WRAPPING UP 2014:

Year's End Brings a Slew of Legislative Gifts

With the end of the 2014 legislative sessions throughout the United States and Canada, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) can look back at the past year with a great sense of pride. As long-time Driving Force readers have come to expect, wins at all levels of government have once again been earned on behalf of the automotive hobby. A comprehensive recap is highlighted in the new Winter issue's cover story featured on the right. Proposals were introduced that affected nearly every faction within our four-wheel-centric constituency. Some bills required significant efforts to reach victory, while others just needed a timely nudge. Issues included titling and emissions requirements for collector vehicles, limiting vehicle- and property-tax increases, expanding registration plate options and fair use of specialty parts. A watchful eye has been kept on ethanol fuel mandates and recreational access to public land as well. While the holiday season is in full swing, don't forget to begin making your plans to recognize Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) on July 10, 2015.

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SEMA SAN Strike Force

Earlier this year, members of The WPC Club, Inc. celebrated Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) during the group's 2014 Annual National Meet in Auburn Hills, Michigan. A variety of MoPars, new and old, turned up for the day's festivities held at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum.

Pentastar fans quickly point out that The WPC Club, Inc. is named after Walter P. Chrysler, founder of the legendary Chrysler Corporation. This world-wide, non-profit organization is "dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of Chrysler Products—namely Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, Imperial, Fargo, Jeep, Eagle and related vehicles, including antecedents Maxwell and Chalmers Motor Cars." Self-proclaimed as the "World's Largest Club" dedicated to these brands, owners of Chrysler cars of all years and models are welcome. The group's first iteration—called the Original Chrysler Products Restorers Club—was begun in 1962 by Stephen Setto of Houston, Pennsylvania. A few years later, a group of Californians organized the club's Western Region. Led by Norman Frey, they eventually took over leadership. The organization was subsequently renamed California Chrysler Products Restorers Club in March of 1967 and began taking its present shape. In 1970, their first National Meet was held at Harrah's in Reno, Nevada.

Today, the WPC Club's members hail from 24 regions in the U.S., Canada and Europe and boasts more than 13,000 vehicles. The group continues to publish a bi-monthly 32-page newsmagazine, The WPC News, a regular winner of Old Cars Weekly's Golden Quill Award. In keeping with the changing times, the group announced the creation of an official website in 1997. It also made the jump to social media with a photo-laden Facebook page. Over the years, Chrysler officials and associates—both current and retired—have significantly contributed to the WPC Club by making visits to historical locations possible. Interestingly, only six presidents have served the group since 1969. Current President Richard Bowman joined the Board in November 1985, became Treasurer-Editor in 1987 and was elected to his current post in 1993.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) appreciates the WPC Club's involvement in CCAD 2014! We all look forward to recognizing the occasion with you again next July…

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