Seeger Toyota Round-Up of Classic Car Museums
In the hustle and bustle of today, it’s easy to forget the craftsmanship and detail that went into the classic cars of yesterday. That is, until, you see one drive by.
There's a reason we all stop and look as a classic model cruises by – the vehicles we drive may be full of technology and extra features, but few (if any) cars can compete with the classics. Car enthusiasts around the country enjoy them so much that there are numerous museums throughout the United States dedicated to the classic car era. Seeger Toyota has rounded up some of the best, so read on and start mapping your next road trip.
The Gilmore Car Museum sits on 90 beautiful acres in Hickory Corners, Michigan and has grown from founder David Gilmore’s personal collection into the largest automobile museum in North America. Over 400 vehicles are displayed in an exhibit that covers over 189,000 square feet, and in addition to plenty of awe-inspiring cars, visitors can enjoy a meal in the restored 1941 Silk City Diner or take a pit-stop at the recreated 1930s Shell Station.
During the summer, head out to the Wednesday Night Cruise-Ins or sign up for Model T Driving School, available year-round.
The collection at the California Automobile Museum consists of Model Ts, Lamborghinis, and maybe even the car your parents drove years ago. Over 150 vehicles are on display, and the museum lineup rotates from models in the permanent collection to cars presented by private exhibitors. The display is always changing, so you’ll find something new each time you visit!
Be sure to check the calendar of events for movie nights, photography classes, driving classes, and other special events.
Since it’s opening in 1933, the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan has been providing “educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and innovation.” Be sure to carve out enough time to take in the 26 million artifacts covering 250 acres and spanning 300 years. Everyone will enjoy the hands-on exhibits, movie nights, and special exhibits.
Every Saturday from 10 AM – 3 PM, explore your ingenuity at the invention Tinker. Hack. Invent. event, and bring little ones out for Macy’s 2nd Monday, a morning filled with storytelling and fun activities.
Through an extensive collection and community programming, the staff at this museum in Tacoma, Washington strives to preserve and promote America’s automotive heritage while also providing educational opportunities. Up to 300 vehicles are featured at a time, and several different exhibits rotate each year.
Participate in Race Night, Cruise-In Thursdays, Drive-In Movie nights, and more. Be sure to check their calendar for the latest schedule.
This one-of-a-kind museum features over 80 different Corvettes, from classics in impeccable condition, to mind-blowing prototypes and Corvettes that seem to be from the future. Have you ever wondered what the inside of a Corvette feels like? (We know you have.) Take a seat in the 2015 Stingray and get a taste of what life is like from behind the wheel of America’s favorite sports car.
Refuel in Corvette Café and take a tour of the plant, which is the only Corvette Assembly Plant in the world. If sitting in the 2015 Stingray ignited your need for speed, be sure to visit Motorsports Park and take a lap with a certified driver.
During your visit to this museum in sunny Sarasota, Florida, you’ll see an array of models hard to find elsewhere. John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes-Benz and Paul McCartney’s MINI accompany the original “horse-less carriage” and modern roadsters. There’s no end to the variety you’ll find on this 50,000 square foot property.
Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir and don’t miss other rare exhibits, including an impressive antique camera exhibit.
This list is just a start to the world of classic automobiles, so be sure to let us know if you have any favorite classic car destinations you’d like to share! As always, our number one goal is to make sure you can get where you’re going safely, so if you’re due for service, let us know or stop by before you hit the road.