BEHIND THE WHEEL

By David Madeira Vice-Chairman AAT

DRIVING FORWARD in 2021

2020 is in the rear-view mirror, and we are decidedly not looking back. I’m delighted to say that we are “Driving Forward” in our efforts to preserve automotive heritage and promote the interests of the enthusiast community! In fact, even with the forced closure of LeMay – America’s Car Museum for much of the year, we were committed to the idea that we must “drive forward” in every way we could to bring hope, encouragement and demonstrate that better days lay ahead for all of us.

And in spite of the difficulties, we made amazing progress in our mission to be at the center of automotive culture and an agent for collaboration among like-minded organizations. I’m proud to announce that as 2020 closed we:

• Formalized an affiliation with the

NB Center for American Automotive

Heritage in Allentown, PA, to promote heritage efforts, particularly in the Northeast. • Completed a similar agreement with the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory

Corners, MI, which enhances the work we are doing in the Midwest. • And, brought the wonderful

America On Wheels Museum also in Allentown, PA, into America’s

Automotive Trust giving us an East

Coast Museum as a partner to the

LeMay – America’s Car Museum in

Tacoma, WA. All of these relationships extend the impact of America’s Automotive Trust nationally and strengthen each entity through shared resources and programmatic collaboration rather than competition. We’re proud to serve the broader enthusiast and collector communities in this way. In addition, our new Chairman of the Board, Michael Towers, direct from helming last year’s record-setting virtual Wheels and Heels Gala, now brings his organizational wisdom and energy to the fore, taking the baton from the indomitable Corry McFarland, who remains involved as Chairman Emeritus. A reimagined North American International Auto Show by DADA Executive Director and AAT Board Member Rod Alberts will bring The Drive Home series to the forefront of what is now September’s “Motor Bella”. We have to believe our past partnership with NAIAS on The Drive Home was partly a catalyst to this bold reinvention of the legendary auto show, which will be open-air, kinetic and experiential at Pontiac’s M1 Concourse motorsports facility. Finally, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve hired Tabetha Hammer as the new President and CEO of America’s Automotive Trust! Tabetha is a “car girl” through and through and her eleven years of increasing responsibility at Hagerty has demonstrated her leadership skills and commitment to the interests of the collector car community. Tabetha has served on the RPM Foundation and the AAT Boards where she most recently chaired our Marketing Committee. She is committed to our vision and mission and we know that she will continue to keep us “Driving Forward” as she takes the wheel this March. I’ve been on many a road trip with Tabetha and I know she will be a dynamic and successful “Road Boss” for us. Join me in welcoming her. And JOIN us as we Drive Forward together.

Jeff Roming, President of the Gilmore Car Museum, accepts the Nicola Bulgari Award for Chairman Bill Parfet from AAT Vice Chairman David Madeira. Photo by John Lacko

CHAIRMAN: Michael D. Towers, Partner Ambassador Wines of Washington — Seattle, WA IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN: B. Corry McFarland, President Cedar Management Company — Fife, WA VICE CHAIR: William T. Weyerhaeuser, Director/ Chairman Tacoma, WA VICE CHAIR: Gary Gartner NB Center for American Automotive Heritage — Briarcliff Manor, NY SECRETARY: Tom Hedges, Co-Owner Hedges Family Estate — Benton City, WA TREASURER: Trevor Cobb, Founder & CEO Avantia A Multi-Family Office — Seattle, WA Rod Alberts, Executive Director North American International Auto Show — Detroit, MI John D. Barline, Attorney at Law Harlowe & Falk LLP — Tacoma, WA Dale Bloomquist, Associate Professor Emeritus Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — Seattle, WA Stephen Boone, Retired Ford and Harley Davidson Dealer — Olympia, WA Nicola Bulgari, Vice Chairman BVLGARI S.p.A — New York, NY Frank Chang, Co-Founder & Managing Partner Flying Fish Partners — Seattle, WA Richard B. Davis NAPA Auto Parts — Tacoma, WA Nicole Cheri East Mac Trucks/Volvo Group North America — Greensboro, NC Ike Eisenhart, Owner Ike’s Service Center — Coopersburg, PA Dawn Fisher, Owner MFD Classic Motors Inc. — Traverse City, MI Keith Flickinger, General Manager and Curator The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage — Allentown PA Alan Granberg, Auto Enthusiast — Lakewood, WA Dr. Gerald Greenfield, Retired Dentist — Lake Tapps, WA Alan F. Gross, Curator America On Wheels — Bethlehem, PA McKeel Hagerty, CEO Hagerty — Traverse City, MI Michael Holmes, President Holmes Electric — Kent, WA George Ingle, Owner The Ingle Company — Spanaway, WA Mark Jaindl, Chairman/President American Bank — Allentown, PA Marwan Kashkoush, Executive Vice President-Retired Parker Hannifin Corporation — Seattle, WA Patty Lanning, General Manager North America Marketing Shell Lubricants — Houston, TX Doug LeMay, Vice President LeMay Investments LLC — Tacoma, WA Nancy LeMay, Owner LeMay Investments LLC — Tacoma, WA Keith Martin, Publisher Sports Car Market Magazine — Portland, OR

