California Automobile Museum | Sacramento

The California Automobile Museum in Sacramento is one of the most significant and well-curated automotive museums on the West Coast. Founded in 1983 as the Towe Ford Museum, it initially focused on a massive private collection of Fords. Over time, it expanded its scope and mission, evolving into a broad-based institution dedicated to the history and impact of the automobile in America. Here's a comprehensive and detailed look at what makes this museum special:

1. Location and Building

The museum is located at 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, along the banks of the Sacramento River. It occupies a 72,000-square-foot facility, originally a warehouse space that’s been renovated to host both static and rotating exhibits. The high ceilings, open layout, and industrial architecture provide a fitting backdrop for displaying vehicles of all sizes, including early horseless carriages and large muscle cars.

2. Permanent Collection

The museum holds a diverse and historically rich collection of over 150 vehicles that span from the late 19th century to the early 21st century. The cars are either owned by the museum or loaned by private collectors. Vehicles are displayed in chronological order, allowing visitors to trace the technological, stylistic, and cultural evolution of automobiles.

Noteworthy Vehicles:

1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica – The first true automobile, marking the birth of personal motor transport.

1896 Ford Quadricycle Replica – Ford’s first vehicle, created before the founding of the Ford Motor Company.

1909 Model T Touring Car – Symbol of America’s shift toward mass mobility.

1933 Lincoln KB – A V12 luxury vehicle owned by A.P. Giannini, founder of Bank of America.

1940 Lincoln Town Car – Formerly owned by Clara Ford, Henry Ford's wife.

1951 Nash Rambler Convertible – Featured in Marilyn Monroe’s promotional tour for Monkey Business.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado – Owned by film star Rita Hayworth.

1966 Shelby Cobra 427 – Formerly owned by Tony Hogg, editor of Road & Track magazine.

1974 Plymouth Satellite – Belonged to Governor Jerry Brown, known for his frugal lifestyle.

1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa – Belonged to Linda Ronstadt.

1978 Kawasaki KZ1000C CHP – Used in the popular TV show CHiPs.

1997 GM EV1 – One of only 40 surviving examples of GM’s first mass-produced electric car.

1963 Shelby Cobra Replica – Used in the film Ford v Ferrari.

3. Rotating Exhibits

The museum regularly hosts themed exhibits that rotate every few months. These exhibits explore niche or underrepresented areas in automotive history and culture.

Examples:

“Rucas y Carruchas: Ladies in Lowriding” – Focuses on the history of Chicana and Latina women in the lowrider community. It features custom vehicles, stories from local car clubs, and cultural artifacts.

“Drive Fast, Take Chances: The Birth of the Hot Rod” – Documents California’s role in postwar car customization, including dry lakebed racing and the origins of drag racing.

“Microcars & Minibikes” – Showcased tiny vehicles and their surprising influence on global transportation in the mid-20th century.

Seasonal exhibits – Cars from specific eras, such as the 1960s muscle car boom or the early days of electric vehicles.

4. Educational Programs

The California Automobile Museum is committed to education and public engagement, offering hands-on programs for students, families, and adults.

Programs include:

Model A Driving Program – Visitors learn how to operate and drive a Ford Model A, giving them direct experience with early automotive technology.

Basic Engine Course – Suitable for ages 10 and up, this workshop involves dismantling and rebuilding a small engine to understand combustion mechanics.

Automotive Photography Workshop – Teaches lighting, composition, and editing specifically for car photography. Includes Adobe Photoshop basics.

Automotive 101 – A consumer-focused course teaching basics of car maintenance, diagnostics, and how to communicate with mechanics.

Many of these programs are offered on weekends or during school holidays and are popular with families and school field trips.

5. Community Engagement

The museum has strong ties to local car clubs and regularly hosts events such as:

Cruise-ins

Vintage Car Shows

"Sunday Drives" – Visitors ride in classic vehicles for free on the third Sunday of each month.

Free Museum Day – Held annually on the first Saturday of February, part of a citywide event.

Special admission days – Discounts or free admission on holidays like Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.

6. Family-Friendly Features

SparkPlug Square – An interactive exhibit space designed for young children. It includes toy cars, dress-up stations, and car-themed learning games.

Birthday Party Rentals – Spaces can be booked for children’s parties, with guided tours and hands-on activities.

7. Accessibility and Visitor Information

Hours:

Open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed on Tuesdays

Admission:

Adults: $14

Seniors (65+), Military, Students: $12

Youth (6–17): $8

Children 5 and under: Free

Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible

Restrooms equipped for disabilities

Free parking lot with EV charging stations

Public Transit:

Closest Light Rail Station: 8th & O Station, about 1.2 miles away

Bus Routes: Lines 11, 51, 102 have nearby stops

8. Gift Shop and Facilities

Gift Shop – Offers model cars, books, clothing, vintage signs, and novelty automotive items.

Event Rentals – The museum is available for weddings, corporate functions, and private events, with space to accommodate hundreds of guests.