Tupelo Automobile Museum | Tupelo

The Tupelo Automobile Museum, once a premier destination for automobile enthusiasts in Tupelo, Mississippi, was renowned for its extensive collection of over 150 classic and rare vehicles. Established in 2002 by broadcast entrepreneur Frank K. Spain, the museum was designated as Mississippi's official state automobile museum in 2003. Spain, who began collecting cars in 1974, curated a diverse array of vehicles that spanned the history of automotive design and innovation. Following his death in 2006, his wife, Jane Spain, continued to manage the museum until its closure in 2019.

Museum Highlights

The museum's 120,000-square-foot facility housed a diverse array of vehicles, including:

1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen No. 1 (replica)

1899 Knox Voiturette "Old Porcupine"

1902 Oldsmobile Curved Dash

1948 Tucker 48

1963 Leslie Special (featured in the film The Great Race)

1976 Lincoln Mark IV (once owned by Elvis Presley)

Duesenbergs, Hispano-Suizas, and Packards

The cars were meticulously arranged in chronological order, offering visitors a journey through automotive history. The museum also featured a substantial collection of automobilia, including vintage gas pumps, signage, and other memorabilia.

Closure and Auction

In December 2018, it was announced that the museum would close in March 2019, with its entire collection to be auctioned off. The auction, conducted by Bonhams from April 26 to 27, 2019, featured 174 vehicles and 330 pieces of automobilia. The highlight of the auction was the 1948 Tucker 48, which sold for nearly $2 million. All proceeds were directed to support educational charities.

Legacy

Despite its closure, the Tupelo Automobile Museum remains a significant chapter in Mississippi's cultural history. The museum's comprehensive collection and its commitment to preserving automotive heritage left an indelible mark on enthusiasts and visitors alike.