Amelia Island Concours D’elegance to Honor Lyn St. James MAY 20-23, 2021

Our very own Lyn St. James –racer, writer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and women’s sports advocate – is the Honoree of the 26th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance scheduled for May 20-23 2021. Lyn is a Celebrity Ambassador for the RPM Foundation and Steering Committee member of America’s Automotive Trust and recipient of the 2019 RPM Mentor of the Year Award. Lyn’s career and accomplishments will be celebrated at an invitation only, black-tie gala the night before the Concours and throughout the weekend-long event. If you are attending the Concours this year, please show your support for Lyn and this well-earned honor. Congratulations, Lyn!

OPENROAD PUBLICATION CREDITS

Managing Editor & Head Writer William Hall William Hall is an automotive journalist based in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, whose work has appeared in Hemmings Motor News, Classic Car Journal, RM Shift and Prancing Horse magazines, among others. His personal collection of cars skews classic Italian, with a few ‘70s era Muscle Cars and a growing collection of vintage motorcycles for good measure.

Contributors: Rob Mains (robmainsphotography.com) provided a beautiful cover shot of Ferraris at sunrise at Cars and Coffee of Alpio’s of Troon in Scottsdale. Karl J. Noakes (karlnoakes.com) is still our main man with photos on Page 1, 3 & 29 and incredible spreads on Page 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15. David Reese gives us a great visual introduction to America On Wheels on pages 18-19. Payton Photography captured a family of ACM visitors so photogenic you’d swear they were professional models on Page 1 & 21.

Art Direction & Graphic Design

Jennifer Weitzman, jamgd: jamgd a design firm located in Madison, Wisconsin — having a long history working with the RPM Foundation — they now bring their talents to this publication. jamgd.com

By William Hall Managing Editor

The Year that Wasn’t

In the journalism world, “burying the lede” means diminishing the important headlines of a story. But I think we’re in agreement that no one wants to revisit the big challenges of 2020. So, this is all you’re going to read about the unprecedented difficulties that AAT, ACM, RPM, AOW and Club Auto faced in this past year. Like the forward-looking members of our organization, OpenRoad prefers to drive a little harder towards what’s around the next bend, and clip the apex doing it. Hence, the hopeful-looking cover photo in this issue of OR, taken in Scottsdale. While we missed many of the auctions and activities of our usual Arizona pilgrimage, they will inevitably return – like a spring sunrise. In truth, there is growing evidence that our socially-distanced collector car hobby is actually thriving during the pandemic, with enthusiasm building for when we can safely gather again. But without many recent public events, we at OpenRoad have to work extra hard to report on the goings-on of the members of the Trust. So please reach out with your photos, stories or news. We’d love to include them in future issues. As for this past year, I believe the hobby will ultimately be stronger in spite of it. It seems life – like an Open Road – is full of curves. What ultimately matters are how we take them.

