FALL / WINTER 2015 • VOLUME 11 / ISSUE 3
OPENROAD
Presenting Sponsor
Sustaining
Official
The Place to Race
Partners
Providers
Major Sponsor Recognition
Major Sponsor Recognition
F E A T U R E S
10
feature :
ACM “ON THE ROAD”
ACM has a history of taking its passion for cars and motorcycles out into the world.
20
AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
1961 ChRysler 300G
The Chrysler 300 “letter cars” combined luxury with stunning performance.
D E P A R T M E N T S 5 Behind the wheel
24
GUEST EDITORIAL:
A NEW DAY AT SCCA
Long known for their commitment to motorsport competition, the Sports Car Club of America has a more laid-back side.
A report from ACM CEO David Madeira
6 IN THE HEADLIGHTS A new addition to the Family Zone 7
ALONG FOR THE RIDE
Random musings by the managing editor of OpenRoad
8 signpost Late breaking news & items of interest 8 DOWN THE ROAD Happenings worth saving the date 9 Recently READ Recommended reading for car enthusiasts 15 ON EXHIBIT New exhibits gracing our galleries 16 FUEL FOR THE FUTURE Smart gift planning 17 Fuel for thought Financial advice for car enthusiasts 18 ROAD WELL TAKEN Santa Barbara to Solvang and back 26 MEMBERSHIP Give the gift of membership 27 EDUCATION AT ACM Learning opportunities for all ages 28 HAGERTY EDUCATION PROGRAM Preserve the past. Build the future.
OPENROAD 3
LeMay– AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM
CEO David Madeira
BEHIND THE WHEEL WHEN WE FIRST PROMOTED THE IDEA OF “AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM” OVER A DECADE AGO,WE PROMISED TO BE SOMETHING SPECIAL, SOMETHING UNIQUE. WE SAID WE’D GO BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL NOTION OF A CAR MUSEUM—CARS SITTING IN CHRONOLOGICALLY ORDERED DISPLAYS, FEW, IF ANY, ANCILLARY EVENTS AND A MEMBERSHIP BASE LIMITED TO THE IMMEDIATE AREA.
Photo by Derek Klein
“THIS HAS ENABLED ME TO...FOCUS ON LONG-TERM INITIATIVES... TO ENSURE THE MUSEUM THRIVES... FOR DECADES TO COME”
ve written before about the importance
I’
while retaining my role as Chief Executive Officer.
of looking well ahead, down the road when driving. Scanning ten to twelve seconds
The result of this move has been to put operational
ahead, instead of focusing on what’s immedi-
himself as our capable and dedicated Chief
ately before you, allows you the opportunity to
Operating Officer for several years now. This
‘plan’ for course changes and potential hazards
has enabled me to shift my endeavours as
and dangers. It makes navigating a route and
Chief Executive Officer to focus on strategically
arriving at one’s chosen destination safely far
important and long-term initiatives such as
easier and more likely.
Board development, an endowment campaign
I’ve thought about that strategy a great deal
for sustainability and strategic partnerships
during the years that I have led the administration
designed to ensure the Museum thrives as a
of AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM and have always
world-class institution for decades to come.
made it a practice to ‘look ahead’ in working with
I am thrilled at the possibilities this shift may
the senior staff and Board of Directors to create
bring us in the years ahead. Stay tuned for you
strategic priorities to guide the annual operating
will be hearing and seeing more from me on
plans for the Museum—plans designed to help
these topics as I keep my ‘eyes down the road’
us fulfill our vision and mission effectively and
to steer A MERICA’S C AR M USEUM to an even
efficiently. That practice helps us reach our
more significant future.
planning fully in the hands of Paul who has proven
destination—providing members and visitors with the best possible experience that we can. It was with that strategy in mind that, in June, I asked and received permission from the Board to relinquish my role as President to Paul Miller
To learn more about how you can get involved visit americascarmuseum.org
OPENROAD 5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
IN THE HEADLIGHTS
Karl Anderson, Chairman Concrete Technology Corporation Tacoma, Washington Neal Arntson, President Albina Fuel Company Vancouver, Washington John Barline, Attorney Harlow & Falk Tacoma, Washington Dale Bloomquist, Enthusiast Seattle, Washington Stephen Boone, Enthusiast and Collector Olympia, Washington Nicola Bulgari, Vice Chairman BVLGARI S.p.A. New York, New York Richard (Rick) B. Davis, President Standard Parts Corporation Tacoma, Washington John C. Dimmer, President FIRS Management, LLC Lakewood, Washington
Family Zone adds a new Road Trip Challenge
Students at Renton Technical College are creating a new hands-on kiosk for ACM’s Family Zone. They are converting a 1998 Ford Mustang to become a kiosk for visitors to take a Road Trip Challenge. This iOS app teaches stategies for wise fuel and energy use. We are excited to see the auto body repair and refinishing skills of the Renton Technical College students bring this project to life.
Art Fischer, President & General Manager NAPA Auto Parts Atlanta, Georgia Dawn Fisher, CEO MFD Classic Motors Instructor and vintage car driver Traverse City, Michigan Larry Gordon Gordon Trucking Pacific, Washington McKeel Hagerty, CEO Hagerty Traverse City, Michigan Tom Hedges, Co-owner Hedges Family Estate Seattle, Washington George Ingle, President/General Manager The Ingle Company Tacoma, Washington Doug LeMay, Vice President LeMay Investments LLC Tacoma, Washington Nancy LeMay, CEO LeMay Investments LLC Tacoma, Washington
A Day-long Celebration
Saturday, December 19 n Family Zone RTC Welcome
Reception 10am - 11am
n Family STEM Day – Tech toys
for the holidays 11am - 4 pm
n Pictures with Santa 11am -3pm Funding for the RTC Kiosk at ACM was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the BioEnergy Science Center and the Norcliffe Foundation.
