Automotive History & Preservation Foundation Announces Proposed Automotive Museum for Monterey, California

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 4, 2009; The newly founded Automotive History & Preservation Foundation, (AHPF) under the direction of Morris Kindig, with recognition by the City of Monterey, Department of Plans and Public Works; announces the formation of a steering committee to explore the feasibility of a Museum of Automotive Arts recognizing the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Laguna Seca Races by honoring the vision, history, legacy and the eclectic personalities that make the Monterey Peninsula synonymous with the automobile.

In the world of automotive excellence we need go no further than to mention Pebble Beach or Carmel and the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance comes to mind. Equally, Laguna Seca's long history of international racing remains the honored venue of the most revered vintage-racing event in the world, the Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

AHPF's vision, with the support of all Monterey communities, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, is to develop funding sources to undertake the construction of a Grand Hall to exhibit 70 to 80 classic and sports racing cars. Adjacent wings will house dioramas and automotive exhibits dedicated to Pebble Beach and Laguna Seca. A large area of the museum will house an on-going assembly of vehicles in their final stages of restoration. And, a state-of-the-art library will facilitate the needs of the museum and serve as an information portal for research and restoration data. Satellite links will provide coverage of world automotive events in a theatre venue that will also serve to host film, conferences and lectures. Also, a full service restaurant with an automotive themed bar and grill will compliment a formal art gallery, memorabilia exhibits, gift and apparel emporium, plus travel services.

A priority of the museums charter is a formal education program to serve its restoration objectives. AHPF will work closely with Monterey Peninsula College to establish related educational and vocational programs in the arts of automotive restoration. AHPF will also work with CSU Monterey Bay to develop a Bachelor of Arts in Restoration Management. Internships will provide part time and summer employment under the tutelage of the museums staff.

AHPF will, as plans develop, seek support for the museum through corporate contributions, individual donations, gifts of private libraries and automobiles. With this program we will work with the benefactors to insure their gifts are cared for and used in a manner befitting the museum, the general public and its mission of preserving these historic cars for posterity.

The Automotive History & Preservation Foundation has donated a 1925 Model T Racecar, (provided by a private donor) in support of the Museum of Automotive Arts funding initiative.