Kurt Hohl, of McLean, Virginia, is pleased to join the Society following the publication of his new book, Marque of the Machine: Vibrant Icons of American Automobiles, published by Coachbuilt Press.
The book is the culmination of more than 20 years of collecting and research and explores the history of the American automobile industry through an often-overlooked form of material culture: the automobile name plate. Drawing largely upon Hohl’s personal collection, the 334-page volume documents name plates from more than 400 American automobile manufacturers, from the industry’s most celebrated marques to obscure companies that produced only a handful of cars. More than 500 color photographs by noted automotive photographer Michael Furman illustrate the artistry, typography, enameling, manufacturing techniques, and branding embodied in these remarkable artifacts.
The book includes a foreword by automotive historian Ken Gross and an introduction by design historian Steven Heller. It made its public debut during Monterey Car Week at The Quail, Pebble Beach RetroAuto, and Winfield Gallery in Carmel.
Hohl looks forward to becoming involved with the Society and to sharing research and ideas with others committed to preserving and interpreting automotive history.
The automotive interests of Patrick Ramos, resident of Madison Heights, Michigan, centers around the stories, design, and engineering that give enthusiast cars their character, particularly European sports cars and the connection between automotive and watchmaking culture. Through PR Timepieces, Ramos explores those intersections through writing, photography, driving experiences, and hands-on-projects, including the restoration and safari build of his 1987 Porsche 924S.
Ramos is looking forward to learning from and contributing to the SAH community. He is pictured above with his children posed next to the 24S prior to its restoration, which is currently underway.
James Brandon – Farmington Hills, Michigan
Dain King – Macungie, Pennsylvania
Mark Rose – Port Townsend, Washington
Raymond & Donny Sammis – Austin, Texas