David Lowe Madeira, CEO LeMay– AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM Tacoma, Washington Keith Martin, Publisher Sports Car Market Portland, Oregon James Gary May, Owner, President Hopewell Land Partners LLC, Winter Haven, Florida B. Corry McFarland, President Cedar Management Company Fife, Washington Paul E. Miller, President/COO LeMay– AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM Tacoma, Washington Michael J. Phillips, Chairman Altaira Wealth Management Geneva, Switzerland Manfred Scharmach, CEO and President Scharmach Enterprises BMW Northwest, Northwest Mini, Seattle Mini, NW Pre-owned Center Fife, Washington Bill Sterud, Vice Chairman Puyallup Tribal Council Tacoma, Washington William T. Weyerhaeuser, Director/Chairman Columbia Bank Tacoma, Washington James M. Will, President Titus-Will Enterprises, Inc. Olympia, Washington
6 OPENROAD
OPENROAD PUBLICATION CREDITS Managing Editor & Head Writer Walt Tomsic, Tomsic Sullivan Design Professor Emeritus at Pacific Lutheran University, Walt is a confirmed “car nut.” He started with a ‘53 Austin-Healey 100 in high school and continued through a procession of Triumphs, an Alfa Romeo, a Shelby GT-350, three ‘60s vintage ‘Pagoda’ SLs, a Beck 356 and a couple of E-types. His current ride is a 1955 Austin-Healey 100. Art Direction & Graphic Design Deni Sullivan, Tomsic Sullivan Design Deni has a BFA in graphic design from Pacific Lutheran University and has operated her own design business for over 30 years. Passionate for sports cars, she has owned several throughout the years including a ‘64 TR4 Sebring, a ‘72 TR6, and a 1979 Porsche. Her current ride is an ‘08 Special Edition Miata.
Guest Editor, Hayward Wagner Director of Experimental Programs Sports Car Club of America
For over half a century, the Sports Car Club of America has been known as the foremost sanctioning body supporting both amateur and professional road racing, rallying and autocross in America. Along with all that competition, there is a more social side to the SCCA. Read about it starting on page 24. Michael Craft ACM Official Photographer Special thanks to Advertising Photographer Michael Craft for creating many of the beautiful images printed in OpenRoad. MichaelCraftPhotography.com
STEERING COMMITTEE Rod Alberts, Executive Director North American International Auto Show Troy, Michigan Thomas L. Bryant VP/Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Road & Track (retired) Bainbridge, Washington
Isn’t it interesting how these tandem automotive names sound so much more—I don’t know—cultured/refined/ aristocratic… RICH! This is especially true when you add a cool model designation and compare that to all those soulless alphanumeric car badges that proliferate today. Think about it… an “MQZ8” or an “AstonMartin Volante”—a “CL3” or a “Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith.” I don’t even know what a wraith is but I want one. I wouldn’t mind being one. Better look it up. Man with single word name, car with two.
They say the human mind is an enigma wrapped in a mystery packed with a tangle of odd connections. I can prove that. While doing my morning web surf, I happened across a photo on an obscure Facebook page. It was Pablo Picasso and a car. Next, I read a piece on this past summer’s Pebble Beach Concours. Finally, while flipping through a past issue of OpenRoad, Winter 2007 to be precise, I reread the AutoBiography article. Then it struck me. Each of these seemingly disparate items contained a common connection. This could be one of those Mensa Society test questions. Here goes… Pablo Picasso was photographed standing next to his Hispano-Suiza. This year’s Pebble Beach winner was a 1924 Issota Fraschini. The subject of the AutoBio story… a 1917 Simplex-Crane. And the common thread is? Answer... each of the cars in question have a two word name—two of which are hyphenated.
“Wraith, (raTH) noun, a ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen shortly before or after their death. [used in similes and metaphors to describe a pale, thin, or insubstantial person or thing]” Okay, maybe I don’t want to be one, but it’s still one of the coolest car names ever. Maybe this is partly why I love Austin-Healeys so much. Hands down, I have to go with Rolls-Royce as having the best model designations to go along with that patrician name—“Phantom/ Ghost/Cloud/Shadow/Spirit”—all very ephemeral and ectoplasmic. The British seem to have the dual car name market cornered. To prove the point, I did some research and put together the following short list of some of my favorites, all of which have motored into oblivion—no doubt ejecting parts and spraying oil as they went: Angus-Sanderson, Armstrong Siddeley, Ashton-Evans, Dalgliesh-Gullane, Christchurch-Campbell, JensenHealey, Sheffield-Simplex, Fawcett-Fowler, Amy Farrah Fowler. Now for the final Mensa question. Which of the above does not belong on the list?
Sandra Button, Chairperson Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Carmel, California Gill Campbell, CEO Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, California John J. Carlson, CEO National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada Corp. Belcarra, British Columbia, Canada Rod Egan, Worldwide Auctioneers Kirkland, Washington Robert Falleur, Owner and Collector Bob’s Toys, Rods and Restorations Milwaukie, Oregon Mark Gessler, President Historic Vehicle Association Potomac, Maryland Alan Grant, Principal LARGEarchtitecture Los Angeles, California Gerald Greenfield, Chief Judge Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance Lake Tapps, Washington Paul Hageman, Automobile Enthusiast Santa Barbara, California Peter Hageman, Founder Suite 200 Automobile Collection Santa Barbara, California Paul Ianuario, Executive Director BMW Museum Reidville, South Carolina Rock Jenkins Agency Administration Leader State Farm Insurance Tacoma, Washington John Lyons, CEO Hartford Land Ventures, LLC West Hartford, Connecticut Al McEwan, Founder Suite 200 Automobile Collection Kirkland, Washington Mark McKee, Chief Gear Head Ace Cafe N.A Leawood, Kansas Bruce Meyer, Enthusiastic Collector Beverly Hills, California Glenn Mounger, Former Chairman Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Bainbridge Island, Washington
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Peter Brock
Car Designer, Writer and Photographer
Thomas L. Bryant
Editor Emeritus, Road & Track
McKeel Hagerty CEO, Hagerty
Sandra Button
Chairman, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Bill Warner
Chairman, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Keith Martin
Publisher, Sports Car Market
Jay Leno Website Host
Collector & Enthusiast
Lyn St. James Racer, Collector & Enthusiast
Subscription to OpenRoad triannual magazine published by LeMay – America’s Car Museum® is a benefit of Bronze Key Driver membership and above. LeMay – America’s Car Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A portion of your gift towards membership and sponsorship are tax deductible. Museum Administration: David Lowe Madeira, CEO | Paul Miller, President & COO | Dean Carrell, VP for Institutional Advancement | Valerie O’Shea, Executive Assistant to the CEO | Keith Flickinger, Curator of the Collection | Scot Keller, Curator of Exhibitry | Diane Fitzgerald, National Director– Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum Please Address Correspondence to LeMay – America’s Car Museum/OpenRoad, 2702 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 Phone: 253.779.8490 Toll Free: 877.902.8490 Fax: 253.779.8499 Website: www.americascarmuseum.org Not all of the automobiles depicted in OpenRoad are part of the ACM Collection. Some of the photographs were chosen in order to illustrate or enliven a featured story while others were selected purely for their artistic merit.
