Master Collector Award

Alex & Amanda Haugland

Alex and Amanda Haugland began collecting cars about 15 years ago, initially focusing entirely on British cars and then expanding into vehicles from other European countries, as well as a few significant Japanese cars. The collection has grown to include over 130 vehicles representing a wide range of cars mostly from the early 1930s through the 1970s, as well as a select few more modern high performance and exotic cars from the last few decades. It features rare and coachbuilt cars, as well as several significant cars designed for the masses.

For Alex, his interest began as a child, where, while visiting his mother’s family in Italy, he would buy and assemble models of prewar and early postwar classic European cars. He now owns full-sized examples of several of those vehicles. This led to a love of European car design and coachwork, as well as a fascination with the variety and innovation that the cars represented.    

Amanda’s interest in cars started after she married Alex. For her, the appeal is in the beauty and aesthetics of the cars, as well as the driving experience. She has a particular affection for microcars.

Both Alex and Amanda also have a great love of history. Alex is particularly interested in the history of technology, leading to several cars in the collection that represent milestones in automotive design. Amanda’s interest mainly lies in the unique history of past owners and drivers. A few cars in the collection have well documented ownership histories, and at least two of these were owned by interesting and talented women who left their own mark on history.  

Alex and Amanda enjoy touring, and the cars in the collection are maintained as running cars and are driven frequently on long distance trips as well as local journeys.  Aside from driving the cars, they both also look for opportunities to share their collection with others and are incredibly happy to be this year’s Master Collectors for the LeMay America’s Car Museum.