2023 AAT Award Recipients
Nicola Bulgari Award
2023 Award Recipient: Glenn Mounger
As Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance since 2002 and as its Executive Director for decades prior, Sandra Button has helped to guide the growth of this Concours into a truly global celebration of the automobile. Sandra also seeks to encourage and support automotive enthusiasts around the world by traveling to, participating in, and often officiating at concours and car shows from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and South America. She and her husband, Martin Button, have acquired and have preserved or restored an eclectic collection of automobiles ranging from a 1904 Oldsmobile to a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4—not to mention two Bentleys—and they regularly participate in driving events such as the 1000 Millas Sport Argentina, the Copperstate 1000, and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Sandra is also a member of the Royal Automobile Club, the Classic Car Club of America, the Motor Press Guild, and the Society of Automotive Historians.
edward t. welburn automotive designer award
2023 Recipient: Edward T. Welburn
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.
jay C. ackley Master Craftsman award
2023 Recipient: Paul Russel
Paul Russell continues to be hand-on with his business, Paul Russell & Company, diligently pursuing the details that apply to all facets of a car’s preservation, whether on the shop floor discussing the intricacies of a repair procedure with the team or chasing down a critical piece of historical reference information.
His personal passion, to preserve the great examples of automotive design and to honor their original construction details, fuels the business. Paul’s underlying goal is to reproduce, whenever feasible, the period construction techniques so that the next generation of restorers is able to see the car as it was originally conceived and built.
hagerty Master Collector award
2023 Recipient: Denny Aker
Denny Aker is the founder of Aker’s Porsche, which represents the best of these very special automobiles and exceptional people that love them. Since our humble beginnings in 1965, Aker’s has grown to become one the Northwest’s premier facilities housing 21,000 sq. ft. of the very best of Porsche. From the highly collectible 356’s to the modern-day water-cooled turbos – Aker’s is proud of and grateful for over 50 years of service in the care and celebration of Porsche.
What are the America's Automotive Trust Awards?
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.