July 5, 2013—The U.S. Senate recently passed Senate Resolution 176 designating July 12 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.”

Senate Resolution 176 was requested by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils. SEMA said the resolution was sponsored by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), who are co-chairs of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

SEMA said the “Collector Car Appreciation Day” designation is meant to raise awareness and celebrate the vital role that automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

“We again thank the U.S. Senate for the continuing recognition of the collector car hobby as a strong American tradition and pastime,” said Steve McDonald, vice president of government affairs for SEMA. “With Australia and Canada joining the mix, ‘Collector Car Appreciation Day’ has now become an international recognition of the collector car industry and the millions of hobbyists it supports. The collector car industry helps preserve our unique American automotive heritage while contributing to the economy by providing high-skilled, well-paying jobs.” 

SEMA is encouraging all automotive enthusiasts to participate in this year’s “Collector Car Appreciation Day” by attending events in their local communities. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has maintained a list of events nationwide that are scheduled to commemorate the day, which can be found online at semasan.com.

“Collector Car Appreciation Day is the opportunity for everyone involved in this great American hobby to show off their cars and celebrate new traditions,” said Alex Tainsh, chairman of SEMA’s ARMO council. “Businesses and car clubs across the country will be hosting car shows and cruises. More events are being held to commemorate this special day each year.”