America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) is gearing up to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of three remarkable automotive enthusiasts during its Annual Gathering of the Trust’s Concours Club on September 8. This event will be followed by the Annual Wheels & Heels Gala at LeMay – America’s Car Museum on Saturday, September 9. Each year, the Trust bestows three highly regarded awards upon individuals who have significantly enriched America’s automotive legacy. These honors include the Master Collector, Master Craftsman, and Nicola Bulgari Awards.
Master Collector Award
Denny Aker, a Washington State native, will be honored as the Trust’s 2023 Master Collector at a ceremony on September 8 during the annual gathering of the Concours Club. Aker, who is well known for his authority on vintage Porsches, has been collecting vehicles since 1970 and now maintains a collection of around 35 vehicles, including about 15 vintage Porsche 356s in various conditions, a 1910 Stanley Steamer, ten motorcycles and even a Porsche tractor. Denny will be recognized for his collection, his work, his integrity, and his willingness to share his collection with others.
Master Craftsman Award
Each year the Trust confers this award on an individual who has made major contributions to the preservation and restoration of vintage vehicles and to the transmission of skills and knowledge necessary for such work to future generations. This year we are honoring Paul Russell, who has specialized in the preservation of European vintage vehicles since 1978. His staff completes full restorations of exceptional vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti and other fine automakers. His attention to detail has resulted in 45 Best of Show awards at major concours events.
Nicola Bulgari Award
This year’s prestigious Nicola Bulgari Award will be bestowed upon Glenn Mounger, Chairman Emeritus of the Pebble Beach Concours d ‘Elegance and prominent member of the vintage collector community. This award is given to an individual who has made major contributions to the preservation of automotive heritage and promoted awareness of its importance to today’s automotive culture. The Award is named for Italian collector Nicola Bulgari who selects the winner from a slate presented by AAT. While a renowned prewar expert, Mr. Mounger is a fan of everything from Brass Era vehicles to postwar sports cars and is passionate about the importance of preserving and driving cars.
To purchase tickets to the gala event visit 2023 Wheels & Heels Annual Gala Tickets (ejoinme.org)