Michael T. Phillips, Financial Consultant AXA-Advisors Seattle, Washington Candida Romanelli, President Romanelli Event Services Frisco, Texas Richard Rurak, President Grenzebach-Inos Automation Software Troy, Michigan Lyn St. James, President/Founder LSJ Enterprises Phoenix, Arizona Bill Warner, Chairman Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Jacksonville, Florida Todd Wells, General Manager Global Marketing Operations, Microsoft Sammamish, Washington John Weymer, Media Relations Puyallup Tribe of Indians Fife, Washington Hans Wurl Auto Specialist Gooding & Company Renton, Washington
OPENROAD 7
SIGNPOSTS Images of France: 2015 Concours Club French Winery Tour On September 24, ACM Concours Club members embarked on a twelve-day dining and wine tasting tour through France. With vehicles provided by BMW, the “2015 Trip to France with Bertrand” was a resounding success. The photos below provide a glimpse of the adventure.
DOWNTHEROAD On display through December 31 Cleworth: Cars, Arts & Inspiration Exhibit ACM Campus December 10 American Muscle: Modified Madness Exclusive Member Preview ACM Campus Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 10 Race Night at ACM ACM Speed Zone December 11 American Muscle: Modified Madness Exhibit Opens ACM Campus December 12, 13, 19, 20 Santa at ACM ACM Campus December 12 Insider Talk – Modified Madness ACM Campus Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 19 Family STEM Day ACM Campus December 27 – January 8 The Drive Home ACM Campus to Detroit, Michigan January 5, February 2, March 1 If Cars Could Talk ACM Campus January 24 Arizona Concours d’Elegance HEP Career Services & Restoration Seminars Arizona Biltmore Hotel Phoenix, Arizona February 27 Drive the Blues Away ACM Campus March 5 Member Double Discount Day ACM Campus Member Benefit/Discount Applies
For more information, visit the ACM website “Events” link at www.americascarmuseum.org.
ROADSIDEASSISTANCE
Clockwise from top left: n Deux Cheveaux at Maison Chapoutier in the Rhone Valley
n Domaine Thernard, Mercurey n Exploding tomatoes with fresh Burrata at Masion Pic n Sea Breem with Sauce Tomat at La Violon d’ingres n Oak Barrels in the Cellar at Domaine Thernard, Mercurey n Stainless Steel tanks at Chateau Gruaud Larose n Chateau Bouchard Pere et Fils, Beaune. 8 OPENROAD
Ashley Bice Marketing and Communications Manager Renee Crist Collection Manager Lynette Crumity Corporate & Foundation Relations Director Laurie Humphrey Annual Giving and Membership Manager Caitlin Keely Signature Events Coordinator Jeff Keys Guest Services Manager Debbie Kray Education Manager Ann Sweeney Private Event & Sales Coordinator Matt Taylor Director of Major & Planned Gifts
Contact ACM Administrative Office 253-779-8490 or info@americascarmuseum.org
ACMSTORE
Great Holiday Gifts Ladies Gifts
V8 Jewelry Set Show off your love
affair with the automobile with this sterling silver set, handmade in the USA using an old school wax cast method. n Earrings $39.99/$35.99 member n Necklace $99.99/$89.99 member
RECENTLYREAD
C
heck out
these two
recently read
books covering the world of the automobile
n “Pin-Up” Blouse Made from Eco
friendly bamboo fabric, machine washable and oh so soft! $26.99/$24 member
n Harvey Seatbelt Tote Made in the
USA from recycled seatbelts with an ECO friendly lining. Fashionable and designed to last a lifetime! $129.99/$116.99 member
Men’s Gifts n Cruising Classic Button-down $59.99/$53.99 member. Need something basic yet snazzy? Try on this classy Cadillac embroidered button up. Made in the USA, it’s always classic and never stops being comfortable! Pull this look together with our coordinating “Rat Pack” style Fedora. $19.99/$17.99 member
Gifts for the Family (ON SALE) n NEW All-weather Backpack
$30 now $15/$13.50 member. Water proof and tear resistant backpack with multiple pockets and a headphone easy access port, keeps your things dry and you plugged in!
n Utility Blanket $40 now $25/$22.50 member. Water proof liner with fleece top, this blanket is ideal for many uses. Toss in the trunk for emergencies or travel comfort. Makes a great stadium blanket for those cold wet games that are so common in the PNW! n Travel Cooler $30/now $15/$13.50 member. Double wall lined
and insulated, this cooler can handle a full bag of ice plus a six pack without leaking! Transports hot items easily with collapsible design for easy storage.
Kids Gifts n Automoblox Hot Rod, Truck & Racer $19.99/$17.99 member n Construct a Truck Kit
$39.99/$35.99 member
Award winning, beautiful wood grain kits and toys that teach kids to problem solve and learn how things work. Automblox vehicles can be registered online and the children will receive their very own VIN and registration for their car!
Rather our
than presenting volumes by a single author,
most
recently
read
literary
selections
collected works by a variety of writers.
offer
These ‘short-
segment’ type books make for ideal bedside or airport layover reading.
Jennings
Both Tom Cotter
and
Jean Lindamood
are well known in automotive circles and the
books they’ve put together have become must-reads for enthusiasts.
The Cobra in the Barn – Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology – by Tom Cotter Following a fun forward by Peter Egan, Cotter presents a collection of essays on one of car culture’s most enduring legends—the “Barn Find.” Like the quest for the Holy Grail or King Solomon’s mines, the allure of finding a priceless classic languishing beneath a pile of dust and discarded newspapers is almost irresistible. As revealed in the book, it’s not all myth. A surprising number of these hidden and neglected gems have actually been found, often by complete accident.
Road Trips, Head Trips and Other Car-Crazed Writings – edited by Jean Lindamood Jennings If you enjoy good, often great, automotive writing and writers, this book needs to be on your shelf. To say the book is eclectic and quirky—in a good way—would be an understatement. The editorials, essays and occasional poems run the gamut from journalism to fiction to personal remembrance. Many are laced with humor, all demonstrate the passion cars elicit from people (such as you and I of course) who find them so fascinating. Perhaps the best way to communicate just how interesting the book is will be to drop a few contributor names: David E. Davis Jr., Allen Ginsberg, Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, Denise McCluggage, Ken Purdy, P. J. O’rourke and L. J. K. Setright. Oops, did I leave out John Steinbeck?
OPENROAD 9
America’s Car Museum
“ON THE ROAD”
We take our passion for cars and motorcycles out into the world.”
