Bayard Badenhausen

Longtime CCCA member, author and automobile enthusiast Dr. Bayard Badenhausen passed away October 7, 2017 at the age of 97. He was best known to CCCA members as the author of a series of articles entitled, "A Passion for Classic Cars" which originated in the Metro Region's Metropolitan Skyline and was subsequently published in the Bulletin from 2011 to 2013. ThThis series culminated in a cover article in the Winter 2013 issue of The Classic Car

His articles chronicled his early life from an automotive perspective, providing first-hand accounts of pursuing, acquiring and driving Classic cars, long before the CCCA was established. During his life, dozens of signifificant Classic cars passed through his hands, including Duesenberg, Packard, Rolls-Royce, Cadillac and others. Today, these Classics are found in some of the finest collections in the country.

His writing style engaged the reader, vividly capturing what it was like to be a young man fascinated by what most considered to be an anachronistic mode of transportation. He was recognized for his contributions with the Fahnestock Award for publications in 2012.

Bayard's automobile collecting efffforts literally saved these Classics from destruction. Likewise, his words will live on, inspiring another generation to appreciate and enjoy the automobiles we celebrate. --RJV