SUMMER 2015 • VOLUME 11 / ISSUE 2

OPENROAD

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Major Sponsor Recognition

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Sports Car Market publisher Keith Martindiscusses the pros and cons of retrofitting classic cars with current components.

TO RETRO-MOD OR NOT RETRO-MOD

5 BEHIND THE WHEEL A report from ACM CEO David Madeira

6 IN THE HEADLIGHTS What’s on tap at ACM

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 Interesting and informative car themed books

15 ON EXHIBIT New exhibits gracing our galleries

16 FUEL FOR THE FUTURE Special friends of ACM

17 FUEL FOR THOUGHT Financial advice for car enthusiasts

18 ROAD WELL TAKEN Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway

26 MEMBERSHIP Highlighting perks of membership

27 EDUCATION AT ACM Learning opportunities for all ages

28 HAGERTY EDUCATION PROGRAM Preserve the past. Build the future.

F E A T U R E S

MAKING GOOD ON A PROMISE

David Madeira traces the promises made for the Museum and how those pledges have been met.

1957 CHEVROLET NOMAD STATION WAGON

The uniquely styled Chevrolet Nomad almost made driving a station wagoncool... or at least not so ‘parental.’

D E P A R T M E N T S

G U E S T E D I T O R I A L :

A U T O B I O G R A P H Y :

F E A T U R E :10

20

24

Photograph by Michael CraftOPENROAD 3

Investment products and services are:

NOT A DEPOSIT NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NOT BANK GUARANTEED NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank provides services for families of signifi cant wealth who want to preserve and protect their assets while putting their fi ngerprint on history.

Ascent and U.S. Bank are proud to support the LeMay—America’s Car Museum and the Pacifi c Northwest Concours d’Elegance.

Jan HendricksonRegional Managing Director206.342.7001ascent.usbank.com

Rewards and responsibilities of great wealth

Ascent LeMay Concours8.5” x 11” Bleeds (.125) CMYK

Re-envision Wealth

Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association and subject to normal credit approval.

U.S. Bank and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Your tax and fi nancial situation is unique. You should consult your tax and/or legal advisor for advice and information concerning your particular situation.

Major Sponsor Recognition

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.

Investment products and services are:

NOT A DEPOSIT NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NOT BANK GUARANTEED NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Ascent Private Capital Management of U.S. Bank provides services for families of signifi cant wealth who want to preserve and protect their assets while putting their fi ngerprint on history.

Ascent and U.S. Bank are proud to support the LeMay—America’s Car Museum and the Pacifi c Northwest Concours d’Elegance.

Jan HendricksonRegional Managing Director206.342.7001ascent.usbank.com

Rewards and responsibilities of great wealth

Ascent LeMay Concours8.5” x 11” Bleeds (.125) CMYK

Re-envision Wealth

Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association and subject to normal credit approval.

U.S. Bank and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Your tax and fi nancial situation is unique. You should consult your tax and/or legal advisor for advice and information concerning your particular situation.

A

BEHIND THE WHEELCEOLeMay– AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM

David Madeira

To learn more about how you can get

involved visit americascarmuseum.org

IT’S UP TO YOU TO JOIN THE RIDE. DON’T

MISS A THING... AND BRING

YOUR FRIENDS ALONG

re you having fun yet?

When we launched the effort to build AMERICA’S

CAR MUSEUM, we promised you a “celebration of America’s love affair with the automobile.” We said membership would provide an ongoing array of exhibits, educational opportunities, events, driving opportunities and trips. In short, we said, “Join us for a fascinating and fun ride!”

Three years in, ACM is delivering on that promise. When you became a member of Driver’s Club, you received a ‘Driver’s License’ that provides unlimited free admission to the Museum, member only openings and programs and a significant discount on all events. Those of you who chose a Club Auto Powered by Hagerty level membership were put in the ‘driver’s seat’ with exclusive events and programs and private clubhouses in Tacoma, Kirkland, Denver and San Jose. You even enjoy the opportunity to store your special car inside AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM.

Our ‘Signature Events’ are second to none in offering irresistible reasons to visit ACM. We kick the year off with “Drive the Blues Away” a night of music among the cars designed to let you kick back and ignore the Northwest winter. Spring’s “Wheels and Heels Annual Gala” allows

you to dress up in theme appropriate wear while enjoying fine dining and a great fireworks display. “Cars & Cigars” celebrates summer with more great food, a distillery row and Montecristo cigars.

The “Vintage Motorcycle Festival: The MEET at ACM” energizes August by bringing hundreds of legendary motorcycles from across the country to the grass of the Haub Family Field. Perhaps you should buy a vintage Indian and ride to the event. If you don’t ride you’re still treated to an outdoor exhibit that is truly special. And finally the Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance caps our summer celebrations with an array of classic automobiles that are worthy to grace any concours anywhere.

You’ll learn about more opportunities for involve-ment in this issue of OpenRoad. The point I want to ‘drive home’ is that ACM has, is and will continue to deliver on its promise to be a gather-ing place celebrating our love of the auto. It’s up to you to join the ride. Don’t miss a thing…and bring your friends along.

OPENROAD 5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OPENROAD

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.

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.

IN THE HEADLIGHTSKarl Anderson, Chairman Concrete Technology Corporation Tacoma, Washington

Neal Arntson, President Albina Fuel Company Vancouver, Washington

John Barline, Attorney Harlowe & 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

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

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

Guest Editor, Keith Martin Publisher, Sports Car Market

Michael Craft ACM Official Photographer

Special thanks to Advertising Photographer Michael Craft for creating many of the beautiful images printed in OpenRoad. MichaelCraftPhotography.com

ACM Board member Keith Martin has been involved in the collector car hobby for over thirty years as a writer, publisher, TV commentator and enthusiast. He is the founder and publisher of Sports Car Market magazine, considered the foremost resource when it comes to collector car information and current market values. His editorial can be found on page 24.

There’s Still a Whole Lot of Summer Left at ACM

Get the most out of your summer—this summer!

We take our warm sunny months seriously here in the Northwest ... serious fun that is. Let ACM be your hot spot for summertime events and activities.

• Drive-In Movies • Cruise-Ins at ACM • Race Nights • If Cars Could Talk • Take a Spin • Family STEM Days • Vintage Motorcycle Festival • Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance

PUBLICATION CREDITS

6 OPENROAD

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

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 Kirkland, Washington

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

Bruce Meyer, Enthusiastic Collector Beverly Hills, California

Glenn Mounger, Former Chairman Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Bainbridge Island, Washington

Michael T. Phillips, Financial Consultant AXA-Advisors Seattle, Washington

Candida Romanelli, President Romanelli Event Services Frisco, Texas

Richard Rurak, President Inos Inc Plymouth, 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 Redmond, Washington

John Weymer, Media Relations Puyallup Tribe of Indians Fife, Washington

Hans Wurl Vintage Racing Motors, Inc. Sammamish, Washington

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.