C
ars can be approached from a variety of viewpoints. If you’re of a visual bent, you can see them as a form of... well... “Pure form”- a kind of sculptural expression. In the hands of a skilled and creative designer, the curves, creases and chrome can easily be admired apart from any awareness of the vehicle’s underlying purpose. When viewed from a purely technical perspective, there are sufficient mechanical bits clattering away to keep an engineer’s left hemisphere humming. On the other hand, contemporary ‘fly-by-wire’ cars have stacks of sufficiently miniscule printed chips and circuits with enough ones and zeros to make any self-respecting techno-type swoon.
Then, there is the visceral component... a kinetic experience that comes at you through your eyes, ears, nose, hands and the seat of your pants. In other words, “driving.” It’s not something one ordinarily associates with an automotive museum, you know,... the kind with rows of parked cars. Fortunately for our members, ACM isn’t an ‘ordinary’ museum.
10 OPENROAD
Page 10, clockwise from far left: • ACM’s Citroen 2CV plugs along on the Peking to Paris Rally • Riders cross a swollen stream in Nepal • Pebble Beach Motoring Classic on the road south to Monterey • Our wings fly high at 18,380 ft. on a recent motorcycle tour through the Himalayas • A “Ponies in the Desert Tour” Mustang convertible motors through Zion National Park Page 11, clockwise from top: • ACM’s 1935 LaSalle completes the 2000 Mille Miglia • A summer Cruise-In at ACM • With Hagerty providing a support vehicle (at left), an ACM-led tour pauses for photos at the lava field on McKenzie Pass, Oregon • ACM member John Voigt drives his owned-since-new 289 Cobra on Arizona’s Copperstate 1000
Whether you consider a car’s looks, mechanical components or on-the-road performance to be paramount, AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM has you covered. But it’s that last “on the road” part of the mix that makes ACM so special and unique. Cars are purpose-built to be driven. And boy, do we drive them and encourage you to join us as we do! From concierge-class motoring through the French countryside, to more accessible regional tours, to casual CruiseIns at ACM… driving is at the heart of the “ACM On the Road” experience. Our Concours Club ‘first cabin’ tours are designed to provide only the best in terms of cars, amenities, accommodations and dining. And of course, destinations and the type of routes one takes to get there. “There” might well be a classic car on a winding road in the mountains of Patagonia, at the wheel of a new BMW approaching a French vineyard or, on a tour of Italian Auto Museums. What makes these tours exceptional—beyond the tangible level of excellence—is the level of camaraderie among fellow travelers… people who share a common passion for cars and AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM. Wineries just seem to come attached to beautiful scenery and winding roads. Our Club Auto Wine & Wheels tours are designed to take maximum advantage of that perfect formula. What differentiates these trips from the overseas variety—beyond cost of course—is the fact that they are more easily accessed. ACM is fortunate to be located in a part of the country blessed with a rich variety of topography and climate. The region’s wineries thrive on that diversity and reaching them by car is the perfect way to go. Whether it’s a special trip to the beautiful Hedges Family Estate—an Official Provider of ACM, or into the Willamette Valley’s vineyard splashed hills with brunch at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, our Club Auto Wine & Wheels tours will take you there. continued on page 12
“Fortunately for our members, America’s Car Museum isn’t an ‘ordinary’ museum.”
Y
ou’ll also find ACM’s winged logo prominent at all sorts of driving events, of both the four and two wheel variety. Whether hosting, sponsoring or co-sponsoring a trip or tour—the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic and Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance Tour d’Jour to name but two—AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM is often represented in some of the world’s most famous motoring venues such as the Mille Miglia and Peking to Paris Rally. ACM staff and members have motorcycled the heights of the Himalayas and the sands of Morocco. As a further way of encouraging our members to get out on the road, we feature interesting trips and tour routes right here in the pages of OpenRoad... called, appropriately enough, the “Road Well Taken.” This time around we’re taking you on a loop from Santa Barbara, CA up into the Santa Ynez Mountains to Solvang and back down to the coast (see page 18). In each issue, we select an interesting route, drive it and offer some insider suggestions as to what to see and perhaps where to grab a bite. We’ve taken you to places like Reno for the Air Races or on a three-day loop out from and back to Las Vegas with stops at Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, Route 66 and Hoover Dam. Another RWT tour, appropriately titled “Around the Bend,” spent three days exploring the diverse scenery and roads surrounding Bend, Oregon. There is but one conclusion to be drawn from all this, AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM is all about the “in” and the “out.” We have lots to do and see within the Museum—and we take our passion for cars and motorcycles out into the world. Whether you’re a Driver’s Club, Club Auto, or Concours Club member, we invite you to actively participate by joining us “On the Road.”
You can find information about all ACM’s road adventures by contacting membership@americascarmuseum.org.
From upper left: • Club Auto Colorado members on a recent Wine & Wheels trip to Vail • Chateau Gruaud LaRose, visited during Concours Club tour of French wine country • ACM’s Duesenberg grabs the crowd’s attention while entering Carmel, California, during Monterey Car Week Above: • The Tour d’Jour is a highlight of ACM’s Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance 12 OPENROAD
THE
P R N DRIVE HOME
December 27 – January 8
december
27 –
In addition to all that red, our three cars have plenty of white and blue coursing through their fuel lines. In fact, with GM, Ford and Chrysler represented, you can’t get much more American than our Detroit-bound convoy. But why on earth did we pick winter to make this journey… in 5 words: “North American International Auto Show.” Detroit is, after all, the spiritual nexus of America’s automotive industry and the perfect destination for three of its iconic offspring. The three stunning red cars chosen to make the journey were selected from the Museum’s collection and consist of a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, a 1961 Chrysler 300G 2-door hardtop and a 1966 Ford Mustang. All have been or, in the case of the Chrysler 300, are being featured in the “Autobiography” section of OpenRoad. In commenting on the rally ACM CEO David Madeira said, “Cars are meant to be driven, not sit idle in a museum. Driving these vehicles from the ‘Big Three’ American auto manufacturers will be a celebration of Detroit’s automotive heritage and the resurgence of Detroit and the American auto industry.”
