Collector Car Appreciation Day

When It’s Celebrated

• Annually on the second Friday of July

• In 2025: July 11

• Coincides with Automotive Heritage Month (often celebrated unofficially in July)

                                                                

Origins and Legislative Backing

• Created in 2010 through U.S. Senate Resolution S. Res. 513, with bipartisan support.

• Sponsored by:

  • Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)

  • Senator Richard Burr (R-NC)

• Reaffirmed each year with new Senate or House resolutions supported by the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus.

Key Goals of the Day

1. Honor Classic Car Culture

   • Recognize contributions of car collectors, builders, and restorers.

2. Preserve the Right to Modify and Drive Older Cars

   • Highlight the importance of maintaining regulatory flexibility for hobbyists.

3. Promote Automotive Education

   • Encourage youth engagement in auto restoration, preservation, and repair trades.

4. Celebrate the Aftermarket Industry

   • Showcase economic and artistic contributions from small businesses in restoration, customization, and parts manufacturing.

Why It Matters

• Collector cars are not just nostalgic; they are mobile museums of design, technology, and culture.

• Restoration contributes to:

• Skilled trades

• Small business growth

• Tourism & event industries

• STEM education, particularly in automotive engineering

 

Who Participates?

Enthusiasts:

• From hobbyists restoring at home to professional hot-rodders, all are invited to display and drive.

Businesses:

• Auto shops, car clubs, museums, and dealerships often host events and sales.

Organizations:

• SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)

• SEMA Action Network (SAN)

• ARMO (Automotive Restoration Market Organization)

• HRIA (Hot Rod Industry Alliance)

How It's Celebrated Around the U.S.

Common Activities:

• Local car shows, cruise-ins, parades, and car meets

• Charity drives featuring collector cars

• Restoration shop tours and open houses

• Educational workshops and school outreach programs

• Media spotlights on rare or historically significant cars

Example Locations:

• Los Angeles, CA: CCAD cruise on Sunset Boulevard

• Detroit, MI: Heritage car showcases

• Austin, TX: Hot rod and rat rod exhibitions

• Florida & Arizona: High classic car ownership per capita

International Participation

Though a U.S. initiative, CCAD is now celebrated in:

• Canada (particularly Ontario and British Columbia)

• Australia

• Parts of Europe via online communities and expat clubs

Get Involved

As an Individual:

• Take your classic car out on the road

• Share photos using hashtags: #CCAD, #CollectorCarAppreciationDay

• Join a local or virtual car show

• Introduce young people to the hobby

As a Business:

• Host a mini-show in your parking lot

• Offer discounts for parts or services

• Donate to youth auto tech education programs

• Register your event with SEMA for national visibility

As a School/Club:

• Host classic car trivia

• Invite a local restorer or collector to speak

• Offer test drives in partnership with local dealers or museums