SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (March 27, 2018) – The Saratoga Automobile Museum (“SAM”) is excited to announce its partnership with Feed Our Vets as it displays a customized 1991 Humvee as part of the Museum’s participation at the New York International Auto Show from March 30 through April 8.
The customized 1991 military High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle to be auctioned at the Saratoga Auto Auction in September was developed by the military as a replacement for Jeeps previously used in Vietnam. This vehicle was regarded as one of the toughest and most reliable utility vehicles of its time and aided in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Since then, it has been refurbished by nationally recognized restoration specialist Steve Hale (History Channel’s American Restoration).
Using the Humvee as a salute and benefaction to veterans began with an idea from the founder of Feed Our Vets, Rich Synek, when he saw CNN restore a H1 Hummer that has been used in the Iraq was auction at $1.35 million for charity.
“Feed Our Vets is proud and honored to have our totally refurbed FOV 1 military Humvee showcased at the New York International Auto Show. This amazing opportunity at NYIAS will bring attention to the new face of hunger in the United States: The American Veteran,” said Rich Synek, founder, Feed Our Vets.
“We’re excited to expand our presence at NYIAS as a platform for this worthy cause,” said Carly Connors, executive director, Saratoga Automobile Museum. “Our ability to utilize our resources to help men and women who have served our country is truly an honor.”
After 1,000 hours of rejuvenating the Humvee, completely cleaned, repainted, and renovated, it is ready to be auctioned this fall. The original engine, a 6.2-liter GM diesel V8 with GM fuel injection has been freshened and is in excellent condition. The transmission is a three-speed automatic and features an independent four-wheel drive accompanied by a rebuilt suspension. With four doors and a wide wheelbase, there is a good amount of room in the interior, which has been redone as well.
The 1991 HMMWV Humvee is sparking with its off green and black paint theme and is sporting its new paint job courtesy of Crystallance paints which includes crushed glass in the mixture to provide an extra sparkle. Additionally, the vehicle has 13 stars painted on its hood, along with saluting soldiers and the Feed Our Vets logo on the truck sides.
The Humvee will be displayed at the Museum back in Saratoga Springs after the auto show.
For more information about the Saratoga Automobile Museum, visit saratogaautomuseum.org.
About the Saratoga Automobile Museum: The Saratoga Automobile Museum was organized in 1999, and opened to the public in 2002. The Museum’s mission is to preserve, interpret and exhibit automobiles and automotive artifacts. We celebrate the automobile and educate the general public, students and enthusiasts regarding the role of the automobile in New York State and in the wider world. In addition to technical and design aspects, our educational focus is on the past, present and future social and economic impact of the automobile.
About Feed Our Vets: Feed Our Vets is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to help Veterans in the United States struggling with hunger through community food pantries providing free food to Veterans and their families, distribution of goods and services to aid in their struggles, and public education and outreach. The organization works to involve the public in fighting Veteran hunger and to combat the mistreatment of Veterans.
