The United States Senate recently passed Senate Resolution 513 at the request of SEMA and ARMO, designating Friday, July 9^th as Collector Car Appreciation Day. The day is meant to recognize “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.” [Source: AutoBlog]

It’s a great thing to appreciate those who have poured blood, sweat, hundreds of hours of research, and lots of hard-earned cash into a machine as amazing as the automobile. As a cultural phenomenon and an indication of our personal tastes and influences, collecting and restoring cars is an important link to our past and an honor to those who owned, loved and cared for these vehicles before us. Whether it’s an enthusiast pushing the limits of an unrestored Falcon’s motor, a Porschephile with a small fleet, or the men and women that restore and refurbish these vehicles because it affords them happiness, it’s wonderful to have a day that’s nationally recognized.

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Aficionauto was established in Santa Barbara, CA on April 20, 2004. During these first years, I have had the wonderful opportunities of working on amazing vehicles, with highline auto manufacturers and have developed relationships with innovative individuals, master technicians and craftsmen and historians of the culture.  I also have the best clients one could hope for- discerning, knowledgeable and enthusiastic automobile owners whom which I enjoy every visit.  I am sincerely grateful to each person who has contributed to my small success.   

Happy Motoring,

Andrew Evans

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Four days of auto bliss! I just returned from Carmel today after spending a long weekend working with Mercedes-Benz at their Star Lounge on the 3rd fairway.  We helped defend the display and drive fleet against rain-like fog (that never seemed to clear) and zealous auto admirers.  MB USA showed the 2009 AMG line-up and Classics Collection from their Orange County facility and offered drives in a few Maybach’s and McLaren SLR Roadsters.  

A particularly exciting moment was performing a bit of detail work to the SL65 Black Series and F700 Concept Vehicle which made their first appearances in North America. 

It is extremely difficult to explain the size, caliber and spanning passion exhibited during the weekend in Monterey.  The Annual Tour d’Elegance is a fantastic display of beautiful and irreplaceable vehicles, driving!  The sounds of each of the different motors throughout the history of the automobile is mesmerizing.  Concours Sunday was astonishing.  I was able to browse around for an hour and a half and only viewed half of the 18th fairway.  Russo and Steele’s Auction is a great way to see (and dream about) some very high caliber classic performance cars.

If you have interest in automobiles, design, art, horsepower, fine food and wine, or racing, one needs to attend.  Hopefully the photo’s do the long weekend some justice!

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