"The Automobile is the Art"
| |
News & Views for the Car Enthusiast! | |
|
From the Desk of Darrel Burnett
Executive Director
Happy Holidays!
Somewhere between my second and third helping of my mother’s amazing mashed potatoes this past Thanksgiving weekend, I realized how full I was……not of turkey, ham, stuffing, and desserts…...but of pride. I am guilty of being so busy that I need moments like Thanksgiving to remind me just how wonderful it feels to work side by side with my amazing colleagues and our volunteers every day at The Automobile Gallery & Event Center. In this rapid-fire world in which we live, it’s natural to get caught up in the holiday rush and crush, so this year I’m making a change. Rather than focusing on what is going under the tree, my focus is on what is under my nose……wonderful colleagues, friends, and some of the most beautiful vehicles on earth.
| |
Like the holidays, our collection here at the Gallery unlocks lasting memories from our past. For most of us, our first car is one of those cherished memories……most often we found it under the tree and not in the driveway. What? Have you forgotten? I’m talking about your “very first” car? For millions of us, it was the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe which is fast approaching 30 million units sold since its introduction in 1979. Well into the 90s, the Cozy Coupe was the best-selling automobile in the world, even outselling the immortal Toyota Corolla, the best-selling car in history. That’s monumental considering the Cozy Coupe only came in red with a yellow top, has never changed its style, and is totally dependent on leg power instead of horsepower.
|  | Exercising my curious gene, I began an expedition into how it all began for the Cozy Coupe. Designer Jim Mariol from Canton, OH was on a roll one day….literally. Mariol was scooting around his office in his swivel chair when the idea struck him. It was just that simple. Mariol who was once a designer for Chrysler earlier in his career, began designing a car for…… 18-month-olds. His legwork produced a car that required legwork. It was ingenious! | Pictured above, inventor, Jim Mariol | |
Since its introduction 43 years ago, the Cozy Coupe has never stopped production at Little Tikes’ factory in Hudson, OH. So how do you top such a big seller? With a bigger seller…at least physically. Along about 2012, Little Tikes introduced the Giant Cozy Coupe which was built to scale while being large enough for a full-size adult.
Though he never received due credit, Jim Mariol was himself a giant in the automobile industry. Sadly, Mr. Mariol passed away in 2020 at the age of 89. He deserves to be remembered for producing the only car in history with zero emissions, unmatched mileage, and so few mechanical issues that the Cozy Coupe would rank at the top of any J.D. Powers list.
| |
Don’t miss Darrel Burnett’s Steering Column coming to an inbox near you on the 15th…
As Advertised….Tony Hossain, GM’s Advertising Genius!
If you aren't signed up for it, click HERE (then scroll to the bottom of the page)
| |
|
Once upon a time children went to bed dreaming of finding a Radio Flyer red wagon under the tree Christmas morning. Well, dreams have changed….. and so has the price point. Now, for just $1899 (less if you are a savvy shopper) Daisy Boo and Biff can have their very own pint-sized Porsche this Christmas thanks to Freddo Toys based in Montreal, Canada.
A 24-volt battery pushes this 134 lb. package to a top speed of nearly 10 mph. Don’t worry about the kiddies being uncomfortable because they will be sitting in real leather seats, be riding on comfy EVA tires, have fully functional LED headlights, and a USB port for their entertainment pleasure. Will anyone ever want a pony again?
Caution: As a public service, The Automobile Gallery & Event Center strongly recommends reading the instructions first lest you find this little rocket unintentionally parked in your neighbors’ living room.
| |
|
Garage Sessions
The Automobile Gallery & Event Center was pleased to host members of Garage Sessions November 17th. Garage Sessions is an informal group of nearly 1,000 car enthusiasts from across northeastern Wisconsin and beyond who share the love of classic cars and trucks. Along with strolling through our great collection of vehicles on display, attendees were treated to demonstrations by our partners artist John Walschinski from Awesome Aire, and the hottest mechanics chair on the market, Vyper Chairs.
| |
|
Downtown Green Bay Holiday Parade
The Automobile Gallery & Event Center was honored to chauffer the Grand Marshalls of the 38th Annual Holiday Prevea Holiday Parade November 19th in downtown Green Bay. A Taste of the Holidays was the theme and our great Gallery volunteers Karen Beno and Lori Bowen led the parade carrying precious cargo in the form of Disney Snow Princesses Elsa, princess of Arendelle and her younger sister, Princess Anna, who served as Grand Marshalls. It was a wonderful day filled with high-flying balloons, marching bands, dancers, and of course, Santa and his reindeer!
| |
|
New Arrivals at The Automobile Gallery & Event Center!
