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While  over 5,500 cars were built, only a handful are thought to remain  worldwide. One, a unique 1920 Anderson Six Convertible Roadster, will  receive a special honor this year. The car, owned by Paul and Kathleen  Ianuario of Duncan, SC, will join an exclusive group of automotive  icons as it is the fine representation of the "100 Years of Automotive  Excellence" at the 2020 Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance.  

This  noteworthy vehicle is registered with the HVA (Historic Vehicle  Association) National Historic Vehicle Register.  All historic reference  materials – exhaustively studied, documented and verified by HVA as  well as the College of Charleston's Department of Historic Preservation –  have been added to the permanent archives of the U.S. Library of  Congress.  

From the state's earliest success with designing and  assembling cars that led the industry in advanced technology to today's  latest models from long-time South Carolina-based manufacturer BMW and  now Volvo, we're looking forward to a thoroughly intriguing journey  through the decades.   

From 1916 to 1925, a total of 5,553  Anderson cars were produced in Rocky Hill, SC, in direct competition  with Henry Ford's Model T. Featuring the motto 'A little higher in  price, but made in Dixie,' Anderson cars were indeed the South's  luxurious alternative to Detroit's mass market vehicles, featuring  mahogany, South Carolina hickory, premium leather and other top-quality  trim and materials. The cars also introduced interesting color schemes  to the automotive industry, tempting buyers with the rich patina of  purple, blue, yellow, and other alternatives to Ford's basic black  palette.  

John Gary Anderson, the industrial genius behind his  name sake marque, was a true visionary – as well as a poet and sculptor.  His cars featured numerous innovations, such as an electric windshield  wiper years before Ford offered the technology. Other firsts included  power convertible tops, a floor-installed headlight dimmer switch which  he invented, and a unique review mirror. There was also an on-board air  compressor driven by the car's transmission for pumping up tires and a  tool kit integrated into the side door for on-the-go repairs. The  radiator cap featured a thermometer known as a 'motor meter', that was  visible to the driver. Unlike the Model T' Ford's single-color palette  of black, Anderson cars came in a wide variety of colors. However,  customers paid a price for all this innovation and luxury, with an  Anderson ranging in cost from $1,650 for the five-passenger touring car  to $2,550 for the sedan, compared to a $345 to $760 price range for the  Model T Ford.

​The  Ianuario’s are proud to display their Anderson at the 2020 Gasparilla  Concours where it will be on display at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in  beautiful downtown Tampa, Florida for the Friday Night "Cars in the  Park" Cocktail Party and Charity Auction. The celebration of the  centennial vehicle will continue when it later escorts the Grand Marshal  and other dignitaries to the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday. It will be  most appropriate to see her standing in her glory with the Color Guard  of the Rough Riders. The 1920 Anderson was placed on the National  Historic Vehicle Registry for the USA by the Historical Vehicle  Association which works with the Department of the Interior and the  Library of Congress.   

There such a rich history to celebrate.