7 Museums for the Car Lover

For people infatuated by cars it is not so much about getting from point A to B, but rather the way they look and how fast they can accelerate when hitting the road. That’s why the unconventional exhibits in the following seven car museums are worth the stop, because they offer a taste of antiquity and modernity we typically don’t see when driving along the world’s highways and byways. 

So if you’re intrigued by a Model T or Formula 1 then let these automobile shrines drive you crazy with their exclusive cars.

Ocala, FL: Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

A car fashioned stylishly, or even bizarrely for that matter, never ceases to amaze.  But when they are zipping past us at accelerating speeds, examining their hard bodies is merely impossible. That is why the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is an extradordinary attraction that drives the car enthusiast wild. It is a spectacle donned by dozens of drag racing cars of all colors, styles and histories. 

From the classic to the muscle and even a portfolio of Fords, this treasure chest of cherished vehicles like the “Swamp Rat” cars as well as Dean Moon’s Moonbeam and the Mooneyes gas dragster are filled with stories marked by victory as well as near death experiences.  If you’re obsessed with cars and enjoy hearing an exhilarating tale, then the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing will be a thrill because many of these cars have survived more extreme risks than most humans.

Atlanta, GA: Atlanta Classic Car Museum

It is every car lover’s dream to walk out of a gallery filled with vehicles and take one home.  And at the Atlanta Classic Car Museum not only are the featured automobiles impressive showpieces, they are also up for grabs — for a price of course.

Hundreds of vintage models decorate the spaces of the museum including Mustangs, Model Ts and other classics. As these historic machines sit in silence, their sleek bodies speak volumes by quietly inviting spectators to hop in and take them for a spin.  But if you can’t fight the urge, then purchasing one of these bad boys may be the next best thing.

Stuttgart, Germany: Porsche Museum

Just about everyone has imagined burning rubber from behind the wheel of a Porsche, and in Germany’s Porsche Museum the vision is not too farfetched. 5,600 square meters are devoted to the luxury car here, where almost every style shines.

From the moment visitors walk through the museum’s bold architecture and are directed up a ramp, a world entirely fashioned by the Porsche and its rich history unfolds. The exhibit, which includes the 550, 917, and 356 are perfectly lined to create a dramatic effect with themes and exclusive details that convey the pride the company stands on. When it comes to the elegant vehicle, the Porsche Museum has it all, allowing visitors to explore almost every version of the Porsche; even those they may not see on the street.

Brussels, Belgium: AutoWorld

The people of Belgium sure do love their cars, which is a statement that is adamantly proven in AutoWorld, a museum that takes its guests on a journey through the evolution of the car. Fortunately for car lovers of all calibers, the country shares its passion with the public by opening the museum’s doors and giving guests a place to let their infatuation run loose.

AutoWorld comes to life by devoting its spaces to the past with an extensive collection of vintage automobiles like the Minerva, Bizzarini SP, GT40 as well as the Audi A1. In the process, the displays also highlight the dedicated efforts of designers, manufacturers, racers and engineers. An element of surprise is always there to amaze — whether it is by the sightings of a yellow FN or Imperia. 

Macau, China: Grand Prix Museum

If you are intrigued by the excitement surrounding Grand Prix competitions, you’ll love what the Grand Prix Museum has in store. Since 1993, the exhibit has become a breath of fresh air for aficionados when they aren’t looking to the track. 

Once inside, the world-class F1 event is honored with motorbikes and other famed racing automobilia with displays like the Formula 3 racing car that belonged to driver Aryton Senna, which is arguably the main attraction.  Visitors can also drift to the thrills of the race when in the presence of automobiles driven by Michael Schumacher and when viewing the achievements made by Grand Prix Macau’s most important historians.  

There’s nothing like getting personal with these horizontal rocket ships that move so fast on the track, exploring their sleek bodies in any other setting would be unimaginable.

Athens, Greece: Hellenic Motor Museum

Amid the timeless atmosphere of Athens, a unique centerpiece dominated by over 100 cars exists. You may not hear the roar of their engine, but you will see them rotate and sparkle as many onlookers fuss over their remarkable styles. This motorized landscape is the Hellenic Motor Museum, a three-floor car sanctuary filled with almost every type of model ever made. 

From the Cadillac Seville Gucci and a classic Aston Martin to the Avion Roadster and Aceca Bristol coupe, the museum takes Greece’s obsession with classic rods to all new extremes. In fact, it also flaunts various designs from companies that are no longer in existence, which means you won’t find a collection like this anywhere else.  Looking to be inspired by innovation? Then let the Hellenic Motor Museum by your guide.  The Greeks are not only driven by mythology; they are also driven by a smooth ride in a hot car.

Austria: Rolls-Royce Museum

The Rolls-Royce might be one of the world’s most luxurious cars, so witnessing a sea of them dominating the spaces of the Rolls-Royce Museum will take your breath away.  Every color, scheme and style is housed here, which comes as no surprise since the museum is believed to be the premier spot for viewing the Rolls-Royce.

As you wander through this private exhibition filled with more than 1,000 artifacts, the automobile’s history is awakened with such rare sightings of enshrined cars you’ll become an instant fanatic although many are smitten at first sight. We all would love to see their lavish beauties just once, but with several of them arm’s length here’s your opportunity to taste a bit of the Rolls-Royce’s luxurious flair. 

READ ON: Still not enough automotive excitement for you? Check out The 7 Best Classic Car Shows You Probably Haven't Heard Of.