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

Let me get one thing clear right off the top… I in no way advocate dropping a 350 small block Chevy in a 1928 Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8A LeBaron Boattail… or anything with a foreign sounding, hyphenated, alpha-numeric name that long. That would be an act of cultural/historical desecration not to mention fiscally moronic. No, cars with true pedigree and/or any sort of provenance—track or otherwise—are to be left unaltered. I don’t even particularly like ‘over-restored to beyond original spec’ classics. I’d rather see the actual scratches left by Greta Garbo’s 24-carat diamond ring on the dash of her 1929 Rolls-Royce.

But let’s say you have something on the order of a 1958 Corvette—nothing special, no Bloomington Gold, just a decent #3 driver. You want to take some longer ‘over-nighter’ type trips. You want to be able to merge and keep pace with traffic on the occasional freeway stint—without the tach hyper-revving and exploding. And it would be nice to motor smartly up and over a few moun-tain passes and then detect actual slowing when brakes are applied on the subsequent down grade. Does the term “resto-mod” strike a chord?

The issue of modifying older, and in some cases “classic,” cars is an appropriate topic of discussion for this edition of OpenRoad. The Autobiography article starting on page 20 features the Museum’s 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, a car with a 327 and a manual 4-speed floor shift, neither of which are period correct. Both of which improve the car’s performance, safety and driving enjoyment.

Keith Martin’s Guest Editorial on pages 24/25 delves into the relative advantages and disadvantages of “as originally

delivered” versus “restored and modified.” Don’t think because he’s the publisher of Sports Car Market maga-zine, he’s going to come down like Thor’s hammer on the whole resto-mod thing. His editorial is reasoned and fair and affords due respect to the factors an individual owner might hold most dear.

As for my opinion, I have no problem with modified older cars. But I do acknowledge a line separating resto-mods from customs. For me, it revolves around appearance rather than componentry. A custom, by it’s very nature, always looks different than the ‘donor’ car from which it is made… often to the degree the starting point vehicle is no longer discernable. A resto-mod, at least on cursory first glance, appears to be bone-stock. Until of course you notice the drilled and slotted rotors holding six pis-ton Brembos where old drums used to be. The usual give-away are the 22” rims needed to clear those pizza plate size discs.

This leads me to my ride, a 1955 Austin-Healey 100. It’s the third 100 I’ve owned and the second modified from original by virtue of an engine/transmission transplant… both of which were initially done back in the 1960s. This time, the old 327 (complete with finned Corvette valve covers) was yanked and replaced with a 262 fuel injected V6 hooked up to Tremec 5-speed. Discs from a later Healey have replaced the front drums. The car, for all intents and purposes, looks stock—until you notice the shifter position and those twin 2” pipes tucked discreetly at the rear. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a four-day, three-night, low angst, thousand mile trip to Jackson Hole awaiting.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

OPENROAD 7

Member Benefit/Discount Applies

For more information, visit the ACM website “Events” link at www.americascarmuseum.org.

SIGNPOSTS DOWNTHEROAD

Ashley Bice Marketing and Communications ManagerRenee Crist Collection ManagerDominic Dobson National Club Auto DirectorLaurie Humphrey Annual Giving and Membership ManagerCaitlin Keely Signature Events CoordinatorJeff Keys Guest Services ManagerDebbie Kray Education ManagerAnn Sweeney Private Event & Sales CoordinatorMatt Taylor Director of Major & Planned Gifts

ROADSIDEASSISTANCE

Contact ACM Administrative Office 253-779-8490 or info@americascarmuseum.org

Drive-In Movies August 8 – Cars Haub Family FieldAugust 13 & 29, September 17 Take a Spin / ACM CampusAug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 Cruise-Ins Anderson Plaza, ACM CampusAug. 13, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 Race Night at ACM ACM Speed ZoneAug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 Family STEM Days ACM Family Zone / Education StudioAugust 22 Vintage Motorcycle Festival Haub Family FieldAugust 29 Insider Talk – Lucky’s Garage ACM CampusAugust 29 – GreaseSept. 1, Oct. 6 If Cars Could Talk ACM CampusSeptember 11 - 13 PNW Concours d’Elegance ACM CampusSeptember 19 Cruzin’ Travel: Vintage Vehicles & Road Trips AAA WA Tacoma StoreSeptember 23 Track Day Club Auto ColoradoOctober 6 If Cars Could Talk ACM CampusOctober 8 - 11 Seattle International Auto Show Centurylink Field Event CenterOctober 16 - 18 Wine & Wheels Tour, Willamette Valley Begins at ACM Campus

ACM Concours Club members are set to embark on an exceptional tour. The group will make their way to Paris where, on the morning of September 24, they will begin a twelve-day wine tasting trip through the French countryside. Participants will pilot a fleet of “ultimate driving machines” provided by tour sponsor and ACM “Official Provider” BMW.

The “2015 Trip to France with Bertrand” will traverse such fabled wine districts as Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley. In addition to world-renown wineries, tour guests will

enjoy gourmet dining and accommodations at premier hotels and inns. Visits to picturesque villages and historic sites are also part of the tour itinerary.

Concours Club, numbering about 200 members, represents the Museum’s highest membership level and is open to those who have supported ACM with a gift of at least $100,000. In addition to exclusive event and travel opportunities, Concours Club members enjoy a well-appointed clubhouse within the Museum.

Concours Club to Sample French Wine and BMWs… in France

July 17-19’s “Drive’em don’t hide ‘em” microcar event once again proved good things come in small packages. The three-day event brought proud owners of these cherished diminutive cars together for a weekend of fun,food and behind the wheel time.

HEP at ACM isn’t Just About Car Restoration, Boats are Part of the Picture as Well

The Hagerty Education Program at AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM (HEP) is an important part of ACM’s staunch support of and commitment to historic restoration education (see more on page 28). HEP addresses the critical need to train the next generation of skilled craftsmen—both men and women— who will see to it our precious automotive heritage is not lost. What you may not know however is that classic boats as well as cars are part of the program’s focus.

