http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/ Latest blog entries from America's Car Museum en-us Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:46:14 PDT Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:46:14 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/to-craft-finest-automobiles-in/ The 1956 Continental Mark II"To craft the finest automobiles in America" - was the motto of short-lived Continental Division of Ford Motor Company, and during its two year production run, the division produced the Continental Mark II series. Our newest addition to the collection is this 1956 Continental Mark II, donated to America’s Car Museum by Steve Boone, owner of Northwest Harley Davidson in Lacy, WA. Steve, who has been a tireless LeMay- America's Car Museum supporter, is a member of the Museum's Board of Directors and the Chairperson of ACM’s Collection Committee.The Mark II is a beautiful display example of Ford’s forward thinking in engineering design and attention to quality. When Steve acquired the car he said it caught his eye for its sleek look and luxury interior. “I thought it was just a beautiful car!”, Steve tells us. ... Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:09:00 PST http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/avanti-rescue-update-green-sparkle/ After 40 years, the First Avanti is no longer Green Sparkle and is on its way back to its original Avanti White. Over the past couple of months, ACM’s Avanti has undergone some major changes and our monthly updates on the ACM’s Collection pages have been showcasing the recent progress. The car has been completely stripped by our all-volunteer rescue team in Bellingham, Washington, under the direction of James Bell of the Bell Studebaker Museum. In final preparation for paint removal, James and his crew cleared out everything under the car-- the driveline, brake and fuel lines, exhaust, etc. so they wouldn’t be in the way of soda blasting the frame. The volunteer crew, who are all members of the Whatcom County chapter of the Studebaker Driver’s Club, have meticulously dismantled the car taking care to label and bag all parts. The rear end was swapped out with a temporary one and the refreshed rear-end, new leaf springs plus suspension from the A-arms out in front will be replaced once the car has returned for re-assembly. Read More ---> ... Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:47:00 PST http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/beautiful-bullet-nose-coupe/ 1951 Studebaker Champion StarlightAmerica's Car Museum received an extra special gift in our stocking this year from Dick Hannah of Vancouver Washington. This 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight Coupe was lovingly restored by Dick Hannah Dealerships (under Mr. Hannah's direction) in 2009 and was frequently on display at the dealership's showroom.Studebaker's design team created the Starlight under the direction of  legendary Raymond Loewy and final designs were executed by Virgil Exner.  The daring 1950-51 Bullet-nose Studebaker has become one of the most iconic American automotive designs. ... Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:14:00 PST http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/move-to-new-museumone-car/ After two years preparing the collection for our new museum, it was finally time to move from Collection Management’s temporary home in Fife to our new 165,000 square foot building in Tacoma!  Our first day of car moves into the museum was primarily all of the pre-war vehicles we had ready and waiting at our warehouse.  I selected these cars because many are open cars with delicate interiors and exteriors, and it was looking like our first day was going to be excellent weather for moving them safely. ... Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:56:00 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/bedroom-car/ Background: From 1986 through 2004 I operated Specialty Automotive in Olympia, WA, selling new and used DeLorean auto parts worldwide, while also working full time as an engineer.  During that time I restored/refurbished 7 DeLoreans and parted out 6 more.  Over those 18 years of traveling the country buying up dealer parts inventories and restorable cars I naturally had a few interesting adventures.  The following is the first of several true stories from that period.This is one of those stories you hear and say “yeah, right.”  But it’s true and I have the photos to prove it. ... Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:42:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/cars-nickname-term-affection-or/ We have a love affair with our cars so it only makes sense that many of us give our vehicles pet names. Several years ago USA TODAY reported on the findings of an AP-AOL Autos poll, which revealed that 20% of all drivers give their cars nicknames. Commonly, the derivation of the name is an obvious reference to the vehicle's color, make, size or some aspect of its reliability or lack thereof. In the latter case, the handle may not be a term of affection, but one of derision. ... Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:05:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/henry-ford-american-pastimes-cars-1/ As we move into summer, Americans start polishing off the collector car and getting out the BBQ. I never put the two activities together other than they are both favorite summer pastimes, however they are both closely related thanks to Henry Ford.  I found the start of this article in our archives which was submitted by museum volunteer John Austin , who is the former President of the Galloping Gertie Model A Ford Club of Tacoma Washington.  Model T’s Ford bodies are composed of a sheet metal skin over a wooden frame. Henry Ford produced over 15 million Model T’s over its 19-year run (1908-1927), and simultaneously produced vast quantities of wood waste.E.G. Kingsford,  a relative of Mr. Ford who owned a Ford dealership and also happened to be a real estate agent, engineered the purchase of over 313,000 acres of land on the Michigan Upper Peninsula upon which a sawmill and wooden auto parts plant were built in 1920.  