ELKHART, IN — The fully-restored 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible originally owned by American aviator Amelia Earhart—now a part of The JBS Collection, represented by Laura and Jack Boyd Smith Jr. of Elkhart, Indiana—is under glass and on public display, through Sept. 5, at Washington D.C.’s National Mall as part of the Cars at the Capital event.

The honor, presented in conjunction with the the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, recognizes the Cord’s induction earlier this year into the National Historic Vehicle Register.

The National Historic Vehicle Register, under the collaborative auspices of the Library of Congress and the Hagerty Drivers Foundation, is the only list of its kind recognized by the federal government to promote and preserve the cultural, historical, and technological significance of the automobile. Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible is the 33rd vehicle to be inducted into the register.

“The automobiles in The JBS Collection represent the ultimate in design, craftsmanship, and innovation, and it’s important to both Laura and I to find and preserve these historical treasures,” said Jack Boyd Smith Jr. “The historical value and provenance of Amelia Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible can’t be overstated. Ms. Earhart purchased this car shortly before her final flight. She famously chose to be photographed with the Cord and her plane: two machines she loved dearly. We’re deeply grateful to honor her legacy by restoring this Cord and we’re proud to present it at our nation’s capital.”

The 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible, designed by American automobile architect Gordon M. Buehrig, set an early standard for luxury, design, and innovation. The Phaeton’s interior, featuring a machine-turned aluminum dashboard, closely resembles the cockpit of an airplane, and the Cord’s front-wheel-drive was the first of its kind in the American automobile industry.

Earhart’s 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton Convertible went through several owners after the famed aviator’s 1937 disappearance and was ultimately disassembled and parted throughout the country.

In 2018 The JBS Collection purchased the automobile from collector Ray Foster, who, after many years of research, was able to find the Phaeton’s original components and unite the car’s original frame with its original engine. After procuring the vehicle from Foster, Jack Boyd Smith Jr. commissioned LaVine Restorations, Inc., of Nappanee, Indiana, to bring Earhart’s automobile back to its original specs and its original glory.

“This was the type of project, from beginning to end, that Laura and I are just honored to be able to make happen, and to be a part of,” said Jack Boyd Smith Jr. “So much went into the restoration of Ms. Earhart’s Cord, on every level, and the quality of the work done by Vivian and Eric (LaVine) and their team to bring this car back to life is just simply astounding. This project, this car, this story—this one checks every box.”

About The JBS Collection – The JBS Collection’s automobiles represent the ultimate in early automotive design, craftsmanship, and innovation. Educating future generations about the merits and importance of each piece guides every addition to the collection. The select autos in The JBS Collection are more than just vehicles; they demonstrate what can be achieved with forward thinking and effort. The collection seeks to advance the cause of preserving and promoting invaluable vessels of art, design, engineering, luxury, and heritage. 

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TACOMA, Wash. – One of the most iconic movie cars of all time, a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback – the Bullitt Mustang – arrived in Tacoma, Washington on December 5, where it will be on display at America’s Car Museum (ACM) through April 25, 2019.

The Ford Mustang piloted by legendary actor and motorsports enthusiast Steve McQueen during the 1968 film Bullittleft a lasting impact on movies and pop culture since its release. In Bullitt, McQueen played the title character, a SFPD detective trying to bust a mob ring.

The 9-minute and 42-second chase scene was revolutionary for its time – putting the audience inside the vehicle while driving on actual roads and building suspense without any spoken dialogue – a film style that would later define Director Peter Yates’ vehicle chase scenes.

The authentic feel of Bullittwas achieved through a number of factors including real stunt driving, where drivers reached speeds as high as 110 mph through the streets of San Francisco, only possible because San Francisco’s Mayor Joe Alioto – who only charged one dollar for permission to film – recognized how much publicity the city would get from a McQueen movie. Rather than building lavish sets, the filmmakers were able to utilize many parts of the city as a backdrop.

