SEMA News—December 2012 

EVENTS

Fourth Annual Collector Car Appreciation Day to Be Celebrated July 12, 2013

Annual Event Acknowledges Importance of Collection and Restoration of Classic Cars

	Employees of SEMA member Extreme Automotive in Corona, California prepare to cut the cake in celebration of the company’s Collector Car Appreciation Day open house.
	The Crazy Cruisers Car Club gathers to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day in Panama City Beach, Florida.

SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day will be celebrated July 12, 2013. The date marks the fourth consecutive commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

SEMA and its councils will once again seek a congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. The industry endeavors to preserve the nation’s automotive heritage while providing well-paying, highly skilled jobs nationwide. Collector Car Appreciation Day is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.

“The U.S. Senate helped launch Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions each year at our request,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “As we prepare for the fourth celebration of our nation’s automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events throughout the world to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, Collector Car Appreciation Day is quickly taking on a global character, with events held in the United States, Canada and Australia.”

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) sponsored the previous resolutions. Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C., and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history. The caucus is an informal, nonpartisan group that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

“Over the past three years, thousands of enthusiasts and collectors have celebrated their hobby at events throughout the country,” said Alex Tainsh, chairman of ARMO. “The event continues to grow in prominence as a summer holiday for the hobby. This year, we look forward to partnering with enthusiasts, car clubs and businesses to make this the largest celebration to date.”

“Collector Car Appreciation Day is an opportunity for hobbyists to share their passion for the automotive hobby, said Rick Love, chairman of HRIA. “Each year, more events are held to raise awareness of the unique educational and economic impact of collector car enthusiasts across the globe.”

SEMA will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin, director of the SEMA Action Network, at 909-978-6721 or san@SEMA.org. If you are unable to celebrate on July 12, SEMA encourages events to be scheduled throughout the month of July.