By Howie Zechner
The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH) is a national organization with chapters in twenty different countries. Passionate, knowledgeable and highly respected it encourages the research, preservation and publication of motorized history.
With these values in mind the Southern California SAH chapter met on August 22, to honor and award it’s 2015 James Valentine Award winners. An annual event started in 1999 the presentation recognizes the authors of books, articles and magazines published within the year. A tour of the Nethercutt Museum followed by a private tour of the Nethercutt restoration shop would complete the days agenda.
A full day of Gear Head joy and celebration the event started at 11amsharp with an all you can eat brunch at the Odyssey restaurant in Granada Hills. High on a hill with a wonderful view of the valley below it’s huge Vegas style all can eat buffet was filled with every breakfast, lunch and dinner dish one could wish for. Raw oysters, clams, my I better get some of that prime rib and don’t forget the pasta bar. Coffee, endless Champaign. It was a ten for sure.
The James Valentine Award is serious stuff and soon it was down to business. Hello’s and introductions were done by Bob Ewing and Mac MacPherson. Louise Noeth received the James Valentine Memorial Award in the Periodical division for "A Century Of Speed" which appeared in the SAH Journal issues # 270-271-271. Last minute snafus kept “Landspeed” Louise from attending but that did not stop those there from celebrating her award with cheers and applause.
Authors Charles Seims and Alan Darr took home the gold with their book "Roar With Gilmore" Both residents of the Pacific Northwest, they are the first co-authors to win the James Valentine Memorial Award since Harold Osmer and Phil Harms won in 1999 for their book "Real Road Races" which dealt with the events in Santa Monica at the start of the 20th century.
There’s never enough hours in events like these so a little hustle was in order to keep our 1:30 at the Nethercutt. No time to check out the car museum with it’s 130 plus antique, vintage, classic and special interest automobiles and a tour of the 1937 Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson locomotive and 1912 Pullman private car would also have to wait as The Society of Automotive Historians had reservations to see the Nethercutt Collection located across the street from the car museum. It’s an unbelievable assortment of automobiles and music machines. Far to many for this story. I can only say if you have never been to the Nethercutt put it on your bucket list. It’s a must see for those that appreciate top winning Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance winners and unbelievable music machines. Tell them Howie sent you and they will let you tour the place for free.
Much thought and work went into the planning and execution of this years event. It showed and congratulation should be given to all who organized them. Only problem I see is, how are you going to top this next year.
Howie Zechner