“Steve McQueen was one of those rare individuals who was able to infuse his passion for motorsports directly into his films, and there’s no better example than Bullitt,” said AAT Vice Chair David Madeira. “It’s not every day that we get the chance to showcase a vehicle that has made such a lasting impact on the way cars are presented on film. It’s humbling to share the long and storied history of this Mustang with ACM guests.”

Two Mustang GT 390s were modified for the making of Bullitt – which included a dark Highland Green paint scheme, no exterior badges, scoops or spoilers and adorned with a black-mesh grille absent of Ford’s iconic pony badging. Of the two, this is the only surviving car.

While the car would live on as a daily driver for the Kiernan family, it eventually wound up being stored in their garage in Tennessee for years before being resurrected, thanks to the thoughtful recommissioning of the car from Kiernan’s son, Sean. The Bullitt Mustang, still rocking its original paint and remaining largely unmodified, was showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) nearly half a century after the movie premiered alongside a new tribute model from Ford.

Following its reemergence at NAIAS, the Bullitt Mustang became the 21st vehicle inducted into the Historic Vehicle Association’s (HVA) National Historic Vehicle Register and its documentation, photographs and history will be archived in the Library of Congress so that future generations can see the car as it stands today.

“The story of this vehicle is as unique as the car itself,” added Madeira. “We’d like to thank Sean and the HVA for giving us the opportunity to celebrate the history of one of film’s most influential cars.”

ACM will be holding a screening of Bullittand a Q&A with the car’s owner, Sean Kiernan, in late January. Details for the event will be revealed at a later time on ACM’s website, americascarmuseum.org.

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org)

America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual Signature Events. For more information, visit americascarmuseum.org.

To purchase tickets or become an ACM member:Click Here

About America’s Automotive Trust

America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to secure America’s automotive heritage and to transfer the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of collector vehicles and the enthusiast community for generations to come. AAT is made up of four founding members: LeMay – America’s Car Museum, the RPM Foundation, Club Auto and the Concours Club. For more information on AAT, visit americasautomotivetrust.org.

About the Historic Vehicle Association

The HVA is dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s automotive heritage. In 2014, the HVA established the National Historic Vehicle Register in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Heritage Documentation Programs and Library of Congress to document historically significant automobiles in America’s past. The HVA is supported by over 400,000 individual historic vehicle owners, key stakeholders, corporations and benefactors. Please visit: historicvehicle.org

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Hershey, PA – The AACA Museum, Inc. announced a 1920 Anderson Six convertible roadster will display in the Historic Vehicle Associate (HVA) exhibit in the Museum Lobby. This will be the second car on display for this exhibit and is on view now through early June 2018.

The 1920 Anderson Six convertible roadster is designed to quickly convert from a sleek roadster to a five-passenger touring car. This is similar to the commonplace hide-away rumble seats that are found in later roadster and coupe designs. The1920 Anderson convertible is only one of seven known survivors of South Carolina’s first automobile company, the Anderson Company, which operated between 1916 and 1925. This car is the only known surviving example of one of the marque’s most innovative body types. This 1920 Anderson is the thirteenth vehicle added to the HVA’s National Historic Vehicle Register.

During 1916 to 1925, approximately 5,500 Anderson cars were produced in Rock Hill, SC, in direct competition with other American manufacturers. These cars were a luxurious alternative to mass-marketed vehicles at the time. They also introduced interesting colors with a rich palette of purple, blue, yellow, and other alternatives to the basic color schemes of other manufacturers.

John Gary Anderson, the industrialist and inventor behind the company featured numerous first innovations in the cars including power convertible tops, a unique rearview mirror, and a floor-installed headlight dimmer switch. He also introduced electric windshield wipers, years before Ford offered the technology. There was also an onboard air compressor driven by the car’s transmission for pumping up tires, and the radiator cap featured a thermometer known as a “motor meter” that was visible to the driver. In the side door was an integrated tool kit for on-the-go repairs.