On Saturday, June 27 a group of HEP supporters led by program National Director Diane Fitzgerald visited the historic Eddon Boatyard located in Gig Harbor, Washington. They were met by John Humphrey, Community Development Director of the Gig Harbor Boatshop who explained the history and current status of the boatyard. Following the tour, the group was treated to a tour of the harbor on the historic Thunderbird sailboat “Pirouette.”

Saturday’s activities saw the cars embark on a scenic 79-mile Mt. Rainier drive. The tour was followed by a banquet that evening. A judged show and award ceremony at ACM capped the event on Sunday. If you have a microcar, or simply find them fascinating, and want to know how you can get involved, contact Burt Richmond at, Burt@burtrichmond.com.

Microcars Deliver Maximum Fun at ACM

8 OPENROAD

CRECENTLYREAD

heck out

these two

recently read

books covering

the world of

the automobile

The Two books ThaT recenTly occupied The MuseuM’s official nighT sTand couldn’T be More diverse. on The one hand you have a sweeping—and frankly eye-rolling —accounT of The recenT upheaval and MelTdown wiThin aMerica’s auToMobile indusTry. on The oTher, a delighTful collecTion of reMiniscences abouT ThaT fabled “firsT car.” boTh voluMes, each in Their on way, explore boTh ends of The auToMoTive experience, froM The very personal To The Mega-corporaTe.

Crash Course – The American Automobile Industry’s Road to Bankruptcy and Bailout – and Beyond – by Paul Ingrassia

Pulitzer Prize winning author Paul Inagrassia masterfully–and surprisingly coherently—performs a literary forensic autopsy on the epic saga of the American auto industry’s rise and demise. The hubris of some of the characters in this drama is astounding. The cluelessness of others, downright dumbfounding. Here’s just one example covered in the book. While flying (FLYING) to Washington D.C. in their private corporate jet to plead for a government bailout, execs on board complained the snacks being served were cashew pieces rather than premium wholes. And we wonder what could possibly have gone so wrong. My First Car – by Matt Stone

We never forget our first car. It doesn’t matter if it was that porthole T-bird the rich blond cheerleader drove in American Graffiti or, more likely, the beater we picked up for a couple hundred bucks. First cars acted as a right of passage, bridging the gap between adolescent dependence and the first taste of adult-like independence. Matt Stone has gathered these delightfully revealing memories from notables spanning many generations and career paths. Did you ever wonder what car got Jay Leno started? How about Stirling Moss, Arnold Palmer, Morgan Freeman, Bob Lutz and Danica Patrick? These and many others are waiting to share their stories.

SIGNPOSTS

Nancy LeMay congratulates 2015 Nicola Bugari Award winner Rick Hendrick.

Rick Hendrick Honored with Nicola Bulgari Award

Joining previous recipients Dr. Frederick Simeone, Ed Welburn and McKeel Hagerty, NASCAR legend Rick Hendrick has received this year’s prestigious Nicola Bulgari Award. The award was given in recognition of Hendrick’s dedication to preserving America’s automotive heritage. His generosity in support of auto education and restoration programs is something very dear to the heart of ACM.

Wheels & Heels Annual Gala Sets Record

It was an evening of big hats, bluegrass music, gourmet food, an exciting auction and equally exciting fireworks display. The 2015

edition of ACM’s Wheels & Heels Annual Gala, themed “Kentucky Derby: A Celebration of Horsepower,” took fundraising efforts to a new height. The event set a record by bringing in $570K in support of the Museum’s operations and educational programs.

In speaking of the event CEO David Madeira noted, “Wheels & Heels was truly a celebration of all things ‘horse-power’ with auction items ranging from VIP experiences to a 1965 Mustang convertible. The fundraiser galloped past even our wildest expectations thanks to the generous support of all the donors and bidders.” (see more on the W&H on page 13)

Even though the equine theme was a one-night affair, visitors to ACM can continue celebrating horsepower by enjoying our ‘American Muscle: Rivals to the End’ exhibit. (see more on the exhibit on page 15)

OPENROAD 9

By David Lowe Madeira, CEO, AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM

Delivering on the Promise

Photos left to right:

ACM is more than just great cars on exhibit. It’s a gathering place to learn and have fun.

In addition to a comprehensive collection of domestic cars, great marques from around the world are featured.

ACM’s trend setting educational programs are creating and teaching a new generation of auto enthusiasts.

Every proposed development, institution and grandiose public project begins by promising the moon. “We’re going to be the greatest thing since frozen yogurt … a total redefinition of (fill the blank).” A lot of things don’t quite live up to the hype… a few do. AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM has proven to be among that select few.

Photo by Phototainment

10 OPENROAD

continued on page 12

Auto Profiles by Michael Craft

From the beginning, we made some pretty big promises. We were going to approach the concept of a car museum from a fresh perspective, free from conventional restraints. Innovation was to be the rule… thinking outside that clichéd box we hear so much about. There would be no more velvet ropes, laughter and conversation replacing reverential silence… events that would appeal not only to the enthusiast and collector community but to people who couldn’t care less about cars… at least until they got to know them. There would be an emphasis on educational programs that would foster caring about cars and why they are so fascinating and culturally significant. And above all… ACM was to be user-friendly to its members and community. It’s safe to say, those promises have been met.

When we launched “The Drive for America’s Car Museum” a decade ago, we did so with a vision to build America’s foremost auto museum. Today that vision remains the same, and if anything has become more ambitious. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in three short years and the place we’ve secured in the automotive community. Since opening, more than half a million visitors have come to ACM from all 50 states and 42 countries—exceptional when you consider we’re not exactly located in Orlando, Florida or New York City.

OPENROAD 11

T his past June, your AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM

celebrated its 3rd anniversary, a mile marker

punctuated by our Wheels & Heels Annual Gala,

“Kentucky Derby, a Celebration of Horsepower” (see

page 13 for more on the event). As described in my

“Behind The Wheel” column (see page 5), Wheels &

Heels is but one of an almost endless set of opportunities

for members and guests to enjoy a great time and to learn.

The pages of OpenRoad are filled with articles, lists and

descriptions of the vast array of events, exhibits and

educational offerings presented by your ACM. Take the

time to read the magazine cover-to-cover… and share it

with a friend.

America’s Car Museum has made good on its promises.

Left to Right:

We’re family friendly with exhibits and events that appeal to all ages.

Our exhibits encompass a wide variety of cars and are presented within their historical and cultural context.

The ACM Store and Classics Cafe add to the visitor experience.

Events such as the Wheels & Heels Annual Gala enliven the region’s social scene.

What I’m most proud of though, is our vision and ambition. This Museum—your

museum— will never be content to be commonplace. We take our IRS-granted,

tax-exempt status seriously and it is our focus on education with a commitment

to preserve and promote America’s automotive heritage that distinguishes

us. As members, you share in that pride… consider it promise fulfilled!

