http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/ Latest blog entries from America's Car Museum en-us Sat, 25 May 2013 18:54:39 PDT Sat, 25 May 2013 18:54:39 PDT LeMay - America's Car Museum CMS http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/2012-bank-kirkland-concours-delegance/ This 1933 Marmon V-16 Convertible Coupe owned by Aaron Weiss of San Marino, Calif. was named "Best of Show" at the 2012 U.S. Bank Kirkland Concours d'Elegance at LeMay - America's Car Museum (ACM) today. The event, which raises money for Seattle Children's Hospital, featured more than 120 cars, motorcycles and boats on the Haub Family Field at America's Car Museum. ... Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:02:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/story-lemay-museum-video/ LeMay Museum: Part 2 from eGarage on Vimeo.Thanks to the folks at eGarage.com for producing this excellent video for us. ... Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:26:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/lemay-americas-car-museum-named/ LeMay - America's Car Museum named one of 8 big openings in 2012.  Click here to read the full article. ... Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:10:00 PST http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/acm-volunteers-things-happen/ Without the skilled and tireless efforts of our dedicated team of volunteers, we would not have been able to transfer operations from the temporary headquarters in Fife to the new Museum campus nearly as quickly or smoothly. Working in two teams of four to six people each, our volunteers helped with the office move and both days dedicated to moving vehicles. Judging from the smiles on the faces of the volunteers in these photos, it's safe to say the effort, though hard, was also a lot of fun. ... Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:15:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/americas-car-museum-gives-sneak/ LeMay America’s Car Museum (ACM) opened its doors Saturday night during a one-night only sneak peek for 650-plus partygoers at the “Hard Hat & High Heels” fundraiser, the first event to take place on the nine-acre Museum campus. ... Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:09:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/slice-history-on-auction-at/ Hard Hat & High Heels attendees will have the unique opportunity to bid on a painting of the gala’s “Guest of Honor,” a 1927 LaSalle. Tacoma artist Carolyn Burt’s painting of the Museum’s Mille Miglia conquering car will be one of many items and experiences on auction at the September 24th event. ... Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:31:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/cant-be-missed-events-on/ Two can’t-be-missed” events are on tap at America’s Car Museum… ... Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:03:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/whats-an-iowa-police-car/ LeMay - ACM had an exhibit set up at the New York International Auto Show last week that sparked quite a bit of press coverage for the Museum. Here's one of many great stories posted on the New York Times blog last week: ... Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:55:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/drafting-dream-architect-alan-grant/ Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it shouldn’t be a big surprise that a massive undertaking like LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM), has taken nearly a decade to complete. “That’s not unusual for a museum project,” says Alan Grant, the chief architect of the 165,000-sq.-ft.  museum complex in Tacoma, Wash. Grant, co-owner of the architectural firm GrantPrice in Los Angeles, has designed structures around the globe, but ACM presented a variety of new challenges for him and his company. With ACM construction now more than halfway complete, Grant reflected on the “deceptively difficult” process of designing and creating a museum built principally through philanthropy that will serve “as the heart of world’s automotive culture.”   ... Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:56:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/david-madeira-lemay-auto-museum/ Here's an interview from March 3rd, with our President & CEO, David Madeira talking about the progress of the Museum, how it started and why it's being built in Tacoma. Don't miss it! http://missmotormouth.com/2011/03/david-madeira-of-the-lemay-auto-museum-joins-autoline-after-hours-tonight/  ... Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:45:00 PST http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/construction-progress-update-11-8/ By Ian Klein: The first week of November started by delivering a relative monsoon followed by a  few days of record warm temperatures.  Last week also brought new crewmembers to the site with the concrete deck subcontractor mobilizing and installing ramps and horizontal deck formwork.  