Our mission: To honor and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals in the international motor vehicle industry through awards and educational programs that challenge young and old alike to higher levels of personal achievement.
HELENE ROTHER: 2020/2021 INDUCTEE
2020/2021 AHF Inductee Helene Rother Ackernecht was one of the first women to work as an automotive designer when she joined the interior styling staff of General Motors in Detroit in late 1942. In 1947, she established her own design studio and was soon contracted by Nash-Kelvinator as a design consultant.
Helene Rother: photo courtesy of Constance Smith
THE HALL AT HOME: ED WELBURN INTERVIEWS
The Automotive Hall of Fame’s video interview series aims to capture never-before-told stories from the great names of the automotive industry. Don't miss our conversation with retired GM designer and 2017 AHF Inductee Ed Welburn. Learn about Welburn's childhood, education at Howard and his long career with GM.
Ed Welburn: Photo courtesy of General Motors
STAFF PICK: FASTER
By Brian Baker, Principal Historian
Lucy O’Reilly Schell was a successful rally racer, the first woman to compete in a Grand Prix race and the first woman to own Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 racing teams. Just before WWII, Schell, an American heiress living in Paris, set her sights on Grand Prix racing. The Germans did not see Schell as a threat, yet the diminutive Jewish multi-millionaire racer proved that they underestimated her.
Neal Bascomb’s new book, The Racers, brings this amazing story out of the shadows of history. 
FROM THE ARCHIVES: DUESENBERG LETTER
In this 1925 letter from our archives, currently on loan to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, 1970 AHF Inductee Fred Duesenberg thanked a mechanic for his work with the Duesenberg team during a May 30 race.

Fred and his brother Augie gained international fame building powerful racing engines. Using his natural mechanical talents, Fred experimented with techniques that experienced engineers called “impossible.” Despite his high standards, Fred never hesitated to recognize other talented technicians.
Image courtesy of the Automotive Hall of Fame
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Automotive Hall of Fame Opening for Summer Hours on June 3! 

The Automotive Hall of Fame has been pretty quiet over the past year, as we’ve had to limit hours and number of guests. As we see glimpses of recovery and a possible return to “normal” operations, we are looking forward to hosting in-person events this summer. In addition to our annual Induction and Awards Ceremony (postponed from 2020 to July 2021), we will also hold enthusiast events throughout the summer for the whole family to enjoy. The museum will also be open for summer hours (Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 

I am excited to share that the Automotive Hall of Fame is hosting a summer series of events with our new partner Hagerty! With a mix of evening and weekend events, there is something for everyone. First up, on June 10, we will take over our building and spill into our parking lot to celebrate the many styles of auto racing. In anticipation of the Detroit Grand Prix that weekend, we will spend the day with an outdoor and indoor display of race cars, special guests to take us behind the scenes, demonstrations and child-friendly activities.

The full summer series of events will be posted on our website and early reservations will be accepted online soon. We’re looking forward to seeing you back at the Hall!

Sarah Cook 
President 
Automotive Hall of Fame
SUPPORTERS
Thank you to our highlighted sponsors:
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN
Apply: submit a scholarship application for undergraduate college students. Applications for the 2021-2022 school year close June 30.
The Automotive Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization. Donate to help us tell the story of one of the world’s most powerful industries through the people who brought it to life.