Like many, I’m not a car expert, but I deeply appreciate the beauty of vintage automobiles and the stories behind their creation. The craftsmanship involved in restoring these vehicles to their former glory is truly impressive. And frankly, the designs from the mid-20th century are far more captivating than most modern cars you see on the roads today. This appreciation for the artistry and history of the automobile, almost like admiring a classic “Automobile Bike” in its own right, led me to spend a free afternoon at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento.
During my recent California trip, I had some spare time before heading home. Instead of just waiting, I decided to immerse myself in automotive history. The museum, housed in a large, warehouse-style building, was undergoing roof repairs during my visit. This meant some sections were closed, exhibits were slightly rearranged, and cars were moved around to accommodate the construction. Despite these minor inconveniences, a significant portion of the museum’s collection, around two-thirds of its 150 vehicles, remained on display. Each automobile was meticulously restored, and a knowledgeable docent informed me that most of them are still in driving condition, a testament to their enduring engineering.
Classic cars on display at the California Automobile Museum
If you are fascinated by old cars, or simply enjoy admiring beautiful machines, the California Automobile Museum is a must-visit. The roof work was expected to be completed within the year of my visit, so the museum should be fully operational again, offering an even richer experience for visitors.
Delving into Early Automobile History
The museum boasts an impressive collection of early automobiles, showcasing the pioneering days of motorized transport. Among these early marvels was a 1914 Stanley Steam Car.
1914 Stanley Steam Car showcasing early automobile technology
Powered by steam pressure generated from a boiler under the hood, this Stanley Steam Car was known for its speed and quiet operation. However, it required a significant warm-up time for the boiler and considerable skill to operate, highlighting the early challenges in automobile technology.
I look forward to returning once the roof replacement is finished, hoping to see more engaging dioramas like the charming Yosemite Valley scene that was partially visible during my visit. These displays really enhance the experience, placing the automobiles in a historical and cultural context.
View from the backseat of a 1913 Ford Model T touring car, museum exhibit
One of the highlights was the opportunity to climb aboard a yellow 1913 Ford Model T touring car. This provided a unique perspective and a sense of connection to automotive history. Interestingly, starting in 1914, Ford famously offered the Model T exclusively in black. This decision was driven by practicality, as black paint was cheaper and dried faster than other colors, significantly speeding up the assembly line process and making the automobile more accessible to the masses.
Row of 1920s automobiles with running boards at the museum
The Roaring Twenties and Beyond
Moving through the exhibits, I was greeted by a stunning row of cars from the Roaring ’20s. The elegance and style of this era were palpable, and I particularly admired the running boards, a distinctive feature of these classic automobiles.
Mechanics at Phil's Garage maintaining vintage museum vehicles
A fascinating section of the museum is Phil’s Garage, where volunteer mechanics diligently work to maintain the museum’s vehicles in operating condition. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the restoration and preservation efforts adds another layer of appreciation for these historical machines.
The paint jobs on display were simply breathtaking. Two standouts were a 1936 Graham 110 Supercharged Sedan and a 1937 Chrysler Imperial Business Coupe, showcasing the vibrant colors and meticulous detailing of the era.
1937 Cadillac Series 60 Sedan and 1936 Ford Roadster showcasing 1930s automotive design
The 1930s marked a high point in automotive design elegance. A 1937 Cadillac Series 60 Sedan, positioned in the foreground, and a 1936 Ford Roadster beside it, perfectly exemplified this era of sophisticated automotive aesthetics.
1938 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Sedan and 1950 Ford Station Wagon, aerodynamic and 'Woodie' designs
Further along, the 1938 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Sedan caught my eye. It represented an early attempt to improve automobile aerodynamics, a concept that continues to be crucial in modern car design. Next to it, a 1950 Ford Station Wagon, one of the last “Woodie” models, displayed genuine maple and mahogany panels, highlighting the use of natural materials in automobile construction during that period.
