AAT Award Recipients

America is the nation of the car. At America’s Automotive Trust, we bestow several prestigious awards to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the automotive industry, car culture, and preservation. These awards are presented each year during the annual Concours Club Gathering and Wheels & Heels Gala weekend hosted at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. Each recipient is forever recognized in our awards hall of fame archive for future generations to honor and appreciate.

As much or more than any other artifact, historic cars tell our story. But they need champions: people who know how to rebuild them and maintain them. Educators who pass on their history and heritage. And collectors who care for their cultural and aesthetic virtues as much or more than monetary value.

The Nicola Bulgari Award was created to recognize these champions - the individuals who help preserve America's automotive heritage.

Nicola Bulgari loves America; its movies, its jazz and, most of all, its cars. He has devoted his life to preserving, showing and driving them. It's fitting that an award be given in his name to encourage others to do the same.



Award recipients must be widely recognized in the automotive community for outstanding contributions to the preservation of America's automotive heritage and for promoting the active use of historic cars today. The trophy was made by one of Mr. Bulgari's own silversmiths in Rome, Italy. A personal version of the trophy is given to each recipient.

Edward T. Welburn Jr. stands as a pivotal figure in automotive design, renowned for his transformative impact during his tenure as General Motors Vice President of Global Design from 2003 to 2016.

Following in the footsteps of legendary designers Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, Welburn shaped an era of automotive innovation marked by his visionary approach and profound understanding of both aesthetic appeal and engineering prowess.

Under his leadership, General Motors witnessed the birth of iconic vehicles that blended cutting edge technology with timeless design, securing his legacy as one of the foremost influencers in the industry. Welburn's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design not only redefined the visual identity of General Motors but also left an indelible mark on the global automotive landscape.

His legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of design in shaping the driving experiences of tomorrow.

Recipients of the Edward T. Welburn Automotive Designer Award are individuals whose contributions to automotive design share his passion for design and automotive excellence.

Jay Ackley's story is a testament to the American spirit of perseverance and ingenuity. His extensive career included founding a software company, pioneering 3-D CAD products, and later venturing into diverse industries such as printing, beverages, and real estate.

Throughout his journey, Ackley remained deeply connected to his roots in automotive craftsmanship, as evidenced by his lifelong love for cars, including his cherished 1960 Austin Healy "Bugeye" Sprite.

Individuals honored with the Jay Ackley Master Craftsman Award embody the values of dedication, skill, and innovation that Ackley himself exemplifies.

Their contributions to automotive preservation and restoration will ensure that collectible vehicles will endure. So, too, their commitment to mentoring young people will ensure that the necessary knowledge and skills are passed to future generations so that our automotive heritage will be preserved.

We celebrate these Masters for their craft, their artistry, hard work, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

What began as a niche insurance agency has blossomed into a global powerhouse synonymous with the passion for and preservation of collector cars. Hagerty is now the world's largest membership organization, with a commitment to safeguarding the vehicles we cherish and nurturing a community of enthusiasts worldwide.

We share Hagerty's dedication to automotive preservation and to

'the driven car' - providing enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy automobiles for their intended use. Every car showcased at LeMay – America's Car Museum tells a story of innovative design, engineering, and craftsmanship that defines automotive excellence.

The Hagerty Master Collector Award celebrates an individual or a couple who shares our commitment to America's automotive heritage and our values.

Master Collectors are those with collections exemplifying Americans' love affair with the automobile; who generously share their collections with the public in museums, at shows, and other events; and, importantly, drive their vehicles in furtherance of the spirit of automotive excellence and the community that embraces it.

America's Automotive Trust was founded with the purpose of bringing like-minded organizations and individuals together to share resources and work together to preserve automotive culture for future generations.

Without the passion, dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work of those who have helped AAT along the way, it would not be possible to achieve our mission. For this reason, AAT bestows a special award to a single individual each year called the President's Award for Outstanding Service.

The America's Automotive Trust President's Award is a prestigious recognition given to individuals, organizations, or companies that have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting automotive heritage, education, or innovation in the industry.

It honors those who support AAT’s mission of celebrating the automobile’s past, present, and future through education and engagement.