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Collector Car Appreciation Day

Honor Collector Car Appreciation Day by taking a ride in your classic car - it's the perfect way to show off your automotive pride!

Thursday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 9

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYCollecting

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to rev up your engines and celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day on July 9! This day was started in 2009 by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to recognize and appreciate the historical, cultural and technological significance of collector cars. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just admire classic cars, this is your chance to show some appreciation for these amazing vehicles. From muscle cars to vintage models, there's something special about collector cars that makes them stand out from the rest. So let's get out there and celebrate all things automotive!

TIMELINE

Collector Car Appreciation Day Timeline

Birth of the Automobile

Karl Benz invented the first automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, marking the beginning of automotive history.

First Collector Car

The Ford Model T, widely regarded as the first affordable motorcar, ceased production in 1927. This marked the beginning of collector cars as nostalgic relics of the past.

Muscle Car Era

The release of the Chevrolet Bel Air marked the popularization of muscle cars, breathing new life into the collector car community.

Antique Car Clubs

Antique Automobile Club of America's growth reflected the increasing interest in collecting and preserving old cars.

Collector Car Appreciation Day

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) founded Collector Car Appreciation Day on July 9 to celebrate the historical, cultural and technological significance of collector cars.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day

Organize a car show

Organize a car show and invite local collectors and admirers to come together and celebrate the beauty of collector cars. Make sure there are awards and prizes in place.

TAKE

Take a drive

Take a drive in your collector car. Head out on an open road and enjoy the scenery, or take a scenic route for some sightseeing. Either way, it's sure to be a memorable experience.

VISIT

Visit a classic car museum

Visit a classic car museum and admire the beauty of these historic vehicles. Learn about the history of each car and get up close to see them in all their glory.

JOIN

Join a collector car club

Join a collector car club and meet other enthusiasts like yourself. Meet up with other members for events, car shows, and more.

RESTORE

Restore an old car

If you're feeling ambitious, why not restore an old car? Find an old classic and spend time restoring it to its original glory. It's sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Collector Car Appreciation Day

Collector cars fuel our imaginations

Seeing a collector car up close can fill your imagination with ideas of taking on twists and turns along mountain roads, or racing through empty highways on sunny days. Collector cars aren't just machines - they can ignite inspiration, draw memories, and bestow hope.

Collector cars are beautiful

Whether it's a classic muscle car like a '68 Mustang or a modern supercar like a Bugatti Veyron, collector cars are always amazing to look at. The beauty of their curves, the roar of the engine, and the feeling of being behind the wheel can't be beat!

Collector cars represent history

Each collector car is an example of its own history. Whether you're looking at an old Bugatti that won races in Italy 100 years ago, or a modern Ferrari that was designed by Pininfarina just five years ago - each one tells its own unique story and has been lovingly cared for by the generations that came before us.

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