Collector Car Appreciation Day

Collector Car Appreciation Day is celebrated the second Friday in July. In 2026, this date falls on July 10. This observance spotlights the craft of automotive restoration, the culture of car collecting, and the community events—from local "cars and coffee" meetups to museum exhibits—where enthusiasts display classic and vintage vehicles and exchange knowledge about preservation and care.

History of Collector Car Appreciation Day

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has sponsored Collector Car Appreciation Day since 2009. SAN formed as a partnership of vehicle clubs, enthusiasts, and members of the specialty auto parts industry, and it has worked to promote the hobby and address legal and regulatory issues that affect collectors and restorers.

SAN’s efforts include helping secure a U.S. Senate resolution that recognizes the observance each year. The day was publicly launched with nationwide events, and a coordinated celebration on July 9, 2010 brought hundreds of displays, car cruises, and shows that emphasized the impact of automobiles on American culture.

Why is Collector Car Appreciation Day important?

The day emphasizes preservation of automotive history through restoration and maintenance. Restorers and hobbyists invest time and skill to return vehicles to running, showing, and display condition, and that work protects design and engineering details that would otherwise be lost.

The collector car hobby also underpins a sizable economy of specialized services and small businesses. The automotive aftermarket and restoration sector contributes at-scale economic value, keeping upholstery shops, mechanics, parts suppliers, and other trades active and training new craftspeople.

• It honors the skilled trades involved in restoration, from mechanics to painters and upholsterers.
• It promotes the work of small businesses that supply parts, services, and expertise to collectors.
• It preserves physical artifacts of automotive design and regional manufacturing history.
• It connects clubs, museums, and younger enthusiasts to pass on knowledge and appreciation.
• It generates community events that draw visitors and support local economies.

How to Celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day

Make the day a chance to enjoy cars in person and to support the people who keep them running. Attend a local car show, museum exhibit, or a casual "cars and coffee" gathering to see restored vehicles, ask owners about their projects, and learn where parts and services can be found.

You can also create or join a local display, support restoration education, or help a local shop by booking a service appointment or buying supplies. Many restoration businesses and clubs mark the day with special activities or promotions, and sharing photos of your car or a favorite exhibit helps broaden public interest.

• Attend a local car show or Cars & Coffee meetup to view restorations and speak with owners.
• Host a neighborhood display or invite local collectors to gather in a public park or lot.
• Visit an automotive museum or special exhibit that highlights historical models and design milestones.
• Support restoration programs at community colleges or donate to local shops that train new technicians.
• Share photos and stories on social media with relevant tags to celebrate vehicles and the people who restore them.

Collector Car Appreciation Day Dates