LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) has chosen Dr. Fred Simeone, founder of the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the 2013 recipient of the “Nicola Bulgari Award.” This recognition is given to individuals who make outstanding contributions to preserve America’s automotive heritage through education, car restoration or collecting classic cars.
The award, named for jewelry magnate and classic car collector Nicola Bulgari, will be presented to Dr. Simeone at a June 1, 2013 gala celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Tacoma, Washington-based museum, the largest automobile showcase in North America.
“Nicola has an unparalleled passion for American cars that has led to dedicating his life to the preservation of this country’s automotive history through amazing collections he’s built in Italy and Pennsylvania,” said David Madeira, president and CEO of ACM. “Dr. Simeone has a similar automotive perspective, with his focus leaning toward unrestored race cars that he maintains as close to the original as possible.”
Dr. Simeone inherited his excitement for cars from his father, Anthony Simeone, who also loved and collected important classics. Recently retired as the chairman of neurosurgery at Pennsylvania Hospital, Dr. Simeone has been building his personal collection for over 50 years and opened the Simeon Automotive Museum in 2008. His aim has been to find historic cars where the vehicle’s condition tells the story of the races in which they have participated.
“Dr. Simeone’s love for this country’s racing legacy is shown in dedication to preserving and sharing the unique and important story that each car possesses,” said Madeira.
ACM will be hosting a gala on June 1 featuring a cocktail reception, cars, dinner, live auctions and live musical entertainment. The museum will debut the “Legends of Motorsport: The NASCAR Story” on June 2. For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets, visit www.lemaymuseum.org.
[Source: LeMay Museum]