David Lowe Madeira

12 OPENROAD

Kentucky Derby – A Celebration of Horsepower Spearheaded by Honorary Chairs Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges, another in an ever-lengthening list of Wheels & Heels Annual Galas has entered the books. Kentucky Derby – A Celebration of Horsepower lit the night sky this past June 26 as 300 party goers answered the “Call to the Post” trumpet notes for an exciting evening of dining, drinks and music. A truly superb meal was provided by El Gaucho while Heritage Distilling Company handled the Mint Juleps. Following the singing of My Old Kentucky Home, a fantastic array of items and experiences were put up for auction. Spirited bidding yielded a record $570,000 to help fund ACM’s many exhibits, special events and programs.

Photos by Phototainment

Other highlights included a silent auction and raffle for a beautiful Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey watch and a special award for the evening’s best derby hat. The live auction featured a 1965 Mustang convertible. The reveries were punctuated with a spectacular fireworks display presented by Emerald Queen Casino. Taking the fun outside onto Anderson Plaza, guests were treated to Montecristo cigars and Bluegrass music. Special thanks go out to Title Sponsor Emerald Queen Casino and Presenting Sponsors Ascent and U.S. Bank. Be sure to make plans to attend next year’s Wheels & Heels Annual Gala on June 4, 2016.

OPENROAD 13

pnwconcours.org

TACOMA, WASEPTEMBER 11 -13, 2015

Net proceeds support the Hagerty Education Program at America’s Car Museum.

ON EXHIBITFROM AESTHETICALLY STUNNING CLASSICS TO BRUTALLY EFFICIENT TRACK CARS

J

Cars cycle in and out of the exhibits. Actual vehicles on display may vary.

American Muscle – Rivals to the End

1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL On Loan from Gary and Sue Walla

1964 Buick Wildcat 2-Door Sedan Mitchell-Bentley Prototype From the Collection of America’s Car Museum

1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS On Loan from Jeremy Terhar and Frank Harer

1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt On Loan from Private Collection

1964 Pontiac GTO Convertible On Loan from the LeMay Family Collection

1966 Ford 7-Litre Convertible On Loan from Classicfords.us LLC

1966 Buick Skylark GS From the Collection of America’s Car Museum

1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS On Loan from the Collection of Jim and Laura Scharf

1967 Pontiac GTO On Loan from Larry and Kiyomi Fujita

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko 427 On Loan from Private Collection

1969 Plymouth Road Runner On Loan from John, Scott, and David Milner

Stephen R. PlasterThe graceful curves of the Bugatti Type 57, the opulence and power of the Mercedes Benz 500K, the celebrated racing focus of the Ferrari 250 GTO or the Shelby Daytona Coupe ~ these are not just cars, they are milestones of ingenuity, engineering and beauty.

That these and other important automobiles survive to be viewed and enjoyed is the work of a dedicated group of collectors whose passion knows no bounds. This September, ACM will celebrate the contributions of Stephen R. Plaster, another of those who can rightfully be called, “Master Collector.”

Owner of Evergreen Historic Automobiles, Stephen’s passion for cars began in high school with his father Robert W. Plaster. After building a spectacular collection of Ford, Chrysler and GM cars, they set their sights on acquiring a larger variety of brands representing the history of the American automobile. Today, Mr. Plaster’s collection boasts a total of over 200 different brands making it one of the most diverse collections in the world.

ust as fins defined the late 1950s, automotive muscle defined the

landscape of the mid to late 1960s and early 70s.

In recognition of that glorious era, AMERICA’S

CAR MUSEUM has popped the hood on our newest

exhibit “American Muscle – Rivals to the End.” The exhibit features

a cross section of the storied rides of the time from Ford, GM, Chrysler and AMC. Until the 1973 oil-embargo, muscle cars

ruled the road much like T-Rex ruled the Cretaceous.

The trend may have lasted only about a

decade, but it produced some of the most beloved

and highly sought-after vehicles of all time. These

asphalt burners with their massive big block V8s sparked a level of

competition among carmakers that led to such iconic badges as

GTO, Cuda, AMX, Z-28, Thunderbolt and Super Bee. It doesn’t matter

if you’re a Mopar follower, a bowtie

believer or a fan of the blue oval, you’ll find your kind of car on

display… you know, the one you always

wished you’d owned… or maybe you did.

1969 Dodge Super Bee On Loan From Wes and Linda Konsmo

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport Z-28 On Loan from Private Collection

1969 AMC AMX Sports Coupe From the Collection of America’s Car Museum

1970 Buick Gran Sport GSX On Loan from Private Collection

1970 Dodge Challenger T/A On Loan from the John Hogan Collection

1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda On Loan from the John Hogan Collection

1970 Ford Torino Fastback On Loan from Greg Prince

1971 AMC Javelin SST On Loan from Wojtek Las

1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst/Olds From the Collection of America’s Car Museum

1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible On Loan from Larry Smith To be added in December

n

M

FUEL FOR THE FUTURE

Special Friends of the Museum

Michael J. Phillips Board of Directors

America’s Car Museum

Michael T. Phillips Steering Committee

America’s Car Museum

ichael J. Phillips was born in Turkey of an Italian mother and an English father. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1986. Always interested in cars and bikes, Phillips currently has a 1968 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and a Triumph Bonneville motorbike. His first car was an MG 1300. Phillips and wife, Chantelle, live in Kirkland with their “superb Jack Russell Terrier, Foley.” In addition to finance and investments, skiing and boating are among their passions.

Mr. Phillips has 42 years of investment experience and is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Russell Investments. He served as Chairman of Russell from 2002 to 2008 and Chief Executive Officer from 1993 to 2003. Phillips initially joined Russell’s London office in 1981. In 2006, Mr. Phillips was appointed by the White House to be a U.S. repre-sentative on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), and served as Chairman of the ABAC Finance and Economics Working group in 2007 and 2008. He is also immediate past chairman of the non-profit 20-20 Investment Association. Mr. Phillips graduated with honors in law from University College, London in 1970. He became a fellow of the university in 2002.

Tacoma born Michael T. Phillips started having a strong affinity for cars at a young age. His avid cover-to-cover reading of every car magazine made him something of an automotive authority to the point his parents’ friends would ask him to consult on the purchase of a new car. While attending Charles Wright Academy, Mike began working as an assistant mechanic for America’s Car Museum. He continued to work at the Museum while getting a degree from the Milgard Business School at UWT. Mike currently works as a Financial Consultant for AXA in Seattle, WA. His Fiancée, Michelle de la Puente, and he are planning an October wedding. Michael’s first car, a 2005 Volvo S40, is one he still owns to this day.