New and exciting changes are happening to memberships…our member driver’s licenses are going digital! Enjoy a new way to access your AAT membership! Beginning in March 2021, members will receive digital membership driver’s licenses, a convenient, ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastic cards. Once downloaded to your smartphone, your digital member driver’s license will automatically update each year when you renew. Plus, digital member driver’s licenses provide quick links to our website, contact information and helpful reminders. This will be an optional benefit and if you choose to have a printed card, that will still be available. We look forward to sharing this new benefit with you!

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 magazine published by America’s Automotive Trust is a benefit of Silver Key Driver membership and above. America’s Automotive Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A portion of your gift towards membership and sponsorship are tax deductible.

Administration:

VICE CHAIR: David L. Madeira — America’s Automotive Trust — Tacoma, WA AAT President and CEO Ex Officio: Tabetha Hammer — America’s Automotive Trust — Tacoma, WA ACM President Ex Officio: Paul E. Miller — LeMay-America’s Car Museum — Tacoma, WA AOW Executive Director Ex Officio: Linda Merkel — America On Wheels — Allentown, PA RPM EXEC. DIRECTOR EX OFFICIO: Vacant

Please Address Correspondence to America’s Automotive Trust/OpenRoad 2702 East D Street Tacoma, WA 98421 Phone: 253.779.8490 Toll Free: 877.902.8490 Fax: 253.779.8499 Website: americasautomotivetrust.org Please note: Not all of the automobiles depicted in OpenRoad are on display or 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.

Continued from page 6

James Gary May, Owner and President Hopewell Land Partners — Windemere, FL T.G. Mittler, Auto Enthusiast — Santa Fe, NM Tom Nault, Managing Partner Middlerock Partners LLC — Kirkland, WA Michael J. Phillips, Executive Altaira Wealth Management — Clyde Hill, WA Michael T. Phillips, Financial Advisor AXA – Advisors — Seattle, WA Paul Sabatini, President Lincoln of Troy — Troy, MI Steve Saleen, Founder & CEO Saleen Automotive — Corona, CA Manfred Scharmach, CEO & President Scharmach Enterprises BMW Northwest, Northwest Mini, Seattle Mini, Northwest Pre-Owned Center — Fife, WA Ed Welburn, CEO The Welburn Group — Detroit, MI James M. Will, President Titus-Will Enterprises Inc. — Tacoma, WA

America’s Automotive Trust STEERING COMMITTEE

Sandra Button, Chairperson Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance — Carmel, CA Gill Campbell, Director of Business Development Aero Marketing Group — Monterey, CA John Carlson, CEO National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada Corporation — Belcarra, British Columbia, Canada Doug Clark, Publisher & Vice President of Business Development Hagerty — Traverse City, MI Peter Hageman, Founder Suite 200 Automobile Collection — Kirkland, WA William G. Hall, Writer, Car Collector and Classic Car Broker — Milwaukee, WI Rock Jenkins, Executive State Farm Insurance — Tacoma, WA Al McEwan, Founder Suite 200 Automobile Collection — Redmond, WA Glenn Mounger, Former Chairman Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance — Bainbridge Island, WA Diane Parker, Vice President Historic Vehicle Association — Potomac, MD Candida Romanelli, President Romanelli Event Services — Frisco, TX Pamela Chavez Rosen, External Advisor – Fuels Lubricants & Motorsports Shell Oil Company — Houston, TX Ken D. Ross, Auto Enthusiast Detroit, MI Blake Siebe, Founder Northwest Auto Salon Right Away Tire — Lynnwood, WA Jeff Stumb, Director The Great Race — Chattanooga, TN Lyn St. James, President/Founder LSJ Enterprises — Phoenix, AZ Bill Warner, Chairman Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance — Jacksonville, FL Drew Weyerhaeuser, Auto Enthusiast — San Francisco, CA

The allure of the Italian sports car is as potent today as in the heady era of Grand Prix racing in the 1920s. The embodiment of Italian style, Alfa Romeo has a century-old legacy of winning on the track and the marketplace. The Alfa Romeo Exhibit at ACM will delve into Alfa brand history, iconic flair and innovative technology, and showcase great Italian design from fashion and appealing consumer products to a rich lifestyle connecting visitors with an immersive experience in “La Dolce Vita.” If you would like to have your Alfa considered for the Exhibit, write a short bio and include a recent photograph of your Alfa and email it to scot.keller@americascarmuseum.org.