Our regular visitors know they will see something new and different each and every time they visit The Automobile Gallery & Event Center. Feast your eyes this festive season!
| |
1989 Lotus Esprit – 1 of 103 Ever Produced | |
2013 Morgan 3-Wheeler Japanese Special Edition – 1 of 200 in the World | |
1987 Lamborghini Countach – It’s Back! 1 of 66 Ever Produced | |
1962 Corvette RPO687 – 1 of 246 Ever Produced | |
|
December 5th Blood Drive
The Automobile Gallery and Event Center is again partnering with WOGB and the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on December 5th from 12-5p.m. We've also partnered with Paul's Pantry so anyone who donates blood and brings in a non-perishable for Paul's Pantry gets 2 raffle tickets (one for your blood donation, and one for food donation).
As this day is all about giving, WOGB and the Gallery are giving 2 free Gallery admission tickets to all blood donors, a $10 Amazon gift card chances to win a ton of fun prizes like Green Bay Blizzard tickets, Captain's Walk wine, a free night's stay at St. Brendan's, and a gift card to The Turn. Follow this link to see the full list!
To sign up for a donation time, follow: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=automobilegallery
| |
|
"Old Fashion" Christmas Show by Daddy D's
Join us on December 20th or 21st for a good, old fashion Christmas show and a tasty old fashion cocktail! Doors open at 5p.m., show at 6:30p.m.
Tickets are only $33! Discounts available for 65+ and under 18.
For tickets, follow THIS link.
| |
|
International Flavor
The Automobile Gallery & Event Center continues to welcome visitors from all over the world. We were honored recently to have Romeo Avila, Pablo Acugon, Eduardo Morentin and Eduardo Maorentin, Sr. from Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Playa Del Carmen is located just 45 minutes from Cancun and a year-round playground for tourists from all over the world.
| |
|
Google Reviews - We'd love yours!
The Automobile Gallery & Event Center is already on most Top 10 Lists for great things to do in Northeastern Wisconsin, now you can help even more visitors find us by giving us a great Google review.
CLICK HERE to leave your review.
It's that easy! Thank you for your time and review - it means a lot to us!
| |
|
GET INVOLVED!
Opportunities at the Gallery
If you or anyone you know would like to get involved with the Gallery we have three opportunities available right now:
Marketing intern to help us build our marketing plans and social media strategy
Volunteers to staff events, maintain the vehicles and Gallery, and educate guests
If interested in any mentioned role, please email Megan Lehmann at MeganL@theautomobilegallery.org
| |
CARes for the Community comes to The Automobile Gallery & Event Center!
Our area leaders have generously allowed us to display their extraordinary vehicles all in the name of raising money for our area's youth services.
If you're interested in participating, contact us at inquire@theautomobilegallery.org!
| |
Memberships at
The Automobile Gallery
| |
|
We have memberships for individuals, couples, families, and corporations!
All memberships include:
- Unlimited visits to the Gallery for one year
- Discounts on all gift shop purchases
- Discounts on special event tickets
- Early ticket sales for special openings and special events
| |
|
The Automobile Gallery is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment and enrichment of our visitors and community. Becoming a member of The Automobile Gallery helps support its mission, which in part is to educate, inspire and share the passion of the automobile with others. Through the generosity of memberships, donations, admissions and event income, The Automobile Gallery will continue for generations to come as one of the finest galleries of its kind in the country.
You may support The Automobile Gallery by making a gift to our endowment fund. This endowment will provide funding in perpetuity for the Gallery to serve the community through various educational programs, exhibits, and interactive learning environments to teach the history of the American Automobile.
| |
Joyce-Lyn & Steve Altieri
Brent Baker
James Bednarowski
Christopher Boland
Ann & Steve Bradford
Kaleb Cieslewicz
Grant De Broux
Joe Griffiths & Family
Michael Sullivan &M2Logistics
Keith Obermiller & Family
Tom & Dawn Olejniczak
Jeff & Cheryl Tyndall
| |
Contemporary Automobile Gallery and Event Venue Where
"The Automobile is the Art"
| |
Gallery open 9:00am - 3:00pm daily, hours subject to change.
*Prepurchase Tickets and Gift Certificates Available*
| |
You are receiving this email because you interacted with The Automobile Gallery by becoming a member, making an online purchase, entering a giveaway, purchasing admission tickets or filling out our online subscription form. We do not like SPAM, therefore we will not sell or share your email address. | | | | | |