Board of Directors

member Michael

J. Phillips, with

Foley the Jack

Russell, and Steering

Committee member

Michael T. Phillips

pose with the family

1968 Rolls-Royce

Silver Shadow.

“My son and I have been car

enthusiasts for most of our

lives. The fact that we have

one of the world’s finest car

museums right here in our

own backyard is remarkable.

It has allowed us the opportunity

to indulge one of our greatest

passions. AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM

is a tremendous community

resource, one with which

we are proud to be involved.”

16 OPENROAD

By Matt Taylor, ACM Director of Major and Planned Gifts

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

Gifts by will (bequests) have become an integral part

of the American philanthropic tradition because they

enable a person to make significant contributions

which may not have been possible during their

lifetime.

Incredibly, 51% of Americans ages 55 to 64 don’t

have wills, according to a survey released by

Rocket Lawyer. Even more alarming, 62% of those

ages 45 to 54 — and 67% of women that age —

haven’t drafted wills.

To leave a bequest to one of your favorite charities,

you’ll need to create a will. And, with smart planning,

you may actually increase the size of your estate

and/or reduce the tax burden on your heirs. Through

this process, please consider a bequest to AMERICA’S

CAR MUSEUM. You will have been thoughtful in your

planning for yourself and your heirs, and you will

know that you have made a meaningful contribution.

If you would like more information on how you can

make a gift through a planned bequest in your will,

please write or give us a call. We would be delighted

to assist you in selecting the gift mechanism that

best suits your philanthropic objectives.

For assistance with questions please contact Matt Taylor at 253.683.3950 or matt.taylor@americascarmuseum.org.

Plan Your Bequest to Meet Your Charitable Objectives

EACH YEAR, THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS EXERCISE THEIR PRIVILEGE TO DETERMINE THE FINAL DISTRIBUTION OF THEIR ESTATES. IN DOING SO, MANY DESIGNATE A PORTION OF THEIR ASSETS TO BE USED FOR THE BENEFIT AND SUPPORT OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS.

CREATE A WILLThis 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.

INCREDIBLY, 51 PERCENT OF AMERICANS AGES 55 TO 64 DON’T HAVE WILLS

OPENROAD 17

ROAD WELL TAKEN

By Walt Tomsic, Managing Editor, OpenRoad

Great American Road Trips

O ur last few roads well taken have led us through stands of Arizona cactus, across azure waters to Key West and along the Columbia Gorge. Now it’s time for something very different and much closer to home—the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway. Nothing better captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest like the Olympic Peninsula and State Route 112 is the perfect gateway to explore this unique piece of the planet.

The figurative beauty of the route—in addition to the literal beauty of course—is the fact that you can branch off at a number of points for some highly diverse side trips. What other 170 miles of road puts you in position for high tea in a foreign country, a dip in a theraputic hot springs, a peak at a mountain goat grazing an Alpine meadow and a view of the Pacific Ocean from the most north-westerly point in the continental United States? If you answered, “zip-zero-none,” you are correct.

Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway

THE DRIVEWe could go on and on about thick stands of old growth Sitka Spruce rising from a fern -infested forest floor while salmon, otter and gray whales frolic in the frigid waters of the straight as eagles soar overhead… but we’ll let you cover all that with friends later.

Start: Port Angeles, Washington

Finish: Port Angeles, Washington

Distance: 170+/- miles

* Does not include side trips

Above: Victoria, B.C. / Washington coast Hurricane Ridge

Right: Olympic National Park

Far Right: Cape Flattery Lighthouse

18 OPENROAD

BeginHead west out of Port Angeles on High-way 112. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway follows the shoreline of a glacial fjord that connects Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean. The first leg of the drive covers about 70 miles and gets you to Neah Bay. From there, it’s an 8-mile drive through the Makah Indian Reservation followed by a half-mile trail hike to Cape Flattery, the light house and the blue Pacific.

On the return leg, drive back toward Port Angeles on 112 then hang a right (south) on Highway 113.

Turn left onto Highway 101 at Sappho. From here it’s about 45 miles to Port Angeles.

On the way you’ll pass the turn off to Sol Duc Hot Springs, Crescent Lake and the beautifully lush vegetation of the Olympic National Forest.

Side Trip Notes and Links:Now this is where things really get interest-ing and the options for captivating side jaunts seem endless. Provided you have the time, here are a few things you don’t want to miss:

Victoria, B.C.

Take the Blackball “Coho” Ferry to Victoria, B.C. Beyond the usual obligatory tourist stuff—Butchart Gardens, the Provincial Museum and High Tea at the Empress Hotel —Victoria is fun and fascinating on multiple levels from shopping and dining to out-doorsy adventures. Oh, and don’t forget to pack your passport. Check it out... http://www.tourismvictoria.com

Need a soothing soak? You can’t do better than Sol Duc Hot Springs. You’ll find over night accommodations and day hikes to waterfalls and lush forests. https://www.nationalparkreservations. com/lodge/olympic-sol-duc-hot-springs-resort/

Hurricane Ridge

Looking for a taste of the Alps? Head up to Hurricane Ridge but be prepared for the vagaries of weather. Don’t expect an actual hurricane but wind, rain, snow and fog are possibilities… as are herds of deer, mountain goat and fields of Alpine wild flowers. http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-current-conditions.htm

Olympic National Park beaches

Stretching from Point of Arches in the north, to Kalaloch in the south, it’s one gorgeous beach after another—towering spires, tidal pools, sand and solitude. This is some of the most spectacular coastline in the world. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/north-shi-shi-access

OPENROAD 19

A U T O B I O G R A P H Y

Nothing just “pops up” out of the blue… no father, mother,

chain of precedent. This includes a two- door station wagon with a rather novel roof treatment. To view the Chevrolet Nomad as an isolated occurrence is to strip it of some fascinating history. The full developmental context of the car includes names such as Harley Earl, the first C1 Corvette and

GM’s traveling trick pony show… the annual Motorama.

1 9 5 7 C h e v r o l e t N o m a d

+ Harley Earl +Trick Roof =Nomad

Collection of America’s Car Museum

Words by Walt Tomsic, Managing Editor, OpenRoad Photography by Michael Craft

C1

20 OPENROAD

continued on page 22

Today, new car models slip into the product stream at various times and with varying degrees of marketing hype and media push. Ask yourself this. When—exactly—was the latest Corolla introduced and—precisely—how did it differ from the previous version? See what I mean? It’s virtually impossible today to fully appreciate the degree of public anticipation whipped up by the carefully orchestrated and highly concen-trated automotive rollouts of the 1950s.

