Sarasota Classic Car Museum | Sarasota

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum, located at 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243, is one of the oldest and most renowned car museums in the United States. Established in 1953, it holds the distinction of being the second oldest continuously operating antique car museum in the country. The museum is a treasure trove of automotive history, featuring an impressive collection of classic cars, from vintage models to exotic sports cars and unique one-of-a-kind vehicles.

History and Evolution

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum was founded by Herbert and Bob Horn, two brothers from Fort Dodge, Iowa, who had a passion for antique cars. The museum initially opened under the name "Horns' Cars of Yesterday" in March 1953. Their collection began with over 70 cars, including notable vehicles such as a 1897 Duryea Buggyaut and a 1948 Lincoln Continental.

One of the earliest highlights of the collection included John Ringling's 1914 Rolls-Royce Town Car and a Pierce-Arrow owned by Mable Ringling, which added historical significance to the museum. The Horn brothers’ vision was to share their love for vintage cars with the public, and their museum became a popular attraction in Sarasota.

In 1967, the museum was sold to Walter Bellm, an antique car collector and owner of a trucking company. Bellm expanded the museum’s facilities and broadened its collection, adding more exotic and American classic cars.

In 1997, Martin Godbey, a dedicated car enthusiast, purchased the museum, bringing with him a renewed focus on preserving and expanding the collection. During Godbey's ownership, the museum underwent renovations, including new exhibits that highlighted sports cars and more modern American classics.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum’s collection is a carefully curated display of automotive history, featuring more than 75 cars spanning over a century of design and innovation. Some of the museum's most notable exhibits include:

John and Mable Ringling's Rolls-Royce Collection: This exclusive collection of Rolls-Royce cars, once owned by the Ringling family, gives visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of one of Florida’s most prominent families. The inclusion of these cars is a nod to the museum’s historical connection to the Ringling family.

John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes-Benz: This psychedelic-painted Mercedes-Benz once belonged to the legendary musician John Lennon. Its colorful design, which was created by Lennon and artist Steve Weaver, is a highlight for Beatles fans and car collectors alike.

Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper: Another Beatles connection, this Mini Cooper was once owned by Paul McCartney, offering a rare glimpse into the car tastes of the famous musician.

Don Garlits’ Dragster #2: Known as the “King of Drag Racing”, Don Garlits' Dragster #2 is a piece of American motorsport history, representing the evolution of drag racing vehicles.

Italian Car Collection: This section showcases high-performance and luxury Italian vehicles, including prestigious brands such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Rivolta.

Timeline Room: This exhibit provides an in-depth historical look at the development of the automobile, from its early days in the 1880s to the present. It highlights major milestones in automotive engineering, featuring influential manufacturers and notable models that have had a profound impact on car culture.

The museum also displays exotic cars, vintage motorcycles, and unique custom-built vehicles that offer a diverse experience for automotive enthusiasts.

Museum Features

The museum occupies a 60,000-square-foot facility, providing ample space for its extensive collection. The layout of the museum is designed to guide visitors through the evolution of the automobile, with various sections dedicated to different periods and types of vehicles. Some of the museum’s key features include:

Timeline Room: This room offers a comprehensive journey through the history of cars, highlighting the technological and cultural milestones that shaped the automobile industry.

Rotating Exhibits: In addition to its permanent collections, the museum frequently rotates exhibits, allowing visitors to see different types of cars and automotive innovations throughout the year.

Gift Shop: The museum’s gift shop offers a wide range of automotive-themed merchandise, including books, model cars, keychains, and collectible items for car enthusiasts.

Events and Shows: Over the years, the museum has hosted various events, from tribute car shows to musical performances. These events help to engage the community and celebrate the legacy of automotive history.

Relocation and Future

As of April 21, 2024, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum has temporarily closed its doors and is in the process of relocating. This closure follows the termination of the museum’s lease agreement with New College of Florida, where the museum had been based for many years. The location is being redeveloped into a new athletic facility. While the future of the museum remains uncertain, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is actively seeking a new home to continue its mission of preserving and showcasing automotive history.

Visitor Information

Location: The museum was located at 5500 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243, though the museum is currently in the process of relocating.

Contact: For inquiries, visitors can contact the museum at 941-355-6228.

Website: For updates on the museum’s relocation and future exhibits, visit the official website at sarasotacarmuseum.org.

Conclusion

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum has been a significant cultural institution in Sarasota, offering a deep dive into the history and evolution of the automobile. With its vast collection of rare and historically significant cars, including John Lennon’s psychedelic Mercedes-Benz, Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper, and Don Garlits’ dragster, it remains an important destination for car lovers and history buffs. While it is temporarily closed for relocation, its legacy in preserving automotive history is still cherished, and it is hoped that the museum will continue to be a landmark for car enthusiasts in the future.