The first ever Collector Car Appreciation day, as created by a US Senate Resolution, is set to go down on July 9, 2010. It’s definitely a day to get out on the road with your hot rod and cruise! There are celebrations, shows and events happening all over the country. SEMA worked hard to get this special day created. 

SEMA lobbied for the day on the grounds that collector cars are a vital part of American culture and history. Shops that restore cars help to preserve the history of America and also promote and employ craftsmen and women, and are integral parts of their local communities. Every gearhead knows where the cool local shops are. This is a day to celebrate not just the cars but the people behind them. 

You’ll see a link below in the press release from SEMA that you can click to find events happening in your community. If you don’t see anything happening near you, get off your backside and plan something! Congress practically demands it!

Here’s the full press release from SEMA —

Diamond Bar, Calif. (June 30, 2010) – Marked by
U.S. Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513), the first-ever
Collector Car Appreciation Day is being celebrated on July 9, 2010 by
car lovers and enthusiasts throughout the country. Thousands of
individuals will
join together at events scheduled in cities and towns across the U.S.
and Canada.  A list of these events, updated daily, is available at http://www.sema.org/sema-enews/2010/21/collector-car-appreciation-day-grows.

“We’re
pleased
that our elected officials in Washington recognize the positive impact
that the automotive industry has made,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA
president and CEO.  “The resolution and special day give car collectors
an opportunity to celebrate their passion for cars and trucks of
every era. It also reaffirms the important role that automobiles have
played in our cultural heritage.”

The
resolution was the result of
an effort undertaken by SEMA and its councils as a means to raise
awareness of the vital role the collector car hobby plays in American
society. 
Restoration businesses help save our nation’s heritage while providing
well-paying, high-skill jobs nationwide.

The
resolution was
sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports
Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr
(R-NC). The Caucus
is an informal, non-partisan group that recognizes the integral role
collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for
motorsports. 

Americans are encouraged to celebrate the inaugural event by finding and attending a Collector Car Appreciation Day event or
organizing their own events.

“Go to an event and you’ll see just how integral classic cars and trucks are in American
society,” said Kersting. “It will be evident that these historic vehicles serve as the inspiration for everything from music and
photography to cinema and fashion. On top of that, they’re a lot of fun!”

About SEMA

SEMA,
the Specialty
Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.85
billion specialty automotive industry of 7,144 member-companies. It is
the
authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth
information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry
provides appearance,
performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger
and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575
S.
Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.