OUR SPECIALTY VEHICLE “HOLIDAY” IS BACK:

Since 2010, a wide range of automotive-related events are held throughout July to honor Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) on the month's second Friday. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year by a U.S. Senate Resolution recognizing 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.” As this annual event continues to grow worldwide, states, provinces, counties and cities are following suit with their own recognition. The SAN encourages participation throughout the month to honor the classics of today and tomorrow.

CELEBRATE OUR HOBBY YOUR WAY!

• ATTEND an official vehicle-inspired event
• HOST your own gathering or club meeting
• Promote a “HOLIDAY SALE” at your business
• DRIVE your special ride, new or old, whatever the destination

Plan and submit your July event at no cost, locate a listing near you and more on the website: semasan.com/CCAD

(Participating organizers will be awarded a copy of the Congressional resolution for display at each registered event.)
 

Legislative Front Lines

» View complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.

• Minnesota Bill to Ease Process for Designating Classic Cars Sent to Governor

• Louisiana Bill to Recognize "COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION WEEKEND" Approved by Senate; Moves to Governor

• New Hampshire Bill to Expand Year-of-Manufacture Plates Law Approved by Committee; Moves to Senate Floor

• Hawaii Bill to Ban Most Aftermarket Exhaust Systems Dies as Legislature Adjourns

• Colorado Bill to Protect Collector Cars from Salvage Brand Signed Into Law

SEMA SAN Strike Force

Standing proudly beside his gorgeously-refurbished 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, Warwick, Rhode Island’s Jeff Goldstein is a member of the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS). By tapping into the knowledge of fellow enthusiasts and the club’s other resources, Jeff learned how to complete a build using the correctly-marked fasteners, date-coded parts and factory-spec paint finishes among other skills. These details were applied to the ‘Vette’s 327 c.i./300-H.P. powerplant, 4-speed transmission, air conditioning and two top options.

Many are familiar with the saying, “the devil is in the details.” Car collector and amateur restorer Jeff Goldstein of Warwick, Rhode Island, certainly subscribes to this train of thought. He recently wrote an inspiring letter to his state lawmakers in support of H.B. 8011, legislation to authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue replica year of manufacture license plates for antique vehicles (those over 25 years old). However, his interest lies more heavily in the bills’ provision that allows the use of actual vintage plates that were issued by the state in the vehicles’ year of manufacture. Seeking to further influence the bill’s fate, he quickly shared the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) message and encouraged others to take similar action.

While license plates are important to many, they paved the way for Jeff’s lifelong automotive passion. From an early age, his goal was to collect an example from every state. "In ’67, the state sent every car owner a brand new set of license plates," Goldstein relates. "I was ten years old and collected as many old sets from the neighbor’s trash cans as I could fit in my bicycle basket.” Shortly thereafter, he learned about the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA) and began receiving requests from fellow collectors all over the country who wanted examples from his state. Many would offer to trade Jeff for one from their state. Within a few months, he had collected plates from all 50 states, Canada and Mexico which was an impressive feat in the days before the Internet. No wonder this legislation resonated with you, Jeff. Let’s hope it gets enacted into law!"

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