8
january
With NAIAS and State Farm as sponsors of “The Drive Home,” Michelin along as Official Tire Sponsor, Shell supplying the gas and Hagerty an advance vehicle, The Drive Home will take 13 days, cross 10 states and put over 2,400 miles on the odometer. Michelin will supply proper winter tires for the drive itself while Coker Tire will provide period-correct rubber and wheels for the cars when on display at the NAIAS in Detroit. With parties and receptions at stops along the route, the drive will add some much needed excitement during what is normally ‘down-time’ for car enthusiasts. So far, events planned along the way include a luncheon in Portland put on by Sports Car Market and American Car Collector magazines and a New Year’s Eve party at Club Auto Colorado hosted by Hagerty. Other events are tentatively scheduled in Bend, Oregon, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Birmingham and Detroit, Michigan. While in Bloomington, Illinois, ACM Presenting Sponsor State Farm will host a rally. For more information on “The Drive Home,” visit... americascarmuseum.org/TheDriveHome
Tacoma, WA Birmingham & Detroit, MI
Portland, OR Bend, OR
Normal & Chicago, IL
Boise, ID
Salt Lake City, UT
Lakewood, CO Kansas City, MO St. Louis, MO Grand Junction, CO
Hays, KS
OPENROAD 13
ON EXHIBIT
Cars cycle in and out of the exhibits. Actual vehicles on display may vary.
FROM AESTHETICALLY STUNNING CLASSICS TO BRUTALLY EFFICIENT TRACK CARS
Lucky’s Garage
Photo credit: The Seattle Times
It’s only fitting that the first permanent display at LeMay– AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM honors the life and collection of Harold E. Lemay. In speaking of her late husband, Nancy LeMay said, “He never met a car he didn’t like” and with over 3,000 cars in his Guinness Book of World Records collection, Harold “Lucky” LeMay was indeed a world-class car guy. In the words of ACM President and COO Paul Miller, “Harold LeMay was the quintessential American success story. His love for a variety of automobiles is one of the reasons ACM maintains such an eclectic vehicle collection and we are incredibly grateful to the LeMay family for their generous support.”
Modified Madness American Muscle:
Among the cars on display in Lucky’s Garage you’ll find: 1922 Ford Model T Touring 1930 Packard 740 Custom Super Eight Convertible 1933 Hupmobile Series I-326 1947 Cadillac Series 62 2-Door Convertible 1953 Kaiser Dragon 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 1959 Chevrolet Impala 1967 Ford Shelby GT500 Fastback
Get ready for a serious increase in V-8 ground pounders to hit ACM in December. Based on the enthusiastic response we’ve received from visitors, we have decided to expand our American Muscle: Rivals to the End exhibit with a new class of Detroit iron… modifieds! The focus of our American Muscle exhibit has been period correct cars from 1964 - 1971 but the story doesn’t end there. Great muscle cars from this era are arguably “the” vehicle of choice amongst “Restomod” custom car builders today. Restomods, or cars that have been contemporized in appearance and/or performance, are the latest expression in the Hot Rod tradition. The addition of 15–20 Restomod muscle cars to the exhibit means the entire Showcase Gallery will be American Muscle, all geared to unquestionably create considerable buzz for ACM. Can you say Varoom…!
ACM’s “Lucky’s Garage” exhibit will allow you to enjoy 50 of Harold’s treasured vehicles along with a recreated work space and “old garage” complete with family photos, artifacts and tools.
OPENROAD 15
FUEL FOR THE FUTURE Smart Gift Planning
By Matt Taylor, ACM Director of Major and Planned Gifts
G
iving Appreciated Assets, How to Get the Most Out of It.
Smart gift planning combines charitable intent with cost-efficient planning techniques. Of critical importance is the type of asset used to fund the gift. Usually giving long-term appreciated property can generate the most favorable tax benefits. You can donate unendorsed stock certificates to ACM by registered mail or by asking your broker to
Smart
gift
make the transfer from your personal account to our account. You’ll receive a federal income-tax deduction for the full, fair-market value of the securities while avoiding long-term capital-gain tax on any appreciation in the value of the stock. In most cases,
planning
giving appreciated stock can be more beneficial than giving cash. The “cost” of your gift is often less than the deduction you gain by making it. Giving tangible personal property, like a vintage car, rather than cash can also provide
combines
a donor with enhanced benefits. Long-term tangible personal property is property held for more than twelve months. However, unlike securities and certain types of real
charitable
estate, the maximum capital gain tax-rate for tangible personal property is 28%. Your generous gift of appreciated assets will help support the long-term sustainability and
intent with
mission of AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM. We’d be happy to discuss with you how a gift of appreciated assets might fit into your
cost
-efficient
personal, financial and charitable planning, as well as other giving mechanisms. For more information, please feel free to call or write Matt Taylor at 253.683.3950 or matt.taylor@americascarmuseum.org.
planning
techniques
16 OPENROAD
.
Photographs of motorcycle and car on page 17 by Michael Craft
FUEL FOR THOUGHT An Innocent Mistake Could Torpedo Your Intent By Lance Losey, Managing Director Wealth Strategy, Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank
IN HIS RECENT “PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE,” DAVID W. JOHNSON MADE A SHOCKING ANNOUNCEMENT TO MEMBERS OF THE CLASSIC CAR CLUB OF AMERICA (CCCA) i. A COURT RECENTLY RULED THAT AN ESTATE GIFT TO CCCA OF AN ESTIMATED HALF MILLION DOLLAR CAR COLLECTION, PLUS THE “REST, REMAINDER AND RESIDUE” OF THE DONOR’S ESTATE, WAS INVALID. THE WILL IN QUESTION WAS UNDONE BY A TECHNICAL ERROR—IT REQUIRED CCCA TO BE A SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATION OF IRS TAX-EXEMPT ENTITY, WHEN IN FACT IT QUALIFIED UNDER A DIFFERENT CATEGORY — LIKELY AN INNOCENT MISTAKE THAT TORPEDOED THE DONOR’S INTENT!
A WILL UNDONE BY ERROR This material is provided for educational and illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee the success of any strategy or recommendation. This material is not intended to constitute tax or legal advice. Each individual’s tax and financial situation is unique. Individuals should consult their tax and/or legal advisors for information concerning their unique situation. This material is based on data obtained from sources we consider to be reliable. Effort has been made to ensure that the material presented is accurate at the time of publication, although this material does not purport to be a complete explanation of the tax laws or strategies available.
