DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2015) — The sixth annual “Collector Car Appreciation Day” will be observed July 10, 2015.
Announcing the date was the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils. SEMA said the date marks the sixth consecutive commemoration of 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, according to the Diamond Bar-based trade group. “The industry endeavors to preserve our nation's automotive heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide,” SEMA said in its e-newsletter. “Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day' is a singular tribute to the collector-car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports.”
Steve McDonald, SEMA vice president of government affairs, said “the U.S. Senate helped launch Collector Car Appreciation Day by passing resolutions each year at our request.
“As we prepare for the sixth celebration of our nation's automotive heritage, enthusiasts and related businesses are already planning open houses, car cruises, club gatherings and educational events to mark this annual commemoration. In fact, Collector Car Appreciation Day continues to take on a global character, with events held last year in the United States, Canada and Australia.”
The previous resolutions were sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Sen. Mark Begich (D-Ark.). SEMA said the senators “are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation's appreciation for the automobile's unique place in our history.”
The caucus is an informal, non-partisan group that, according to the association, “pays tribute to America's ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.”
“ARMO has been a proud sponsor of this event for the past five years,” said Dennis Roberts, ARMO chairman. “As the event continues to grow in prominence as a summer holiday for the hobby, the ARMO membership looks forward to taking on an even larger role in its promotion.
“This year we look forward to partnering with enthusiasts, car clubs and member businesses to give additional momentum to this annual celebration of our pastime and livelihood.”
Rick Love, HRIA chairman, called the event “an opportunity for hot rodders and custom-car enthusiasts to demonstrate their passion for the automotive hobby. As more events are held each year, council members have additional opportunities to raise awareness of the unique educational and economic impact of hot-rod enthusiasts in their states and local communities.”
SEMA said it will maintain and publicize a list of scheduled events coinciding with the appreciation day. 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 [email protected].
SEMA said those unable to celebrate on July 10 are encouraged to schedule events throughout July.