Those of you of a ‘certain age’—myself included —can remember a time, typically early fall, when the new models hit dealer showrooms in masse. It was a big deal! The family would dress up and troop down to the local Oldsmobile dealership to stand in rapturous awe before the newly minted Golden Rocket 88. Each year’s automotive offerings were deliberately designed with enough shape shifting and chrome fiddling to make the previous year’s car seem hopelessly passé. Can’t let those Joneses gain a step. Time to trade in and move up.

Dynamic ObsolescenceFirst developed by Alfred P. Sloan and Harley Earl, they called this annual model change “Dynamic Obsolescence.” We mortals call it “planned obsolescence”… and certain other less flattering names. The Chevrolet Nomad is a prime example of that brilliant business strategy.

This is not to minimize the technical improvements that, from time to time, accompanied all that reworked sheet metal. The introduction in 1955 of arguably the world’s greatest internal combustion engine —GM’s magnificent and omnipresent small block V8 is a key case in point.

Harley Earl Time and space do not permit an in-depth profile of GM’s six foot, three-inch, supremely self-confident (i.e. “my way or the highway”) VP of Design. Famous for the pivotal Buick “Y Job,” Earl’s true genius was his ability to spot a spark of genius in a lower echelon staffer and prod (aka brow-beat) it to fruition. The Nomad is a prime example of “Hollywood Harley’s” operational style.

GM Motorama Staged by GM from 1949 to 1961, the GM Motorama was essentially a mobile auto expo designed to create public and media buzz and ultimately boost sales. The concept grew out of Alfred P. Sloan’s yearly industrial luncheons at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria, a ritual that began in 1931. Prototypes, concept cars and special halo models were the stars of the show. Dubbed “dream cars,” most were never intended to see the light of day. Their true mission was to probe the outer edge of the public’s tolerance for new shapes, textures and colors.

OPENROAD 21

*Specification data can, and often does, vary from source to source. When in doubt, we use those most often cited. Above specs are for a stock Nomad.

Base Price (V8): $2,571 (1955)

No. Produced: 22,375 / 8,386 (1955) 7,886 (1956) / 6,103 (1957)

Engines: 235ci I-6 / 265ci V8 283ci V8

Horsepower I-6 - 140 / 265 V8 - 162 (1957): 283 V8 - 185-283

Transmissions: 3-speed manual 2-speed auto

Dimensions: Wheelbase – 115” L- 201” / H- 60.8” / W- 73.7” Weight - 3,285 - 3,465 lbs

1957 Chevrolet Nomad Station Wagon

The Chevrolet Nomad Sport Station Wagon

two-thirds of the car was basically custom right down to the shortened wheel base, parts sharing with other models was severely reduced. As a result, the Nomad was the most expensive Chevrolet —$2,571 when equipped with

debuted at the 1954 Motorama. While working up variations for the recently introduced Corvette, Chevy Division’s Clare MacKichan and Carl Renner penned a station wagon variant with a unique roof design. It would be one of three Corvette concepts in that year’s Motorama. The result quickly attained ‘celebrity’ status—so much so that Harley Earl ordered his creative staff to apply the name and key design cues to the 1955 Chevrolet wagon. GM brass approved the car for production contingent upon its being integrated into the popular Bel Air model line.

The elements that distinguished the Nomad—and sister ship Pontiac Safari —from other wagons of the day were the fluted (grooved) roof, forward sloping B-pillar, wraparound rear side glass, seven vertical chrome accent strips on the rear dropgate and two doors, all of which were transposed from the original, non-running prototype, Corvette Nomad show car. The mission was to take an essentially utilitarian vehicle and invest it with a bit of design flair—not that different from today’s SUV/CUV marketing challenge.

So, how did it work out? Mixed results. On the plus side, it was a head turning ride… for a station wagon. At least being picked up at school by a mom driving a Nomad was not a totally soul crushing humiliation. On the down side, the lack of four doors limited its appeal… and functionality. The glass rich interior baked occupants on hot days. The slanted rear lift-gate had a tendency to leak and then there was the price… high! Because the rear

a V8 —$265 more than a similarly optioned Bel Air convertible.

Despite tepid sales, the Nomad returned to showrooms in both 1956 and ’57 … albeit with a price hike of about $150 each year and some downward creeping content. Proving you can’t keep a good name down, the “Nomad” badge would be applied to a succession of Chevrolet station wagons until its last iteration in the form of a passenger van. For a complete year-to-year list, see “Auto Trivia” on page 23. As for collector desirability, the model years 1955 through 1957 are the hot tickets.

The Corvette Nomad was one of three C1 variations introduced at the 1954 GM Motorama.

22 OPENROAD

AU

TO

BI

OG

RA

PH

Y

Michael Craft, ACM’s official photographer, created these striking photographs. To see more of his work visit www.michaelcraftphotography.com.

THE “NOMAD” YEAR-BY-YEAR:

Our Nomad was donated from the Harold LeMay Collection by Nancy LeMay in 2004. In strict terms, the car is a modified 1957 Chevrolet Nomad. Both the 4-speed transmission and engine, a 327 cu in V8, are not period correct. The car is currently on display in the Museum’s Route 66 Station Wagon exhibit.

About that engine, it’s hard to argue against it being one of the greatest of all time. Designed by a team headed by Ed Cole, it started life in 1955 at 265 cu in (4.3 liters) and has periodically grown in displacement over the years—the current Corvette Z06 6.2 small block is a direct descendent. As of 2011, 100 million SBC engines had been produced.

In 1956 Motor Trend named the Chevrolet Nomad one of the year’s most beautiful cars.

1955-1957 ~ the original 2-door with unique styling, part of the range topping Bel Air line of Chevrolets.

1958 ~ Nomad name applied to the standard Bel Air 4-door station wagon.

1959 ~ Nomad name transferred from Bel Air to expanded Impala model range.

1960 ~ Impala line Nomad adopts more conventional styling.

1961 ~ Last year for Nomad name, GM wagons henceforth go with same product designation as sedans.

1968 ~ 1972 ~ Names “Nomad” and “Nomad Custom” applied to lowest-priced Chevelle station wagon, below Chevelle Greenbrier, Concours and Concours Estate.

1976 ~ Special Nomad package offered for Chevy Vega wagons. In an attempt to relate to original car, side window trim was designed to make B-pillar appear forward slanting and the tailgate featured vertical rub strips.