1940 Lincoln Zephyr Sedan exemplifying Art Deco automotive streamlining
The 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Sedan was another standout, embodying the Art Deco style streamlining that had become increasingly popular in automotive design. Its sleek lines and elegant form were representative of the era’s design sensibilities.
The museum also featured a striking green 1949 Chrysler DeSoto Carryall Sedan. This model introduced a now-common feature in contemporary cars: a fold-down rear seat, allowing for the transportation of longer items within the trunk. This practical innovation marked a significant step in automobile functionality.
1953 Kaiser Manhattan, a classic American family car from the 1950s
A personal connection arose when I spotted a 1953 Kaiser Manhattan. It reminded me of my parents’ first car, a Kaiser Henry J. Upon inquiring with a docent, he pointed me to this Manhattan model, the top-of-the-line version of our old family car, evoking nostalgic memories of early family automobiles.
1953 Chevrolet Bel Air, a symbol of 1950s American automotive luxury
A pristine 1953 Bel Air, Chevrolet’s “luxury liner,” was another highlight. This model was famously featured in a national ad campaign where singer Dinah Shore encouraged Americans to “See the USA in your Chevrolet!” capturing the spirit of post-war American optimism and the automobile’s role in exploring the nation.
The museum also presented a “study in white,” featuring a 1955 Ford Thunderbird convertible. Ford’s answer to Chevy’s Corvette, the Thunderbird, proved immensely popular. It successfully combined sporty styling with practicality and comfort, appealing to a broad range of automobile enthusiasts.
1959 Cadillac showcasing extravagant tail fins of the late 1950s
Inspired by America’s fascination with jets and rockets, tail fins became a prominent design element in 1950s automobiles. They reached their peak of extravagance at the end of the decade, perfectly exemplified by a pink 1959 Cadillac, a true icon of automotive flamboyance.
1960 Nash Metropolitan, a compact and fuel-efficient car of the 1960s
In contrast to the trend towards larger, more powerful cars, the 1960 Nash Metropolitan stood out as relatively small and fuel-efficient. It represented an exception to the post-war American automotive norm. I had hoped to see a Nash Rambler station wagon, our first family car that I vividly remember, but unfortunately, it wasn’t on display.
1965 Ford Mustang and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, 1960s classic sports cars
Moving into the 1960s, two classics were prominently displayed: a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette, repainted in its original “Corvette bronze” color, was otherwise in its original condition, a testament to its enduring design and appeal.
The exhibit also included two Volkswagen “Bugs” from 1949 and 1961. The minimal changes between these models highlighted the Beetle’s iconic and largely unchanged design over the years.
1981 DeLorean DMC-12 with gull-wing doors, famous from Back to the Future
A standout from a later era was the innovative 1981 DeLorean DMC-12. With its brushed stainless-steel exterior and distinctive gull-wing doors, it was a truly unique automobile. Despite its initial commercial struggles, the DeLorean gained lasting fame after being featured as a time machine in the 1985 movie “Back to the Future.”
Race Cars and Unique Finds
The museum also dedicates space to race cars. A 1960 Indianapolis-Type “Champ Car,” built for dirt track racing, was on display. It reminded me of the sprint cars I used to watch racing at our local county fair, bringing back childhood memories.
1971 Star Streak motorhome with bullet-proof glass, unique custom vehicle
A truly unique find was the one-of-a-kind, aeronautically inspired 1971 Star Streak. Designed and built by a retired Air Force officer, this motorhome included all expected amenities, along with an unexpected feature: bullet-proof glass! This bespoke automobile was a testament to individual creativity and engineering passion.
Museum shop with restored vintage cars for sale
Conclusion: A Treasure Trove for Automobile Enthusiasts
Finally, no visit is complete without a stop at the museum shop. However, this wasn’t just any museum shop. If you ever dreamed of driving home in a beautifully restored vintage car, the California Automobile Museum offers you that very chance!
My visit to the California Automobile Museum, even with the ongoing renovations, was a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the history, design, and sheer artistry of the automobile. Whether you are a die-hard car enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beautiful design and history, the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento is well worth a visit.
