Ex-Geary’s Owner Wins Meguiar’s Award

Bruce Meyer, Beverly Hills businessman and lifelong devotee of classic motoring, has won the 1998 Meguiar’s Award as collector-car hobbyist of the year.

Meyer, former owner of Geary’s, a crystal and silver store on Rodeo Drive, was the unanimous choice of a 14-member judging panel.

He was nominated for his fund-raising and volunteer work for the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, lobbying for California legislation that exempted collector cars from emissions laws and continuing involvement in the Oakland Roadster Show, Rodeo Drive Concours, Pebble Beach Concours, New England Rally and California Mille for vintage autos.

His 30-vehicle collection includes fully restored British and Italian sports cars, racing motorcycles, hot rods and Bonneville racers from the ‘40s.

The annual award is sponsored by Meguiar’s Inc., maker of car care products, and attracted 25 nominees, including legendary car builder Carroll Shelby; designer Tom Matano, who led development of the Mazda Miata; and Bob Lutz, former vice chairman of Chrysler Corp. Among the judges were David E. Davis of Automobile magazine, John Lamm of Road & Track, Keith Martin of the New York Times and Paul Dean of the Los Angeles Times.