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Telephone: 586-465-1933
P.O. BOX 46024, MT. CLEMENS, MI, 48046, UNITED STATES
Top Hat John, LLC
TOP HAT JOHN Joseph Jendza III is a preeminent automotive historian, and a well-known and highly-respected collector, enthusiast, and appraiser for over 35 years.
Born into an automotive family, John is the son of John Joseph Jendza Jr., Art Director of the Fisher Body Craftsmen’s Guild. As a child, he was exposed to automotive history-in-the-making, being privileged to attend new car introductions with his father. Thus started his fascination with automobiles that would eventually morph into the passion and expertise he holds today. While still a child, John began collecting automotive literature and brochures, and has continued to do so every year since. His collection of historical memorabilia now includes thousands of brochures, automotive publications, periodicals, and newsletters for virtually every model ever made.
John spent many years working in all aspects of the automotive industry, everything from line work on the Chrysler Imperial as metal finisher and working on Chrysler fuel systems, to road representative for Pennzoil and doing Cadillac dealership sales. He also spent his formative years working in the staging lanes of Motor City Dragway. He estimates that he has owned over 250 automobiles in his lifetime.
John has provided superior appraisal services for investors, collectors, enthusiasts, insurance companies, and automotive museums for over 35 years. He is as experienced in individual appraisals as he is in appraising entire collections and even specialty one-off vehicles. Some of his clientele include General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and UAW Legal Services. He has assisted insurance companies in fraud investigations as an appraiser/arbitrator, as well as being recognized within the court system as an expert witness and trustee in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
John is also a much-sought-after classic car show MC, auto show TV host, and former MC for Petersen Events nationally (Hot Rod, Car Craft, Rod & Custom, Corvette Fever magazines). He has produced and hosted countless cable television shows about the automotive industry. As an auto historian and author, John has also written numerous articles and conducted interviews with automotive legends for local, national and international publications.
John’s auto expertise extends from the very first automobile, all the way through the present and beyond. From riding in a 1904 Stevens-Duryea with J. Frank Duryea II (great grandson of founding auto pioneer J. Frank Duryea), to high-speed driving in a Dodge Viper, to piloting a 150-mph blown alcohol drag boat to flying in an F16 fighter jet – John’s love and addiction to the automobile has become a wonderful job-hobby combination and lifelong study that he eagerly shares with his fellow enthusiasts through his myriad of services. He looks forward to sharing his expertise with you!
Experience, Service and Quality based on Knowledge! When only the best will do!
Affiliations:
Director, Henry M. Leland Chapter of the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH)
Member, Automotive Press Association (APA)
Inductee, St. Ignace Hall of Fame North (2003)
Monthly Columnist, Cruis’News Magazine
Past Member, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA)
Past Member, NADA Old Car Pricing Advisory Board
Mom always claimed the first word I ever spoke was CADILLAC. Mom also always said
Don't light a fire around Johnnie if he's cut...that's not blood in that boy’s veins…it’s gasoline!”
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