RPM Foundation

RPM Foundation The RPM Foundation is the leading advocate for automotive restoration and preservation education.

The services, resources and grants provided by the RPM Foundation safeguard the future of the collector vehicle industry by sustaining hands-on training in vehicle restoration and preservation.

Congratulations to Michael Donnelly of Paddock Classic Car Restorations, recipient of the 2026 RPM Restorer’s Award at G...
06/06/2026

Congratulations to Michael Donnelly of Paddock Classic Car Restorations, recipient of the 2026 RPM Restorer’s Award at Greenwich Concours.

Michael’s journey began learning the craft from his father and continues today through his commitment to mentoring the next generation of restorers. From training young technicians to preserving valuable restoration knowledge, Michael and his team exemplify what the RPM Restorer’s Award is about.

The award-winning restoration showcased at this year’s Concours was a beautifully restored 1974 De Tomaso Pantera GTS, completed by the talented team at Paddock Classic Car Restorations.

Meet the machine that will carry RPM Foundation across Route 66 during the Great Race.Our 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado Broug...
06/04/2026

Meet the machine that will carry RPM Foundation across Route 66 during the Great Race.

Our 1976 Oldsmobile Toronado Brougham is back & more than a vintage car! It is preservation in motion. Over the next several weeks, apprentices and mentors will prepare this historic vehicle for thousands of miles across America’s Mother Road.



05/28/2026

This year’s RPM Restorer’s Award presented at the Sandhills Motoring Expo was awarded to Clay Sletzer of Datsun House in Gastonia, North Carolina, for his exceptional craftsmanship, passion for preservation, and commitment to mentoring others entering the trade. Nominated by shop owner Jack Weaver, Clay was recognized for his work on a beautifully restored 1977 Datsun 280Z.

What made this recognition especially meaningful was seeing a young shop owner carrying forward not just the cars, but the skills, knowledge, and culture behind them. From expanding into a new shop space to taking on exciting new projects, the future looks bright for Clay and the Datsun House team. Congratulations!

The next generation takes Route 66.Meet RPM Foundation’s 2026 Great Race X-Cup Team, where experienced drivers and autom...
05/22/2026

The next generation takes Route 66.

Meet RPM Foundation’s 2026 Great Race X-Cup Team, where experienced drivers and automotive professionals will partner with apprentice navigators for a once in a lifetime journey across historic Route 66 Centennial.

From Springfield to Pasadena, this team represents more than competition. It’s mentorship, hands-on learning, and the passing down of skills that keep automotive restoration and preservation alive for future generations.

These apprentices won’t just experience the Great Race, they’ll learn directly from the people who have spent valuable time preserving automotive history and craftsmanship.

Here’s our team!

The next generation takes Route 66.Meet RPM Foundation’s 2026 Great Race X-Cup Team, where experienced drivers and autom...
05/22/2026

The next generation takes Route 66.

Meet RPM Foundation’s 2026 Great Race X-Cup Team, where experienced drivers and automotive professionals will partner with apprentice navigators for a once in a lifetime journey across historic Route 66 Centennial from June 20 - June 28.

From Springfield to Pasadena, this team represents more than competition. It’s mentorship, hands-on learning, and the passing down of skills that keep automotive restoration and preservation alive for future generations.

These apprentices won’t just experience the Great Race, they’ll learn directly from the people who have spent valuable time preserving automotive history and craftsmanship.

Here’s our team! https://www.rpm.foundation/GreatRace2026

Meet Brayden Hooley, an RPM Apprentice from LaVine Restorations. After graduating high school this past December, Brayd...
05/14/2026

Meet Brayden Hooley, an RPM Apprentice from LaVine Restorations. After graduating high school this past December, Brayden is now gaining hands-on industry experience as a service technician, learning directly from skilled professionals and building the foundation for a career in automotive restoration.

“My future goals are to continue pursuing my career while expanding my technical knowledge and mastering my craft. Long term, I hope to build a strong reputation in the automotive industry.” — Brayden Hooley

Through apprenticeships and mentorship, RPM is helping preserve the skills that keep automotive heritage alive for future generations. Learn more about becoming an apprentice and why this work matters at https://www.rpm.foundation/.

We are excited to present the RPM Restorer’s Award at the Greenwich Concours on May 29-31, 2026, marking its second year...
05/07/2026

We are excited to present the RPM Restorer’s Award at the Greenwich Concours on May 29-31, 2026, marking its second year at the event following the debut of the Restorer’s Award there in 2025!

We look forward to connecting with supporters, restorers, students, and friends who share our commitment to preserving automotive heritage.

Learn more:
https://www.greenwichconcours.com
https://www.rpm.foundation/restorer-s-award

Where can an RPM apprenticeship take you?For Jesse Corder, it led to LaVine Restoration in Indiana, working alongside sk...
05/01/2026

Where can an RPM apprenticeship take you?

For Jesse Corder, it led to LaVine Restoration in Indiana, working alongside skilled professionals and gaining real-world experience in the restoration field.

The 1930 Cord L29 that Jesse helped restore won the 2026 Hagerty Drivers Foundation Automotive Heritage Award at Amelia Island, which he accepted on behalf of the team!

This journey reflects the impact of RPM, preparing the next generation to carry automotive heritage forward.

We’re excited to present the RPM Restorer’s Award at the Sandhills Motoring Expo in Pinehurst, North Carolina! The award...
04/24/2026

We’re excited to present the RPM Restorer’s Award at the Sandhills Motoring Expo in Pinehurst, North Carolina!

The award will be presented during the Concours in the Village on Sunday, May 24.

We look forward to connecting with supporters, restorers, students and friends who share our commitment to preserving automotive heritage.

04/16/2026

RPM Executive Director Nick Ellis talks with RPM apprentice Argy about his connection to LeMay – America’s Car Museum’s 1960 Buick LeSabre.

Without a skilled workforce to maintain and preserve these vehicles, we risk losing the stories behind them.

Address

2702 E D Street
Tacoma, WA
98421

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18555374579

Website

https://www.rpm.foundation/giving-tuesday

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