This case is reminiscent of one I worked on early
In light of the perils of charitable giving at death,
in my litigation career. A Seattle-area resident
consider the following recommendations:
left his multi-million dollar estate to eight different charities. Unfortunately, for the gift to my client, Generic Poverty Relief Org. ii, he named a specific division of Generic Poverty that was dissolved in a recent reorganization. One of the other benefited charities asserted the gift should “lapse” since there was no existing entity matching the name written in the will. Ultimately, the matter was settled out of court, but not before thousands of dollars were lost to legal fees. These cases reveal important attributes of the landscape of gifts made at death, including: n Where mistakes are made, common sense does
n For each charitable gift, be sure to correctly
identify the specific entity you wish to benefit. n Specify that a gift to an entity also includes any
successor entities. n If you specify a use for your charitable gift,
also include instructions in case the specified use is impossible. For example, “. . . or to be used as the Directors of [charity] may decide, in their discretion.” Remember also, experienced legal and tax counsel is of utmost importance. Even the best counsel can make mistakes; with poor or no counsel, you should expect mistakes to be the norm.
not always prevail over legal technicalities. n Often, one or more beneficiaries of an estate plan
have strong financial incentive to undermine the donor’s intent. n Even where donor intent seems clear, each party to
a dispute purports to speak for the donor since he/ she can only speak through the faulty legal document.
i) August, 2015, Classic Car Club of America Bulletin, pg. 3. ii) Certain names and details of this case have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the parties’ legal settlement.
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ROAD WELL TAKEN
Great American Road Trips
Santa Barbara to Solvang Loop By Walt Tomsic, Managing Editor, OpenRoad Start: Santa Barbara, California Visit: Solvang, California Finish: Santa Barbara, California Distance: 50+/- miles
W
hat if we told you, you could go from a “pseudo Monte Carlo” to an “ersatz Danish village”—and back—and never leave the state of California? What’s more, the round trip would take only a few hours and put a scant 50 +/- miles on the odometer. Well, you can… and we did. Okay, say you’re in Santa Barbara—the “quasi Monte Carlo”—and you want to want to explore the nearby coastal mountains but don’t want to spend the whole day doing it. Here’s a relatively short drive but one packed with some interesting stops, satisfying driving, and great scenery. As an added bonus, you’ll even be able to pack in some pastries at the aforementioned “mock Danish village.”
THE DRIVE Begin the drive at the intersection of State Routes 192 & 154 in the “Tuscanesque” hills above Santa Barbara. Head north on 154 up into the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest. The road here is smooth and curvy, perfect for any car with decent steering and handling. After reaching the crest of the first ridgeline, you’ll hit a passing lane and, at last, be able to skirt around that leviathan RV with “Earl & Edna, the Happy Vagabonds” inscribed on the spare tire cover. 9 miles out: watch for a vista point and a nice photo op of the valley and mountains beyond. If you look carefully off to the left, you can see what’s left of Lake Cachuma, a victim of the recent draught.
From top above: Alisal Road south out of Solvang, Santa Ynez Mountains, Sunset at Carpinteria beach Right: Mediterranean style in Santa Barbara, Simulated Danish village in Solvang 18 OPENROAD
17 miles out: swing into Lake Cachuma Recreation Area for a look. It’s a sobering encounter with what a draught really looks like... concrete boat launching pads that terminate thirty feet above a dry-grass former lake bed. Here’s hoping, by the time you make the drive, conditions will have improved. 29 miles out: enter Solvang, as faux a bit of Denmark as Leavenworth is a faux bit of Bavaria (thankfully without the piped out oom-pah music). My suggestion, do an eating tour of the town’s glut of Danish bakeries… we hit five... or was it seven? Head south out of Solvang on Alisal Road past the simulated windmill and into 8 miles of the best scenery and most unnerving road conditions of the drive. We’re talking narrow, undulating and bumpy... not something you want to do in a Morgan or stiffly sprung 32 highboy... unless of course your kidneys are made of carbon fiber and held in place with a whale bone corset. So, why do it... a canopy of moss-draped trees overhanging a curving road flanked by verdant fields and oak dappled hills... that’s why. Just take it slow and enjoy and watch for the occasional cyclist with a death wish. 37 miles out: the road surface improves as you approach Highway 101. 38 miles out: left on 101... and no need to panic, there is a merge lane waiting on the south bound side of the highway.
45 miles out: the blue Pacific and some of the smoothest PCH pavement left in the Golden State. It deteriorates as you motor east into Santa Barbara and beyond. There you are, as easy a journey into the land of “ersatz-pseudomock” as exists outside of Disneyland.
TRIP TIPS: Here are a few side trips you might want to add while in the area… apart from the well known and highly publicized tourist stops and restaurants of Santa Barbara.
Want to know what a California beach town looked like back in the 60s or 70s? You know, before they became all shee-shee and hyper hip.
Check out Carpinteria, just ten miles south east of Santa Barbara. Not only is the feel laid back, but you can actually get a table in a local restaurant and not have to take out a loan to pay for the meal. One word of advice, buy a cheap pair of flip-flops you can toss before heading home. Tar sands beneath the State Beach can work their way to the surface and gum up the soles of your shoes. “At Rincon they’re walking the nose”… when the Beach Boys belted out that bit of song lyric Rincon was a surfing hot spot. Rincon Beach Park still is. Even if you don’t surf, this is a great place to watch those who do… and very well. The beach is known for its perfectly angled cross-break and generally consistent wave height. It’s just a short drive down the 101 from Carpinteria. When it comes to where to eat, we always ask the locals. If you make it down to Ventura, a highly recommended place… as in, “If you like fish and chips you gotta go to...!” Turns out the “gotta go to” in question ended up being Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market in the harbor. Nothing fancy but oh my, the halibut fish and chips were the best we’ve ever eaten, perfectly cooked, lightly battered and not too greasy.
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19
A U T O B I O G R A P H Y
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1961 Chrysler 300G / America’s Car Museum, Collection Car
hen, exactly, did non-residents first set foot in the Americas? Was it you-know-who sailing the ocean blue in 1492 or some blue-eyed guy wearing a horned helmet 500 years prior? For all we know it might have been Admiral Zheng He shouting orders in Mandarin. Like many a debate over precise historical demarcation points, fixing the exact birth date of the “muscle car” is an open question. The 1964 Pontiac GTO is the easy bet but not everyone agrees. A strong argument can be made that the first muscle car was actually the 1955 Chrysler 300. Let’s examine the facts supporting that view.
A“G”Whizzz! Words by Managing Editor Walt Tomsic, Photography by Michael Craft
First– if stuffing a beastly engine in an otherwise prosaic sedan is part of the muscle car formula, the 1955 300 certainly qualifies with its 300hp, 400cu mill. Second– performance... 0 to 60 in 9.8 seconds and 130 mph at the top end. Third– track cred... 300s dominated NASCAR during a time when the “S” actually stood for “stock.” At Daytona, these “Beautiful Brutes” (auto scribe Tom McCahill’s phrase) pretty much owned their class until domestic car makers agreed to pull out
of all forms of motorsport. Case rested!