The dry weather towards the end of the  week allowed for the waterproofers to make substantial progress on the west below grade walls while the concrete crews continued to install shear walls, columns and pilasters.  This week will focus on more of the same as the standing shell of the structure is tied into its growing core.  ... Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:15:00 PST http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/construction-progress-update-11-1/ By Ian Klein:Two weeks following the erection of the concrete tilt up panels, building construction activities are focused upon placing concrete columns, pilasters, ramps and decks.  In addition to the concrete structure and on the seldom dry autumn day, the perimeter below grade walls are waterproofed with a 2 part, mesh reinforced, fluid applied synthetic rubber membrane that is covered by a drain board.  The electricians and mechanical crews continue to work in concert with the concrete subcontractors in order to rough in power, lighting, fire sprinkler, plumbing and other MEP systems.    ... Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:28:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/hot-city-cool-cars-second/ It’s no surprise to you that small cars = big smiles. But who would guess that little cars would be the gateway to interactions with such a broad group of people " kids to seniors? Children think microcars were made for them. Teens are amazed by their shape and color. Women love the design and think of them as “accessories”. Men are intrigued by the improbable technology. And seniors have stories from the old days and “old country” about these great, little vehicles. ... Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:29:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/aerial-photos-americas-car-museum/ Check out aerial photos showing the construction progress here!  ... Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:41:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/groundbreaking-photos-news/ In case you missed the excitement from our June 10th Groundbreaking ceremony and celebration, you can view photo slideshows on our flickr page, from KIRO TV, feedtacoma.com and a LeMay Museum Volunteer, Russ Wilcoxson or you can catch up on news articles from New York Times blog, AutoWeek, The News Tribune and Cap Rate Advisor![photo via RenCrist Studios] ... Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:15:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/tres-petite-concours-an-exhibition/ First time-ever, free-to-the-public exhibits of vintage microcars and minicars in two historic neighborhoods: Old Town and along Armitage Avenue in Chicago, IL.CHICAGO, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tres Petite Concours: An Exhibition of Micro & Minicars is a display of small cars from Chicago collections "a museum on wheels" that seeks to enlighten and entertain, emphasizing compact size, fuel efficiency and curb appeal. The Tres Petite Concours presents 10-15 microcars and minicars circa 1950s & 1960s.  These are free, public events scheduled for two weekends this summer: along the 1700 block of North Sedgwick Street in Old Town during the 61 st Old Town Art Fair (June 12-13, 10am-6pm) and situated along the 900 block of West Armitage Avenue, in Chicago's Lincoln Park during the 12th Annual Armitage Sidewalk Sale and the 42nd Annual Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival (July 17-18, 11am-6pm). "I fully endorse The Tres Petite Concours," said Vi Daley, Alderman of the 43rd Ward where the exhibition will take place. "In addition to being a fun complement to   Chicago's summer festivals, the Concours will also enhance the appreciation of Chicago by presenting the charm of the neighborhood while supporting the local merchants." Microcars are passenger cars with 500cc or smaller engines and Minicars are 501cc to 999cc. Some of the cars that will be displayed include Citroen Deux Chevaux (2CV), BMW Isetta and Fiat Cinquecento, which is reminiscent of Luigi in the animated film Cars. These microcars delight people of all ages! LeMay - AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM (Tacoma, WA) is presenting sponsor for The Tres Petite Concours Exhibitions.  CEO David Madeira characterized the importance of the relationship stating, "The Teeny Tiny Productions team's excellent reputation, expertise, enthusiast network and passion for the automobile make them a perfect partner for us".         Vintage Microcar Club (Evanston, IL) is promotional sponsor for The Tres Petite Concours Exhibitions, partnering with Teeny Tiny Productions and keeping small car enthusiasts in touch and informed. [via Teeny Tiny Productions]*      *      *About Teeny Tiny Productions, Producer of The Tres Petite Concours: Teeny Tiny Productions is a motorsports event planning company with extensive experience producing and hosting car and motorcycle events. The company is especially committed to the presentation and conservation of very small cars. ... Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:57:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/guest-blog-tacoma-wise-investment/ by John Finke, Regional Director for the National Development Council As you walk through Harold and Nancy LeMay’s extensive collection of classic and vintage automobiles, you are struck by the vastness of the collection and its contribution to American road history. While only a fraction of the collection is currently on display, one can’t help but recognize what a tremendous draw the world’s largest car collection will be once it is housed in a new facility. The National Development Council has partnered with the City of Tacoma in economic development efforts for more than 30 years.  When the City expressed its interest in assisting the Harold E. LeMay Car Museum, it was clear to us how important the transaction would be to Tacoma and to the entire Puget Sound region.  At a time of economic recession, the project will be a job generator – now and in the future. With the groundbreaking set for June 10, 2010, the project will immediately create 165 construction jobs.  Once the museum opens, it will employ a staff of 90 permanent full-time workers.   In addition to its employment impacts the museum is expected to become a major tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 500,000 visitors a year.NDC, working with the City of Tacoma, led the effort to structure the complex financial package that provided much of the $34 million necessary for the first phase of the project to break ground.  We brought New Market Tax Credit funding and a Housing and Urban Development Section 108 loan, and we worked with a host of partners, including the City of Tacoma, US Bancorp Community Development Corporation, our own HEDC New Markets, Inc. and Consortium America to create the funding necessary to allow the museum construction to move forward. On behalf of the entire financing team, we at NDC offer our enthusiastic congratulations to both the LeMay - America's Car Museum and the City of Tacoma as construction begins on this world-class museum facility!  ... Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:03:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/museum-featured-on-discovery-channel/ The Discovery Channel's award-winning Profiles Series will air a half hour show featuring the LeMay Museum story on the Discovery Channel on Friday, May 28 at 7:00 am (both Eastern and Pacific times). ... Wed, 05 May 2010 15:24:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/auto-alley-at-puyallup-spring/ Its springtime… the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, more people are pulling their cars and motorcycles from their garages, and in Puyallup it’s time again for the annual Puyallup Spring Fair. It’s a smaller and less crowded version of the Puyallup fall fair with lots of fun activities and several new attractions this year, including what is being billed as “Auto Alley”. The Spring Fair’s Auto Alley is showcasing the LeMay - AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM with a cool display of cars from our collection as well as our fabulous volunteers and friends.There is something for everyone" we’ve got a row of T-birds, some Corvettes from the local Corvette Club, and a few Mustangs thrown in the mix, too. (You might even see Elvis!)  I personally love John Austin’s 1939 Austin, and Dennis Laine’s Packard is gorgeous, plus the cute mini-car display with the Isetta and Fiat Multipla and others is such an eye-catcher (I’ll take 2, please!).If you’re stopping by the Spring Puyallup Fair, check out Auto Alley and say hello to us and enjoy our cars. If you find your favorite there, tell us about it! ... Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:43:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/lance-lambert-visits-club-auto-1/ Lance Lambert, friend of the Museum and host of television's award-winning Vintage Vehicle Show, recently visited our Club Auto facility in Lakewood, Colorado.  In this video, Lambert gets the scoop on a restored 1959 Cadillac "Ghostbuster" tourist transporter formerly used by Colorado's Broadmoor Hotel. [via youtube.com] ... Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:41:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/heritage-horsepower-82-year-old/ This past week, the LeMay Museum had the honor of participating in the 2010 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York.This year, the Museum's Heritage & Horsepower exhibit was comprised of collector cars from the Bulgari Collection, the Museum's Steering Committee member John Lyons, Manny Dragone and Bonhams & Butterfields.The impressive collection of classics created quite a buzz amid the hottest new concepts in automobile technology and the latest vehicles from the top auto manufacturers: Dragone's 1929 Packard 645 Deluxe 8 Rollston Custom Roadster was deemed the "82-Year-Old Star of the New York Auto Show"!   [photo and story via wheels.blogs.nytimes.com] ... Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:38:00 PDT