SM&NC inviting car collectors to participate in annual show

From the Stamford Times: SM&NC inviting car collectors to participate in annual show
STAMFORD -- The ninth annual "Model Ts" to Mustangs outdoor antique and classic car display returns to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center on Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring more than 70 automobiles of all makes and models, U.S.-made as well as imports, manufactured between 1900 and 1979.

The museum invites collectors of antique and classic cars to participate in the annual show. Show applications can be downloaded at stamfordmuseum.org, and must be submitted no later than Tuesday, April 17. Applicants will be contacted by Friday, April 20. All applications must be accompanied by a clear photograph and a $20 exhibitor fee, which can be paid by cash, check or via PayPal. Applications can also be obtained by contacting Rosa Portell at (203) 977-6543 or via e-mail at rportell@stamfordmuseum.org. The fee will be refunded if the car is not accepted.

This year, the "focus group" section will showcase the Studebaker, the now-defunct American automotive pioneer active from the turn of the century to 1966. The brand dates back to the 1800s, when it built carriages and wagons. Studebaker's first automobile, an electric car, was released in 1902, and gasoline-powered models followed closely in 1904. Studebaker prided itself on "always giving more than promised," and its legacy of quality, reliability, and excellence in design is a testament to that spirit. In the 1930's, its designers included Virgil Exner and Raymond Lowey. In the post-World-War-II period, Studebaker designs became extremely popular. Competition from "the Big Three" proved costly, however, and financial troubles led to a partnership with Packard. The company would eventually close shop in 1966. Attendees to the May 5 show can come celebrate the memory of this iconic brand and view some of the areas best preserved and beloved Studebakers.

Registered already are a 1911 Packard "30" seven passenger touring car; a 1949 Jaguar Mark IV; a 1937 Buick Special Series 40; a 1965 Ferrari; and nine Studebakers, including two 1953 Starlight Coupes, a one-off 1953 Starliner Convertible, and a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk. Among the cars with special associations is a 1972 Chrysler Town and Country once owned by John Lennon.

"Model Ts to Mustangs" will be co-curated by David Greenberg, of Stamford, and Rosa Portell, the museum's curator of collections and exhibitions. The show is judged and awards will be presented in several categories, including "People's Choice," Best Survivor Car," and "Best Studebaker." The award ceremony will take place at 2:45 pm. For more information, visit stamfordmuseum.org or call the curator's office at (203) 977-6599. The rain date for Model Ts to Mustangs is Sunday, May 6.

Admission prices for Model Ts to Mustangs are: free for members; free for non-members with gate admission.

Proceeds from the "Model Ts to Mustangs" show benefit the museum's arts education and gallery initiatives. Participant fee benefits include two free admissions to the entire facility and two lunch coupons. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, visit stamfordmuseum.org or call (203) 322.1646. To find out whether the show has been postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather, call (203) 322.1646 ext. 6599.