Collector Car Appreciation Day
July 10
About Collector Car Appreciation Day
Collector Car Appreciation Day falls on Friday, 10 July 2026, marking the annual celebration of classic, vintage, and collector vehicles and the people who restore and preserve them. Held on the second Friday of July each year, the day is sponsored by the SEMA Action Network and recognises the cultural and historical importance of automotive restoration and collection. Car shows, cruises, open houses, and “drive your classic to work” events take place across the United States and beyond.
How to Celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day
This is a hands-on day built around getting out, driving, and sharing a love of classic motors. Here are plenty of ways to take part:
- Drive your classic – Take your collector car out for a spin, whether it is a short cruise to the shops or a longer scenic route. The day exists to be enjoyed on the road, so put the keys in the ignition and go.
- Attend a local car show – Hundreds of shows and meets are staged around Collector Car Appreciation Day. Check the SEMA Action Network event listings to find a gathering near you and admire everything from muscle cars to pre-war classics.
- Host a cruise or meet-up – Rally your local car club and organise a group drive or parking-lot meet. Coordinating a convoy of restored vehicles is one of the most popular ways the day is marked.
- Drive your collector car to work – One of the original suggested activities, simply commuting in your classic turns an ordinary day into a celebration and gets colleagues talking.
- Visit an automotive museum – If you do not own a classic yourself, spend the day exploring a motoring museum or heritage collection to appreciate the engineering and design of past eras.
- Tackle a restoration project – Dedicate the day to working on a long-running garage project, fitting a part, polishing chrome, or finally getting that engine to turn over.
- Support a young enthusiast – Bring a child, grandchild, or neighbour along to a show. Passing the hobby to the next generation helps keep automotive heritage alive.
- Share photos online – Post pictures of your pride and joy using the day’s hashtags so the wider community can enjoy your car too.
What is Collector Car Appreciation Day?
Collector Car Appreciation Day is an annual observance that honours the role classic and collector vehicles play in culture, history, and craftsmanship. It is sponsored by the SEMA Action Network, the grassroots arm of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which represents enthusiasts, hobbyists, and the wider automotive aftermarket. The day is aimed at anyone who appreciates older vehicles, from seasoned restorers and car club members to families who simply enjoy a weekend drive. It celebrates not just the cars themselves but the skills, communities, and memories built around them.
When is Collector Car Appreciation Day?
Collector Car Appreciation Day takes place on Friday, 10 July 2026. It is held annually on the second Friday of July, which means the exact date shifts a little each year. Because the date is variable rather than fixed, it is worth checking the calendar ahead of time so you can plan a show, cruise, or drive around it.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 10 July |
| 2027 | Friday, 9 July |
| 2028 | Friday, 14 July |
| 2029 | Friday, 13 July |
| 2030 | Friday, 12 July |
The History of Collector Car Appreciation Day
The story of Collector Car Appreciation Day begins with the SEMA Action Network, which set out to win formal recognition for the hobby of automotive restoration and collection. A resolution was first introduced in the United States Senate in 2009 but was not adopted that year. The campaign continued, and in 2010 the effort succeeded when Senate Resolution 513, sponsored by Senators Jon Tester of Montana and Richard Burr of North Carolina, was passed. This established the first official Collector Car Appreciation Day.
The inaugural observance was held on 9 July 2010 and was organised by the Specialty Equipment Market Association together with its council, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization. From the very first year the response was enthusiastic, with hundreds of events staged nationwide, including car cruises, shows, open houses, and displays in workplaces. The resolution recognised how automobiles have inspired music, literature, photography, film, and fashion, framing the collector car not just as a machine but as a cultural touchstone.
In the years since, the SEMA Action Network has requested a fresh Senate resolution each July to launch the day, and the celebration has settled into its place on the second Friday of the month. What started as a campaign for recognition has grown into a fixture of the enthusiast calendar, observed by car clubs, museums, dealerships, and individual owners alike. If you enjoy days that honour heritage and craft, you might also appreciate National Dash Cam Day, which looks at motoring from a more modern, road-safety angle.
Fun Facts About Collector Car Appreciation Day
- The very first Collector Car Appreciation Day on 9 July 2010 saw hundreds of events held across the United States in a single day.
- The day was created through an act of the United States Senate, with Resolution 513 sponsored by senators from both major parties.
- It is sponsored by the SEMA Action Network, the grassroots membership arm of the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
- The original Senate resolution noted that automobiles have shaped American music, literature, photography, film, and fashion.
- Because it falls on the second Friday of July, the date moves each year, ranging anywhere from the 8th to the 14th of the month.
- Activities are deliberately broad, from formal car shows to the simple act of driving a collector car to work.
Why Collector Car Appreciation Day Matters
Collector cars are rolling history, preserving the engineering, design, and craftsmanship of earlier eras for future generations to enjoy. The day supports a community of restorers, mechanics, parts makers, and clubs whose skills keep these vehicles on the road, and it gives owners a shared moment to celebrate a hobby that is often a labour of love. Beyond nostalgia, it spotlights the economic and cultural contribution of the automotive restoration sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Collector Car Appreciation Day?
It is an annual observance celebrating classic and collector vehicles and the people who restore and preserve them. Sponsored by the SEMA Action Network, it recognises the cultural and historical importance of automotive restoration.
When is Collector Car Appreciation Day in 2026?
It takes place on Friday, 10 July 2026. The day is always held on the second Friday of July, so the exact date changes from year to year.
Who started Collector Car Appreciation Day?
It was established by the SEMA Action Network through United States Senate Resolution 513 in 2010, sponsored by Senators Jon Tester and Richard Burr. The first official observance was held on 9 July 2010.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best classic car photos on social media with #CollectorCarAppreciationDay and #CollectorCarAppreciationDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to get their own pride and joy out on the road!
Related Awareness Days
- World Car Free Day – The other side of the motoring coin, encouraging people to leave the car at home for a day in September.
- National Dash Cam Day – A modern motoring observance focused on road safety and the technology drivers use today.
- Bike Week – A celebration of another beloved way to get around, perfect for transport enthusiasts of all kinds.
Links
- Visit the official SEMA Action Network Collector Car Appreciation Day page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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