DOWNTHEROAD

APRIL

APRIL 13 Virtual If Cars Could Talk: The World by Motorcycle | America’s Car Museum APRIL 22 Wind-Powered Cars Online with Tacoma Public Library | America’s Car Museum APRIL 25 Bulldog Beauty Contest | America on Wheels APRIL 30 – MAY 2 Autorama Detroit | America’s Automotive Trust

MAY

MAY 1 Griot’s Motors Collection Tour | Club Auto MAY 11 Virtual If Cars Could Talk | America’s Car Museum MAY 14 – 16 Vintage Camping Weekend, Gilmore Car Museum | America’s Automotive Trust MAY 15 Outdoor Family Steam Day Concert in the Cars & Modern Mopar | America’s Car Museum MAY 20 Biofuels Online with Tacoma Public Library | America’s Car Museum

JUNE

JUNE 5 GRAND PRIX SLOT CAR DAY | America on Wheels JUNE 8 Virtual If Cars Could Talk | America’s Car Museum JUNE 13 Cars & Fondue | America on Wheels JUNE 13 Motors at the Market, Detroit Eastern Market | America’s Automotive Trust JUNE 19 Indian Village Car Show Detroit | America’s Automotive Trust JUNE 19 Outdoor Family Steam Day | America’s Car Museum JUNE 19 - 20 HOODS UP WEEKEND | America on Wheels JUNE 19 – 27 RPM Foundation has joined forces with the Great Race JUNE 24 Take A Spin | America’s Car Museum JUNE 26 Artist William Bunting Classic Cars Demonstration | America on Wheels JUNE 26-27 Wine & Wheels, Summer Sunset Drive | Club Auto

@ ACM

Photo: Michael Tessman Model: Jil Kirchner

JULY

JULY 8 Take A Spin | America’s Car Museum JULY 10 The Drive Forward Rally, Greater Maple Valley Veterans Memorial| Club Auto JULY 10 Kids’ Rubberband Roadster Experience | America on Wheels JULY 10 Drive-In Movie Princess Bride | America’s Car Museum JULY 11 Motors at the Market, Detroit Eastern Market | America’s Automotive Trust JULY 13 Virtual If Cars Could Talk | America’s Car Museum JULY 17 Outdoor Family Steam Day | America’s Car Museum JULY 22-25 Concours d’ Elegance of America, Plymouth, MI | America’s Automotive Trust JULY 24 Drive-In Movie Rush | America’s Car Museum JULY 25 Kidventure Day | America on Wheels

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Ashley Bice AAT National Strategic Initiatives Officer Patricia Borgardt ACM Guest Services Manager Renee Crist ACM Curator of Collections

Nora Flemming de Sandoval

ACM Education Manager Diane Flis-Schneider AAT Advancement Director – Mideast Region Liz Hahn AOW Director Sales & Events Scot Keller ACM Curator of Exhibitry Ann Sweeney ACM Sales Manager Kristen Wells Club Auto & Membership Development Director

Contact AAT Administrative Office 253.779.8490 or info@americasautomotivetrust.org

Former ACM Intern Benjamin Chessler expressed interest in automotive journalism, but young writers often struggle to get their first published byline. With networking help from AAT, Ben was given the chance to pen an interview with Evel Knievel’s former painter, George Sedlak, for Airbrush magazine.

In collaboration with Tacoma’s Museum of Glass, a collection of ten René Lalique decorative glass automobile radiator caps will be displayed at LeMay – America’s Car Museum beginning April 2, 2021. Tom and Lenora Anders generously donated their beloved 1930 Ford Model A Four-Door, which was accessed into the ACM Collection at January’s board meeting.

Rust never sleeps, but nor does our volunteer team working to restore ACM’s Ford Model A Cabriolet project, sponsored by the Gallopin’ Gerties Car Club. Here the guys are carefully unloading the newlypainted body.