Collector Car Appreciation Day is July 9
July is the perfect month to celebrate all-things American. Between the Fourth of July, picnics at the beach, fairs and festivals, it’s a great time to reflect on everything that makes us special. This year, there’s even more reason to celebrate: The U.S. Senate last month passed a resolution declaring July 9, 2010, “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”
On May 4, the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513), which 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.” It also encourages commemorations to celebrate this heritage, and to educate young people on the role of the automobile in the history of the United States.
The resolution was the work of a nonpartisan, informal group called the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. It was sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.).
“We greatly appreciate the United States Senate’s recognition of the important role classic car restoration serves in our country,” said Steve McDonald, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which encouraged the Senate to vote on the resolution with help from the Automotive Restoration Market Organization. “As Americans gather at car cruises and other events in conjunction with ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day’ on July 9, these vital contributions will be honored and preserved.”
ARMO is compiling a list of events planned for the day around the country. The list, which is growing daily, is available at www.sema.org.
Hagerty is very excited about the upcoming festivities and celebrations, and is encouraging collector car enthusiasts to hit the road on July 9 and show support for the hobby. The company plans to kick off our own celebration on July 4 with the Hagerty Family Car Show in Traverse City, Mich. And that Friday, Hagerty employees will drive their classic cars to the office to celebrate the collections in our own garages.
There has been some talk on web about how state-use restrictions might impair a collector’s ability to celebrate this day, but there have also been some interesting suggestions. For example, print out a copy of the resolution and have it with you in your car on July 9. Some suggest that if you are pulled over, you can point to the resolution and say that you are participating in a national event sanctioned by the U.S. Senate.
However you choose to celebrate this event, Hagerty is grateful for the recognition this will give the hobby and will continue to work on relaxing the onerous use restrictions.