Late 1970s/early 1980s ~ Nomad name returns as a trim package for the full size Chevrolet Van… boogie on!

The car’s 4-speed and 327ci engine are not period correct

Due to its 2-door design the Nomad lacked the utility of most station wagons. A 4-door model replaced it in 1958.

The Nomad’s shortened wheelbase (115”) was due to its C1 Corvette lineage and gave the car a more sporty look.

A fluted roof and curved side glass were unique design elements.

OPENROAD 23

TRIVIAAUTO

GUEST EDITORIAL By Keith Martin, Publisher, American Car Collector Magazine

Cars and trucks get restored every day. I bet nearly every reader of “OpenRoad” either has a project in the garage, or spends time dreaming about the project they’d like to start.

The biggest decision you will make when it comes to a restoration is how stock to keep the car. There are many schools of thought here, and there is no right or wrong. Choices vary from “as delivered from the factory” to “full of the latest 21st century technology.”

I’m a sucker for sports cars from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I like them with their crummy brakes, skinny tires, non-revving engines and some-times crappy gearboxes. Learning to drive an old car well is like learning to ride a thoroughbred horse. It’s a lot of work, but there are real rewards at the end of the process.

On the other hand, if you make your car a complete resto-mod, it will drive like a new car. The power will be effortless and smooth. The brakes will be excellent. The tires will be fat and grip the road. You can put in a 300-mile day and not feel like you’ve been locked in a dryer set on spin cycle.

TO RESTO-MOD

RESTOOR NOT TO

-MOD

ORIGINAL1957 Chevrolet Corvette

Tires: 6.70 x 15 Wheels: 15 x 5.5”

Transmission: 3-speed Manual

Sound System: AM Radio

Engine: 283 cu in V8 2- 4bbl Carbs 245bhp

Brakes: 11” Drums Front & Rear

24 OPENROAD

You pay a price for this comfort, however, and that’s in the market value of your modified car.

When your car is completely stock, chances are you will have people attracted to it who know exactly what it is. They will look at the paint, interior and mechanicals to see if they have been done correctly – that is, to original factory specifications.

There are price guides that can be consulted, and auction results that can be reviewed, so that you can gauge what similar cars are like in the marketplace.

All of that goes out the window with a resto-mod. Rarely does anyone get back what he has spent on a modified car. By definition, a modified car has been altered to suit the tastes of its owner.

You might like candy-apple red paint, orange leather, a 2,000-watt stereo and 22” wheels on your 1958 Chevy Impala. When you go to a cruise-in, you arrive in style and feel good about what you have created. And you’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars making it beautiful.

But when you go to sell it, you’re going to need to find someone whose vision of a 1958 resto-mod is exactly the same as yours. Further, the new owner has to be comfortable driving around a car that someone else is identified with - “Look, there goes Ken. He bought that ’58 Impala that Billy modified.”

So Ken will have to decide if he always wants to be known as “the guy that bought Billy’s car.”My advice when it comes to building a resto-mod is to throw any sort of financial equation out of the window. Don’t worry about getting your money back, as you probably won’t.

n Go to every rod and custom show you can, and take photos of the features that you like.

n Build your car to the specs you can afford, and that make you happy.

n When you’re done, drive it to every- thing. Every cruise-in, every Cars and Coffee, every gathering at ACM.

With a stock restoration, the satisfaction comes in part from how close you have come to hitting the bulls-eye of “as delivered when new.”

With a resto-mod, you get your “invest-ment” back in the quality of the ride you

WHAT’S MY RESTO-MOD

WORTH?

RESTO-MOD1957 Chevrolet Corvette

Wheels: 18 x 8” Tires: P245/40ZR

Transmission: Tremec T-56 Magnum 6-speed Manual

Sound System: 8 Speaker, 1200W AM/FM/CD, Sirius XM Bluetooth & USB Port

Engine: LS3 376 cu in V8 Port Fuel Injection 480bhp

Brakes: F/R 12” Disc drilled & Slotted rotors, 4 piston calipers, boosted

have built. You earn your smiles by seeing your dreams come to life, and taking them on the road.

There is no right or wrong to deciding between stock and resto-mod. Just do the best job you can which ever path you take – and enjoy the ride.

YOU CAN PUT IN

A 300-MILE DAY AND NOT FEEL

LIKE YOU’VE BEEN LOCKED IN A DRYER SET ON THE SPIN CYCLE

OPENROAD 25

Members Drive AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM For more information, visit americascarmuseum.org and click on “Membership.”

MEMBERSHIP

MembershipOur “car season” started with a bang at Club Auto beginning with indoor karting at K-1 Speed in Bellevue on March 26th. Congratulations to Tacoma Chapter member Simon Prior, the event’s big winner. Next up on May 2, “Hagerty presents–Car Care for Ladies by Ladies” saw nine women learning a variety of automotive basics from the very well qualified Shannon Wolk, parts manager at Kirkland Ford. In mid-May, Speed Zone simulator and slot car races were held in conjunction with our Cruise-in at ACM. The races gave members a chance to test their driving skills in friendly, but no less spirited, competition.

May 27 saw our first Member Engagement meeting in Tacoma. Members in attendance discussed a variety of Club Auto events and issues while enjoying Hedges wines and Budweiser beverages. On June 6, Warren Lubow from Wild About Cars Garage, the clubhouse owner at the Kirkland Chapter, shared his automotive insights and expertise with ACM members at the Mecum Auction in Seattle.

July 9-12 saw the 1st annual Colorado Wine and Wheels Tour to beautiful Vail from our Colorado Chapter at The Intrigue Collection in Lakewood, CO. More karting action took place at Pacific Grand Prix in Kent on July 18. That was followed on August 1 by a one-day—and totally optional—“Car Swap” Cruise from Tacoma south towards Mt. Rainier. Coming up on September 23, we will have a track day at High Plains Raceways in Colorado, followed by our annual West Coast Wine and Wheels Tour to the scenic Oregon wine country of the Willamette Valley. The tour features accommodations at the gorgeous Allison Inn on Oct. 16-18. In between, we have more member meetings, car shows, clinics and one-day tours, so be sure to keep your eyes on our En Route e-newsletter each month!

MILESTONES CORRECTIONSTHANK YOU, to our ACM members at every level, for your continued support. Accuracy is very important to us and it has come to our attention that there were discrepancies with our Milestones 2014 donor list.

Please note the following corrections have been made to the Milestones 2014 recognition information and accept our apology for these errors.