Soon after Ford, who was known as a notoriously frugal businessman, partnered with Kingsford and founded the Kingsford Company to reclaim saleable byproducts from the manufacturing  waste.  For every ton of scrap wood produced, this plant was able to extract 610 pounds of charcoal. This charcoal was manufactured into briquettes and sold under the name Ford Charcoal Briquettes. Now a ready source for outdoor cooking, this was the beginning of Americans cooking and barbecuing with charcoal.Briquettes were re-named Kingsford Charcoal Briquettes (in honor of E.G.) a brand that still exists today. As a result of his entrepreneurial sense, Henry Ford is credited as forming the foundations of two industries both the automobile industry and the charcoal briquette industry.  ... Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:15:00 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/definition-acceleration/ One top fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more horsepower than the first 4 rows of stock cars at the Daytona 500. It takes just 15/100ths of a second for all 6,000+ horsepower of an NHRA Top Fuel dragster engine to reach the rear wheels. Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1-1/2 gallons of nitro methane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced. A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to drive the dragster's supercharger. With 3,000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into a near-solid form before ignition. Cylinders run on the verge of hydraulic lock at full throttle. At the stoichiometric (stoichiometry: methodology and technology by which quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions are determined) 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture of nitro methane, the flame front temperature measures 7,050 deg F. Nitro methane burns yellow... The spectacular white flame seen above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing exhaust gases. Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the output of an arc welder in each cylinder. Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After halfway, the engine is dieseling from compression, plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1,400 deg F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow. If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in the affected cylinders and then explodes with sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in pieces or split the block in half. In order to exceed 300 mph in 4. 5 seconds, dragsters must accelerate an average of over 4G's. In order to reach 200 mph (well before half-track), the launch acceleration approaches 8G's. Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have completed reading this sentence. Top fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from light to light! Including the burnout, the engine must only survive 900 revolutions under load. The redline is actually quite high at 9,500 rpm. Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimate $1,000.00 per second. The current top fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.428 seconds for the quarter mile (11/12/06, Tony Schumacher, at Pomona , CA ). The top speed record is 336.15 mph as measured over the last 66' of the run (05/25/05 Tony Schumacher, at Hebron, OH ).   Putting all of this into perspective:  You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter 'twin-turbo' powered Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road, a top fuel dragster is staged and ready to launch down a quarter mile strip as you pass. You have the advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the gears and blast across the starting line and pass the dragster at an honest 200 mph. The 'tree' goes green for both of you at that moment.  The dragster launches and starts after you. You keep your foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine that sears your eardrums and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and passes you. He beats you to the finish line, a quarter mile away from where you just passed him.  Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had spotted you 200 mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted you off the road when he passed you within a mere 1,320 foot long race course.[via autolinedetroit.tv] ... Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:55:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/ford-preparing-to-mercury-brand/ Read all about it here![photo via chicagobreakingbusiness.com] ... Sun, 30 May 2010 12:39:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/senate-designates-july-9-as/ The United States Senate recently passed Senate Resolution 513 (S. Res. 513) at the request of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Council designating July 9, 2010 as "Collector Car Appreciation Day."  The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by ARMO as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  S. Res. 513 was sponsored by Congressional Automotive Performance andMotorsports Caucus members Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC).  Senators Tester and Burr have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, and S. Res. 513 reaffirms their understanding of the cultural importance of collector cars.  The Caucus is an informal, non-partisangroup that pays tribute to America's ever growing love affair with the car and motorsports.  The Caucus recognizes the integral role collector cars have playedin fostering our nation's appreciation for motorsports.   The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by SEMA and its councils as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.  Restoration businesses help save our nation's heritage while providing well-paying, high-skilled jobs nationwide.  SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald said, "We greatlyappreciate the United States Senate's recognition of the important role classiccar restoration serves in our country.  As Americans gather at car cruises andother events in conjunction with 'Collector Car Appreciation Day' on July 9,these vital contributions will be honored and preserved." In recognition of the day, collectors and enthusiasts will be hosting events across the country.  