Previously on display was a 1933 Graham Blue Streak 8 Sedan on loan from The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage.

About the Historic Vehicle Association

The HVA is dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s automotive heritage. In 2014, the HVA established the National Historic Vehicle Register in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Heritage Documentation Programs and Library of Congress to document historically significant automobiles in America’s past. The HVA is supported by over 400,000 individual historic vehicle owners, key stakeholders and corporations, as well as individual benefactors. Please visit: www.historicvehicle.org.

About the AACA Museum, Inc.

The AACA Museum Inc., a Smithsonian Affiliate, displays beautifully restored automobiles, buses, and motorcycles in unique life-like scenes representing the 1890s – 1980s on a cross-country journey from New York to San Francisco. This Museum, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is known to be one of the largest automotive museums, and it’s celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2018. Special exhibits change several times a year and focus on a variety of eras and types of vehicles. The AACA Museum, Inc. is home to the Cammack Tucker Collection; along with being the home of the Tucker Automobile Club of America. The Museum holds the World’s largest and most prestigious permanent collection of Tucker Automobiles and related artifacts. We’re proud to have been recently recognized by Road & Track as one of the top 12 automobile museums in the country. The Museum is in South Hanover Township, located just off Route 39, one mile west of Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Regular admission $12, seniors age 61 and older $11, juniors age 4-12 $9, children age 3 and under, AACA Museum, Inc. Members and AACA Members are FREE. The Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The AACA Museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The AACA Museum, Inc. will be closed February 20 through March 2, 2018, for building maintenance. For further information, please call 717-566-7100 or visit www.AACAMuseum.org.

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AUBURN, Ind. – A 1939 GM Futurliner owned by the National Auto & Truck Museum is joining the new National Historic Vehicle Register.

The giant, bus-like vehicle already is in the nation’s capital awaiting its appearance at the Washington Auto Show, Jan. 23 -Feb. 1. Later, it will take part with other vehicles on the register in a Cars at the Capital display May 3 and 4, 2015, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. When its D.C. tour is through, the vehicle will return home next spring for its first display inside the Auburn museum. Until a recent remodeling, the Futurliner was too big to fit through the museum’s doors.

Car collector Joe Bortz of Chicago donated the Futurliner to the museum in 1992. In 1998, a group of volunteers from Michigan began a seven-year effort to restore the vehicle.

In return for their work, the museum allows the volunteers to exhibit the Futurliner at car shows across the nation in warm-weather months. Until now, the Futurliner has taken up residence for the winters in museums across the region.

General Motors built the museum’s Futurliner and 11 more like it for touring exhibits. They traveled the nation in a caravan during 1940 and again from 1953-56, carrying displays of futuristic marvels such as microwave ovens and stereophonic sound.

Each Futurliner is 33 feet long, 8 feet wide, more than 11 feet tall and weighs more than 12 tons. Only nine Futurliners remain, and five are reported to be in total disrepair. The Auburn museum’s No. 10 Futurliner has been on public display more than any of the others.

Only a few vehicles have been selected for the new National Historic Vehicle Register since a January announcement of a 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe as the first choice. Since then, publicly announced selections include a 1947 Tucker “48” prototype, a 1964 Meyers Manx dune buggy, and a 1938 Maserati 8TCF “Boyle Special” that won the 1939 and 1940 Indianapolis 500 races.

The Historic Vehicle Association created the register in a project with the U.S. Department of the Interior. A vehicle chosen for the register must meet at least one of four standards:

•  ties to an important event in automotive or American history;
•  ties to significant people in automotive or American history;
•  distinctive design, engineering, craftsmanship or aesthetic value; or
•  a vehicle that was the first or last of its type produced, has rarity as a survivor of its type, or is among the most well-preserved or thoughtfully restored surviving examples.

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