To see a listing of Individual, Dual, and Family level members, please reference the electronic version of Milestones 2014 at: www.americascarmuseum.org/about/milestones.

*Please note: the number following each name indicates years of consecutive giving to ACM

Upcoming Member Events and Activities:

Cruise-Ins at ACM 2nd Thursdays in the months of April through October 5-8 p.m.

Double Discount Member Appreciation Days: Sept. 4

Membership is a Great Value

ACM isn’t only about displaying cars... driving them is an important part of the member equation. The Club Auto Wine & Wheels tour to Vail, CO in July is but one such road tour put on by ACM and Club Auto.

Club Auto Founder Renee and Pat Crist, 13* Stephen and Judy Hamilton, 9

Gold Key Driver Chris and Vicki Kimball, 7

Silver Key Driver Steven Brown and Sally Fox, 13 John and Rose Scheidt, 13

Bronze Key Driver Donald and Anita Bader, 9 Roy Bittinger, 10 David and Corrine Goodell, 3 William and Sandy Privett, 13 Carl and Mary Roy, 12 Ken Sturman, 13 Woody and Linda Warmoth, 13

26 OPENROAD

EDUCATION AT ACM

By Debbie Kray, ACM Education Manager

These survey responses from teachers and chaperones showcase the strength of the program:

n “Terrific new experience for students plus a great kick off for our Force/Motion STEM unit.”

n “Staff was amazingly polite, incredibly well-prepared, and assisted us with all needs as they arose. The tour was fascinating, the project was engaging, and our students learned a great deal.”

n “It was Awesome! Best field trip in years!”

GEAR UP FOR LEARNING

CM’s Education team is revving up a host of learning opportunities for all ages. Every year, thousands of students, from preschool to college, make group visits to AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM to take part in our exciting venue of ‘real life’ learning opportunities.

All visits can be customized to meet the needs of students, schools, and educators. Teachers have the option of self-guided/custom-tailored visits or tours with Museum Educators to teach STEM concepts and enhance critical thinking skills through an inquiry-based approach. Hands-on workshops designed to spark the imagination include car design and model building as a way to test speed, style and power. ACM visits don’t just begin or end at the Museum, curriculum designed to align with State and Common Core standards offers pre and post visit lessons to get student’s wheels spinning.

ACM reduces the rate for these educational group visits to make this experience more affordable. Scholarships are available to further ensure groups have access to this unique Museum experience. Program details are listed on our website at www.americascarmuseum.org under “LEARN.”

Discover these other avenues to learning at ACM:

Family STEM Day - Every third Saturday of the month, from 11am to 4pm, families are invited to tinker, build, engineer and explore open-ended projects. Family day programs are free with admission.

If Cars Could Talk – Every first Tuesday of the month, from 11:30 – 12:30, brown bag lunch series. Each month, our speaker will pick a car and offer a fascinating peek into its history.

HANDS-ON WORK-SHOPS DESIGNED TO SPARK THE

IMAGINATION...A

Where learning is more like recess...fun!

OPENROAD 27

M

HAGERTY EDUCATION PROGRAMBy Diane Fitzgerald, National Director Hagerty Education Program at ACM

For more information about what we do, call 855-537-4579 or visit

hagertyeducationprogram.org

SPOTLIGHT ON INTERNS NARROWING THE “EXPERIENCE GAP”ost everyone recalls, upon first enter-

ing the job market, that disconcerting moment when we were told we needed more experience in order to be hired…

employers invariably wanted someone with 3-5 years’ on-the-job experience. But how does one get more experience when you’re fresh out of school!? It’s a classic Catch 22 situation. In today’s business environment, automotive restoration graduates are faced with that same dilemma.

As we see it, narrowing the experience gap begins before graduation, with paid internships, programs giving students direct experience —in their field. The Hagerty Education Program at AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM (HEP) funds exactly these types of internships at such well-known and highly respected schools, like Pennsylvania College of Technology and McPherson College in Kansas, to name just two.

MEET THREE OF OUR 2015 SUMMER INTERNS

Growing up in Philadelphia, Vanessa’s passion for collector cars grew by watching car shows on TV. Her search for educational programs in restoration, with an eye on custom upholstery, led her to the Associates degree program at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport where she is scheduled to graduate in 2016. Her appreciation for the art of upholstery has grown exponentially since starting the program, enhanced by her paid internship at LeBaron Bonney in Amesbury, MA. Working with master pattern makers has given her a level of expertise she could only get in a professional work environment. Vasnessa is anxious to use her developing skills on school restoration projects, many of which have won awards at regional shows in Hershey and Charlotte. Recently elected as treasurer of the Penn College Classic Cruisers Car Club, Vanessa, with the help of HEP, is doing what is necessary to land her dream job—in her dream field.

Jason Peters, ACM Collection Management Intern

A car guy through and through, Jason spent his youth working beside his father and uncle in their garage. As a young enthusiast, he bought a 1969 Ford Galaxy and restored it to a level worthy of being invited to exhibit the 45-year old beauty at last year’s Art of the Car Concours Show in Kansas City. Surrounded by people who com-

Savana Cross, HEP Research Intern

HEP National Director Diane Fitzgerald was repeatedly asked how she knew there were plenty of automotive restoration jobs out there. Searching for confirming evidence, she approached schools and organizations across the country… with little success. At this point, HEP stepped in and created and launched a multi-year market research plan. McPherson College senior Savana Cross, an honors Business major,was the perfect fit for taking the lead on Phase-15 and alumni and compiling data about

Vanessa Mathurin learning the art of custom upholstery at LeBaron Bonny

Vanessa Mathurin, LeBaron Bonney Company Intern

pletely understand why cars are so interesting —at both McPherson College and AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM —Jason is learning everything he can, from Alfa to Zundapp, about the demands and rewards of high-level classic car restoration. Working in Collection Management at ACM will expand his skill-level in car maintenance as well as the knowledge of classic car provenance so essential when serving the collector community. Jason is well on the way of achieving the goal of opening his own shop someday.

Jason Peters is all smiles working with Dale Wickell,

CollectionsTechnician at ACM.

educational opportunities in the field. Savana’s direct connection with automotive restoration is the college’s Annual Motoring Festival that takes place each May. In support of the fundraising event, Cross worked closely with the organizers and the school’s C.A.R.S. Club (College Automotive Restoration Students). Her directed research experience with HEP and exposure to people in those businesses currently shaping the automotive restoration industry has proved a winning combination. As a result, Savana’s job search ‘tool belt’ is definitely well equipped.

McPherson College Senior Savanna Cross Photo; Colleen Gustafson

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