Jim Barber, Chairman of SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) Council said, "Individuals, car clubs, and businessesaffiliated with ARMO are proud to be recognized as leaders in today's economy. Car cruises, club gatherings, and other educational events will be scheduled forJuly 9 nationwide.  ARMO is looking forward to assisting with these events andis appreciative of this special acknowledgment by the Senate."     Dennis Overholser, Chairman of SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Councilsaid, "HRIA's commitment to preserving and promoting the automotive restorationindustry through its projects and education programs is well represented by thisResolution.  We are pleased that our elected officials have acknowledged ourpositive presence in local communities.  I look forward to working with otherbusiness owners, collectors, and enthusiasts to make the inaugural 'CollectorCar Appreciation Day' a success nationwide." [via sema.org][photo by Renee Crist, professional photographer and LeMay Museum Collection Manager] ... Tue, 25 May 2010 12:23:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/show-me-money-whats-my-1/ A classic or collectible car for many of us car collectors is not only like a member of the family, it is also a valuable asset. Looking at Kelly Blue book, NADA classic car pricing or recent auction valuations might give you a good ball-park estimate, but many times for older classics, high performance cars or cars that have been customized, these avenues may not be fully adequate. To protect your assets for “agreed or replacement value” insurance policies, an appraisal by a certified automotive appraiser is the way to go. I frequently receive calls asking for information on auto appraisers and whom we would recommend for them to contact. Appraising an automobile takes a professional who specializes in your particular era of vehicle. Therefore, it would be difficult for one to recommend an appraiser for all vehicles. I usually recommend contacting verified appraisal organizations, and requesting a list of appraisers in their area. Always interview potential appraisers before you give one the job. Before you hire an appraiser, ask each of them: About their experience levels. Some appraisers cost more than others, particularly those with expertise in certain types of cars. How long they've been appraising cars. To see examples of their appraisals. You will want to be clear about the level of detail they will give before you hire anyone. I have seen one-sheet appraisals with minimal information and multi-page appraisals with historical research specific to the vehicle included with the appraisal. Auto Appraisers Group (AAG), headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia is one such source for locating an appraiser qualified to assess the value of your vehicle. They have a very informative website on how to select an appraiser. International Society of Appraisers (ISA), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois is another source one can explore. The ISA appraiser lists are not limited to just automobiles; appraisers of collectibles, jewelry furniture and more can be found. International Automotive Appraisers Association (IAAA), headquartered in Montvale, NJ boasts a membership of certified Professional Appraisers from the United States, Australia, Canada and Puerto Rico. ... Thu, 20 May 2010 13:25:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/50-ugliest-cars-past-50/ "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."-ConfuciusBloomberg Businessweek has introduced the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years.  This list includes an Australian car designed by a maker of cement mixers and washing machines, a peculiar bug that defies design language with three wheels, a boat-like bottom, and zip windows and one car introduced on April Fool's Day (yes, I think I get the joke).For the most part, they seem to be dead-on right in the ugly department:  this one is the auto-equivalent of a mullet (business in front, party in the back and bonus! after the party, you can sleep in it); this one looks like it was designed by Big Bird in the midst of his late-life crisis; I once tangled with one of these brats (whoa, Nelson, what expensive tin bumpers you have) . . . speaking of tin:  way back when a friend of mine - and every teenager in her large family - had one of these (quantity over quality for the family juggling a multitude of extra-curricular activities) . . . I do take exception to this one as my both my first and second cars were 200-series Volvos (I l-o-v-e-d my Big Red and Goldie); this one is arguably ugly but kind of a classic in its unapologetic 1980s-encompassing gaudiness built by a memorable white-haired newsmaker and . . . how did this one get on there?What cars in your opinion are of the over-blinged, clunky, cartoon-like or simply bland variety? ... Sat, 15 May 2010 13:50:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/30-dollar-metal/ According to the Huffington Post, the worlds most expensive used car was announced as sold by Gooding & Co. last week.   [photo via autoweek.com] ... Mon, 10 May 2010 16:01:00 PDT http://www.lemaymuseum.org/blog/young-designers-contest-envisioning-cars/ Hagerty's Operation Ignite is hosting a Young Designers Contest for youths who would enjoy combining their art skills, personality and creativity into their very own masterpiece - the futuristic design of their favorite collector automobile as it would look if built 50 years from now in 2060.The top five finalists, as selected by public vote, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Monterey, Calif., for final judging at the Hagerty reception during the week of the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance - the world’s premier celebration of automotive history where only the most beautiful and rare automobiles that combine ultimate design, art and technology are displayed.Click here for more information! ... Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:56:00 PDT