THESE “BEAUTIFUL BRUTES” PRETTY MUCH OWNED THEIR CLASS UNTIL AUTO MAKERS AGREED TO PULL OUT OF ALL FORMS OF MOTORSPORT
The “Letter” Cars
Starting with that first “A” model in 1955, Chrysler 300s progressed through the alphabet in a systematic sequence of subtle styling and mechanical refinements. By 1961—and our“G” model—the 300 had firmly established certain easily recognized visual cues. The color palatte of both hardtop and convertible consisted of just four hues; Alaskan White, Formal Black, MardiGras Red and the rarest of all, Cinnamon. Prominent Virgil Exner fins had sprouted aft of the car’s two doors only. One of the most recognizable aspects of the 300’s design is the the assertive, some might say pugnacious, snout...an air gulping orriface super sized to feed the oxygen needs of the 413 cubic inch“Wedge” V-8 topped by cross-ram inducted, dual 4-barrel carbs. A circular “300” badge completed the visual package.
When the third generation “F” debuted in 1960, the 300 ditched its ladder frame for the new corporate uni-body that by then underpinned all Chryslers with the exception of the Imperial line. The car’s pointed tail fins were canted outward and two thin chrome strips bisected the grill before meeting at the center mounted circular red, white and blue medallion. continued on page 22
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1961 would see the most
radical exterior styling revisions.
Virgil Exner’s fins would spend their final year canted
1961 Chrysler 300G
outward while tail lights dropped to a point just above the rear bumper. Up front, the iconic grill was inverted and flanked by dual headlamps canted to mimic the angle of the rear fins. The ‘300-ness’ of the “G” was further reinforced in the cabin where a full-length center console bisected four individual, ventilated leather swathed bucket seats. The view from the driver’s seat now featured instrumentation--a 150 mph speedometer and ancillary gauges--housed under a clear plastic “Astradome.”
Base Price (V8): $5,411 (hardtop) + $95 destination No. Produced: 1,280 hardtops / 337 convertibles) Engines: 413 cu in (6.8 L) 375 hp Wedge V8
Along with the revised exterior and upgraded interior, performance remained a key element of the car’s persona of exclusivity. In what by then had pretty much become standard operating procedure, a 1961 GT 300G easily won
Brakes: Power assisted drums
the Daytona Flying Mile while a stock “G” took the mile-long acceleration run. Customers were able to select from two engine options (see the “specifications” section). To enhance top speed the rear axle ratio was changed from 3.31:1 to 3.23:1. The expensive and fragile French-built, 4-speed stick was replaced with a heavy-duty, Chrysler floor-mounted 3-speed. Stiffer
Transmissions: 3-speed manual 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic Dimensions Length - 219.8” / wheelbase -1 26” / curb weight - 4,430 lbs.
springs and torsion bars and 8.00 x 15 Goodyear Blue Streak “racing type” whitewalls served to bolster the 300s reputation as an up-market road rocket.
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*Specification data can, and often does, vary from source to source. When in doubt, we use those most often cited.
A U T O B I O G R A P H Y
AUTO TRIVIA
n At the time of the 1961 Chrysler 300’s release, published road tests tended to prefer the TorqueFlight automatic transmission over the non-synchro 3-speed manual citing the long second-to-third gate. n In terms of rarity, and thus collector car value, the five factory build code 281 300Gs feature a racing manual transmission intended for use at the Daytona Flying Mile. n To boost power at low and mid-range rpms, a cross-ram intake manifold was fitted consisting of two criss-crossed tuned pipes each feeding seperate carburetors mounted on opposite sides of the engine block. The French built manual was dropped and replaced with a less expensive, more reliable Chrysler unit.
n It’s only fitting our master photographer Michael Craft chose to pose (through the wizardry of PhotoShop) the 300G in front of an image of Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Not only do they share a common time frame—early 1960s—but remarkably similar design elements. Saarinen’s “neofuturistic” sweeping structural curves bear a strong resemblance to Virgil Exner’s equally dramatic “jet age” fins. Special thanks to Max Touhey for our backplate images of the beautiful TWA Flight Center
n Due to their unique at the time, combination of speed and luxury, Chrysler 300s foreshadowed today’s high performance luxury cars and were often referred to as the “bankers hotrod.” n Like most cars of that period, the difference between the 300’s base price and price as delivered could be substancial. Popular options included: power seats ($101.90), outside mirror remote control ($18), Golden Touch radio with rear speaker ($141.40) and tinted glass ($43.10) n With a top speed of 131 mph, 300G performance was stunning especially when you consider the car’s over two-ton weight. That performance came at a price at the fuel pump—10 to 11.5 mpg.
Michael Craft, an Official Provider of ACM, created these striking photographs. To see more of his work visit www.michaelcraftphotography.com.
The G model continued use of the 413 cu in, 375 hp Wedge V8.
Front bucket seats swivel to allow easier ingress/egress.
The 1961 300G was the last to employ Virgil Exner’s “FlightSweep” fins.
Faux spare tire deck lid was eliminated on the “G” model.
GUEST EDITORIAL By Hayward Wagner, Director of Experimental Programs, SCCA
COMPETITION HAS BEEN THE CORNERSTONE OF THE CLUB FOR HALF A CENTURY AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS HAVE BECOME ITS CROWN JEWELS. HOWEVER, WHILE COMPETITION IS KEY, EACH EVENT CARRIES WITH IT SOCIAL AND CULTURAL COMPONENTS
24 OPENROAD
A New Day at SCCA Most car enthusiasts have at least heard of the Sports Car Club of America. Some will know us for our iconic road-racing-programs like the Runoffs, Trans Am, Can Am or World Challenge. Others may have taken part in SCCA Autocrosses, Road Rallies or RallyCrosses. Either way, the likely take-away for the casual observer is that SCCA, at its core, is really about one thing- competition.
C
ompetition has been the cornerstone of the Club for half a century and the championship events have become its crown jewels. However, while competition is key, each event carries with it social and cultural components. The mantra of the Club has become “come for the cars, stay for the people.” At the end of the day, we are, and we strive to be a Club that is all about having fun with cars.
