Canton Classic Car Museum | Canton

1. History and Setting

The Canton Classic Car Museum was established in 1978 and is located in Canton, Ohio. The museum is housed in a historic 1914 building that originally served as a Ford dealership. This authentic setting adds historical ambiance, blending the architecture of early automotive retail with a rich display of classic cars and memorabilia.

The museum's mission is to preserve and showcase rare and unique automobiles and automotive history, particularly those connected to the local region.

2. Location and Accessibility

Address: 123 Sixth Street SW, Canton, Ohio 44702

Parking: Free parking is available behind the museum on Sixth Street SW.

Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for visitors with mobility needs.

The museum is easily reachable from multiple directions:

From Cleveland (north) via I-77 South

From Youngstown/Canfield (east) via I-76 to I-77 South

From Columbus area (south) via I-77 North

From Wooster (west) via I-71 North and local roads

3. Collection Highlights

The museum’s collection includes over 40 rare and unusual classic cars, many with unique histories or special engineering significance. It also holds thousands of pieces of automobilia and historical artifacts related to the automotive world and local history.

Some of the notable vehicles on display include:

1937 Ahrens-Fox Fire Truck: An original, unrestored fire engine renowned among collectors for its craftsmanship and historical significance.

1937 Packard Hearse: Distinguished by hand-carved mahogany body panels and powered by a powerful V-12 engine, this hearse represents automotive luxury and craftsmanship.

1922 Holmes Victoria Series: The only full-sized air-cooled car ever made, produced locally in Canton by Arthur Holmes. This car is an important piece of regional automotive history.

1937 Studebaker President Police Car: A bullet-proof police vehicle featuring thick, over-an-inch glass and specially designed Tommy gun portholes, showcasing innovative police vehicle design.

In addition to cars, the museum displays:

Vintage toys

Steam engines

Movie posters

Historic photographs

Items connected to Canton’s local history and Meyer's Lake Park

4. Museum Experience and Amenities

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Also closed on major holidays such as New Year's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas.

Admission Fees:

Adults (18+): $10.00

Seniors (60+): $8.00

Students (6+ with ID): $7.00

Children 5 and under: Free

Group rates (10+): $6.00 per person

Guided Tours: Available on request, offering an in-depth look at the vehicles and memorabilia.

Gift Shop: Sells automotive-themed merchandise and souvenirs.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Ensures all visitors can enjoy the exhibits.

5. Educational and Community Role

The museum plays an active role in educating visitors about automotive history, preservation, and the unique heritage of the Canton area. Through its exhibits, the museum preserves important artifacts that tell the story of automotive innovation and community development.

Special programs and events occasionally highlight aspects of transportation history, classic car shows, or local cultural heritage.

6. Contact and Further Information

Phone: (330) 455-3603

Visitors can reach out to the museum for inquiries about group tours, special events, or more detailed information about the collection.

Summary

The Canton Classic Car Museum offers a unique blend of automotive history, rare vehicles, and local cultural artifacts housed in a vintage early-20th-century building. With its extensive and eclectic collection of classic cars, fire engines, and memorabilia, it appeals to car enthusiasts, historians, and families alike. The museum’s dedication to preserving automotive heritage and connecting it to the local community makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in classic automobiles and the story of transportation in Ohio.