Auto Library Friends Pick Chevrolet Volt as 2011's 'Collectible Car of the Future'

DETROIT, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From America's new cars and trucks launched in 2011, the Chevrolet Volt will become the most desired by future car collectors.  That is the prediction of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC).

Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, vote annually to predict the "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" from each year's new North American-built cars and trucks.  The Volt was selected from 23 all-new vehicles launched in 2011.

The award will be presented to Chevrolet executives by the Friends of the NAHC at their annual holiday reception on Thursday, December 8 at the NAHC's quarters in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit. 

Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees, said, "This selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by 'car buffs' who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2036." 

Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director, said, "Chevrolet is delighted for this recognition from the NAHC friends for the Volt's breakthrough technology and its role in changing the landscape of the automotive industry."

Previous winners are:

2010     Chevrolet Camaro
2009     Ford Flex
2008     Dodge Challenger
2007     Dodge Viper SRT10
2006     Pontiac Solstice
2005     Ford Mustang
2004     Chrysler 300
2003     Dodge Viper
2002     Ford Thunderbird
1996     Chrysler Sebring Convertible
1995     Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora

(None selected from 1997 to 2001)

The NAHC is the world's largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors.  Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories, and historic documents is open to the public.

The Friends of the Detroit Public Library supports the collection through the NAHC Board of Trustees, which raises funds and provides volunteer assistance.

The public is invited to the December 8 Holiday reception at the NAHC, located in the library's Skillman Branch at 121 Gratiot in downtown Detroit, behind the Compuware Building and opposite the People Mover's Cadillac Center station.  The event begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free to NAHC members, $10 to non-members and guests, payable at the door.

Information is available from the NAHC at 313-481-1862 or at http://www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/nahc.

SOURCE The National Automotive History Collection