Within the sport, we tend to think that cost and time are the primary barriers to entry, but the reality is, attitude and desire play much larger roles. Fewer and fewer Americans are interested in recreational competition and more and more just want to have fun. It is from this realization that the concept of SCCA Experiential Events was born. A return to our roots and the notion that the first call must be that of pure recreation, that it should be social, easy and most of all, fun. The first venture into the experiential realm was the Tire Rack SCCA Starting Line Autocross School. Think of it as a one-day summer camp for grown ups, but with cars. It is a chance to learn what you and your car are capable of with the guidance of a professional instructor in a safe, supported and educational environment. It is an introduction to the sport, complete with an SCCA membership, invitations to future events and the chance to meet mentors to guide you. Each year 25-30 schools are hosted across the country and, to-date, the program has graduated over 900 students.
THESE PROGRAMS ARE BRINGING A NEW GENERATION OF PARTICIPANTS TO MOTORSPORT. IT IS IGNITING A PASSION FOR THE CAR AND CREATING A PLACE WHERE THAT PASSION CAN BE EXPLORED
Building on this success, SCCA again partnered with Tire Rack to launch Track Night in America. These events are evening, on-track drive experiences that happen on weekdays. It’s a chance to get away for a few hours, drive your car as it was intended, meet and visit with like minded enthusiasts and make it home without missing so much as a soccer game or birthday party. Track Night events are truly for everyone interested in cars. For the savvy, there is a “Fast Pass” option that gets you from the gate to the grid without interruption. For beginners, there is a Novice Experience that offers a facilitated introduction to the concepts and etiquettes of recreational track driving. For the curious, Track Night features an open-gate policy. Feel free to come in, look around, and talk to people. There is even a scheduled paced lap session at every event so that everyone can get a chance to drive their car on a real race track. These programs are bringing a new generation of participants to motorsport. It is igniting a passion for the car and creating a place where that passion can be explored, pushed and shared. But, what about competition? Fear not, SCCA competition is not going any-where. Think of the Olympics, where you have core programs like track and field and figure skating, yet every now and again programs like beach volleyball and snowboarding are added. These programs do not challenge the core but they broaden the audience and keep the product relevant. That is what Experiential Programs seek to do for the SCCA. The result is more people, more options and more fun with cars.
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EDUCATION AT ACM Where learning is more like recess...fun!
A
By Debbie Kray, ACM Education Manager
MERICA’S CAR MUSEUM education program is making great
strides to engage our community and spark creative learning for all ages! In 2015, the program grew by 50%, reaching thousands of adults, students and families. These increases are due to a number of factors: strong partnerships, new and innovative programs and a growing reputation for providing outstanding learning offerings that are both informative and fun. Don’t miss out on these outstanding opportunities to further your lifelong learning. Every first Tuesday of the month, our If Cars Could Talk series presents an enjoyable discussion about collection cars, exhibits or related topics. If you have children—or maybe you are just a kid at heart—join us every third Saturday for our Family STEM Day. Your family can explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) concepts as you engage in hands-on activities. Museum educators and guest presenters will be on hand to expand on the monthly topic.
The Museum Education Program is dedicated to the creation of new educational exhibits and programs. We invite you to visit an exhibit of award winning automotive painter, Harold Cleworth, on display to the end of 2015. A sale of his 1968 Ferrari Formula I lithograph in the ACM Store supports the education department and is a great holiday gift. In December, we will add a new kiosk, featuring an iOS app “Road Trip Challenge.” It will offer a digital trip across the United States as a way to learn about alternative fuels. Check out the ACM website for information on additional programs for school groups, scout groups, seniors and more. The majority of programs are either FREE with admission or offered at a reduced rate. Our programs aim to foster 21st century skills of critical thinking, real world applications, creativity, innovation and collaboration among youth and adults. Our goal is to support lifelong learning full STEAM (STEM + Art) ahead. Join the journey with education at ACM!
Above: Students testing the effect of weighted blocks on their pinewood derby cars Top right: ACM Docent leading an Education Group Tour with students from Annie Wright Bottom right: Gig Harbor Academy’s FIRST LEGO League team teaching visitors about their recent projects at a Family STEM Day OPENROAD 27
HAGERTY EDUCATION PROGRAM
HEP
AT A M E R I C A’ S C A R M U S E U M
By Diane Fitzgerald, National Director, Hagerty Education Program at ACM
T
Paving The Pathway to Careers in Automotive Restoration
he goal of the Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum (HEP) has always been to get young people interested and involved in the old cars we love. By providing opportunities in automotive restoration education and hands-on training, we open a pathway to a rewarding career. HEP funds programs, scholarships and internships at institutions such as Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. Their exceptional and new Automotive Restoration Technology program attracted Ryan Levesque, a recent grant recipient. Ryan enrolled in the program while earning his business degree at PCT. After his 2014 graduation, he was invited to be part of HEP’s pilot Apprenticeship Program, working for six-months at Precision Motor Cars in Allentown, PA, the first “host shop,”under the mentorship of master craftsman Keith Flickinger. The pilot program went so well the apprenticeship was extended another six-months. This past August, Ryan married and relocated to Texas where his wife attends college. With a HEP list of local shops in hand and no grass growing under his feet, Ryan’s BS and AAS degrees and “under the hood” experience got him noticed by Kip Motor Company shop manager Randy
Bush. Bush reached out to HEP’s National Director as a reference on Ryan’s employment application. Ryan was soon offered a full time job and joined the team at the Dallasbased, all-British-focused shop which employees eighteen workers, all deeply passionate about “antique cars” and their histories. Bush’s forty-one years in the automotive industry not only makes him a knowledgeable automotive historian, but an incredible resource for Ryan and the rest of the workforce when it comes to keeping abreast of marketplace trends and the health of the industry in general. Ryan is right at home at Kip’s, working as project manager on the two London Taxis the shop is restoring. Booked out until July 2016, the shop has five projects from around the United States going on at any one time. Founded in 1989 by Kip & Debra Lankenau, it was her late 1950s Metropolitan that got them on the all-British path. In 1992, they started their small-batch manufacturing business and by 1995, Jaguars started rolling into the shop. Today, Ryan is heavily involved with the rotisserie restoration of a recently retired doctor’s 1955 Jaguar XK140, a car the doctor has owned for thirty years and one he plans to use, “as it should be, on the road!”
HEP’s first apprentice Ryan Levesque applies his skills to the restoration of a 1955 Jaguar XK150 at Kip Motor Company in Dallas, TX.
For more information about what we do, call 855-537-4579 or visit, hagertyeducationprogram.org 28 OPENROAD
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C e l e b r a t i n g A m e r i c a’s l o v e affair with the automobile
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