Thousands of enthusiasts across the United States and Canada gathered July 8, 2011, to celebrate the second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day.

SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts across the country Friday, July 8, to celebrate the second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). More than 200 events—more than double last year’s total—were held in the United States and Canada to commemorate the day, designated by a SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution (S. Res. 154) sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC).

The U.S. Senate Resolution recognizes “that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” Local governments were on board as well, with Las Vegas; Madera County, California; and City of Troy, New York, issuing official proclamations to recognize the holiday. At the request of State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Chairman Assemblyman Bill Reilich, New York passed its own resolution designating July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day in the state. The Canadian provinces of Prince Edward Island and Manitoba followed suit north of the border, extending the celebration to “National Automotive Heritage Week” (Prince Edward Island) and “Automotive Heritage Month” (Manitoba).

Collector Car Appreciation Day is supported by SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils. Click here for a summary of 2011 events held across the nation:

Photos from Collector Car Appreciation Day celebrations can be found here.

If you have event photos you would like to add to the Collector Car Appreciation Day album, please e-mail them to ashleya@sema.org.