen. Tester owns a Model T, Model A, 1938 Chevrolet, a Willys Jeep, a 1956 Buick Century, a 1970 Buick Electra and a 1955 step-side pickup truck.
The wording of the resolution affirms the role collector cars play in the U.S.:
- Many people in the United States maintain classic automobiles as a pastime and do so with great passion and as a means of individual expression;
- The Senate recognizes the effect that the more than 100-year history of the automobile has had on the economic progress of the United States and supports wholeheartedly all activities involved in the restoration and exhibition of classic automobiles;
- The collection, restoration, and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and across all segments of society;
- Thousands of local car clubs and related businesses have been instrumental in preserving a historic part of the heritage of the United States by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of such vintage works of art;
- Automotive restoration provides well-paying, high-skilled jobs for people in all 50 States,
- Automobiles have provided the inspiration for music, photography, cinema, fashion, and other artistic pursuits that have become part of the popular culture of the United States…
The above is directly quoted from the resolution, though we edited out all the Whereases.
“Unfortunately, I’ll be away from my garage,” Sen. Tester said of his duties in Washington. “But hopefully all the other car collectors across America can take their vehicles out for a spin, perhaps put the top down, rev up the engine and enjoy the open road.”
SEMA has set up a special website that lists Collector Car Appreciation Day events taking place across the country. They range from the Bear Paw Festival Classic Car Show at Eagle River, Alaska to the Key West Power Cruise in Florida and from the Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza at Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada to a gathering at the Wild West Muscle Garage and Mick’s U.S. Musclecars and Classics in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
If you know of other events not listed on the SEMA site, please list them in the “Share you comments” box below. We already have been notified of two such events:
- Motown Automotive Professionals, a non-profit focused on automotive vocational training will stage a special “Collector Car Appreciation Day” car show Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the A&W All American Restaurant on 12 Mile Road in Berkley, Michigan,
- Carlisle Events plans a special Collector Car Appreciation Day celebration as part of its annual Carlisle Chrysler Nationals this weekend. The focus at Carlisle will be the 100th anniversary of the Dodge brand and the 50th anniversary of both the Plymouth Barracuda and of the Hemi engine.
We also encourage you to fill out our Question of the Week poll on this subject.
