11 BEST CAR MUSEUMS IN FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller Updated September 17, 2023

Florida is a great venue for car enthusiasts. With its long history of car culture, it's no wonder that the Sunshine State is home to some of the best automotive museums in the United States.

1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer
Revs Institute, Naples

If you're looking for an exciting day trip or perfect place to visit on a weekend getaway, then you'll definitely want to check out some of the best car museums in Florida.

SARASOTA CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM
5500 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 355-6228 

Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Shutterstock, GagliardiPhotography

This museum has been told to move off the campus of New College.  As of August 10, 2023 it is still in its same old location.

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is one of the premier auto museums in Florida. This museum houses an impressive collection of over 130 classic cars from all over the world.

It includes everything from vintage American hot rods to European sports cars, as well as a few rare finds.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum to learn more about the history and development of the cars on display. 

The museum is a one-of-a-kind destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Located in Florida’s vibrant Gulf Coast region, the museum houses an impressive collection of classic cars, spanning nearly a century of automotive history.

From classic American muscle cars and European sports cars, to vintage racing cars, the Museum boasts an array of vehicles from the 20th century. 

As visitors explore more than 75 vintage and classic cars, they’ll discover the history behind each vehicle, from the stories of their former owners to the cultural significance of the cars.

The museum also offers a number of special events throughout the year, from car shows to lectures, that provide a unique and entertaining experience for the whole family.

One such event not long ago featured "The Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari" which displayed the special creativity of the classic cars they designed.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a history buff, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum has something for everyone.

DAUER MUSEUM OF CLASSIC CARS
10801 NW 50th St., Sunrise, Florida 33351 
(954)748-6271

Dauer Museum of Classic Cars
Dauer Museum of Classic Cars

This interesting museum in the Fort Lauderdale area focuses on that era of history when American cars were considered the best in the world.

Their collection has 55 classic cars, all in pristine condition as if they just rolled off the showroom floor.  Cars range in age from 1906 to 2020.

Dauer Museum of Classic Cars, Cadillac Collection
Dauer Museum of Classic Cars

The automobiles include Buick, Chrysler, Cadillac, and more American icons.  They also have a few European cars including a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley.

THE BRUMOS COLLECTION
5159 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 373-0375

The Brumos Collection

Brumos is short for Brundage Motors, a Jacksonville dealer from whom I bought my first Volkswagen in 1963. 

This museum is relatively new and has a collection of more than 50 cars, the oldest being an 1894 Peugeot.

Since the dealer also focused on Porsches, the collection has many models of Porsche on display including many race cars emblazoned with their colors an sponsors.

The Brumos racing team won many victories at LeMans, Sebring, Daytona and other places.

There is a digital kiosk in front of every car on display that tells you all about the car.

1953 Porsche Pre-356A

Although the car in the photo above is not in the collection, I place it here because it is the very first car I owned: a 1953 Porsche Pre-356A purchased in 1960 from a used car dealer in Pensacola, Florida for $1200.

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (800) 748-7467

Daytona International Speedway
Shutterstock, Viaval Tours

The Daytona International Speedway is home to the Daytona 500 Experience and Motorsports Hall of Fame.

This museum offers an interactive tour of the history of motorsports, from its beginnings in the early 1900s to modern day.

Visitors can also check out the museum's extensive collection of vintage cars, as well as a race simulator and interactive exhibits.

The Daytona International Speedway is the world's highest capacity motor racing venue. Located in Daytona Beach, it is home to some of the most iconic and thrilling events in motorsports.

These include the the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Daytona 500, and the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The track is a state-of-the-art facility with a 2.5-mile tri-oval layout and 31-degree banking in the turns. 

The Speedway features a unique infield road course, a three-story grandstand, and the Daytona 500 Experience, a multi-million-dollar motorsports attraction.

Whether you're a racing fan or just looking for a fun day out, a visit to Daytona International Speedway is sure to be a memorable experience.

DON GARLITS MUSEUM OF DRAG RACING
13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473
(352) 245-8661 

Big Daddy's 2017 Group Tour
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing Facebook Page

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a unique and exciting museum located in Ocala, Florida.

Established by one of the living legends of auto racing, Don Garlits, the museum celebrates the history and evolution of drag racing, from the early days of hot rodding to the high-tech, high-speed world of today.

Known by all as Big Daddy, Don Garlits loves to spend time at his museum showing people around. 

The museum features a variety of cars and artifacts, including a number of Don Garlits' own race cars and a collection of drag racing memorabilia.

Visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits, which highlight the history and technology of drag racing, as well as view a number of vintage cars and engines.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events, including car shows and drag races. The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a must-see for any fan of drag racing. 

ORLANDO AUTO MUSEUM
Dezerland Park
5250 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
(321) 754-1700 

The Orlando Auto Museum is the largest museum dedicated to American cars and vintage automobiles in the state of Florida.

Located in the International Drive area of Orlando, the museum houses over 2,000 classic and antique cars from all eras, including rare and unique models. 

There are numerous cars that have been shown in movies, such as Batmobiles, Micro Cars, cars from James Bond movies, and many more in a 250,000 square foot venue.

Orlando Automotive Museum
Shutterstock, Ritu Manoj Jethani

Visitors can explore the museum's various collections, including the General Motors Collection, the Ford Collection, and the Chevrolet Collection.

The museum also offers interactive displays and fun activities, such as a virtual reality tour, a scavenger hunt, and a quiz game. 

Guests can also take a tour of the museum, listen to lectures by car experts, and participate in car shows.

Whether you're an avid car enthusiast or just want to learn more about the history of automobiles, the Orlando Auto Museum is sure to provide an educational and entertaining experience.

TAMPA BAY AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
3301 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
(727) 579-8226 

1928 Alvis FD 12/75
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is a unique and fascinating museum located in Tampa, Florida.

The museum features a variety of vehicles from the past and present, including classic cars, hot rods, vintage trucks, race cars, and some of the first front wheel drive cars. 

The museum also features an impressive collection of vintage and antique auto parts, as well as a wide selection of automotive memorabilia.

Visitors will be able to explore the history of the automobile and learn about the evolution of automotive design.

With its interactive displays and educational exhibits, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is an ideal destination for car lovers of all ages. 

REVS INSTITUTE
2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples, FL 34104
(239) 687-7387 

1958 Porsche Carrera GT Speedster
Revs Institute, Naples

The Revs Institute is a world-renowned automotive research and preservation facility, located in Naples, Florida.

Founded in 2009, the Institute has become a leader in the study and preservation of automotive history, housing more than 200 significant cars from around the world.

1939 Bentley Coupe
Revs Institute, Naples

One of my favorite cars in this collection is a 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tourer. It is just one of many classic automobiles in this collection, all of them in pristine condition. 

1961 Citreon Sahara
Revs Institute, Naples

Through its collection, library, and educational programs, the Revs Institute provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the history and culture of the automobile. 

The Revs Institute is the premier research center and museum devoted to the preservation of automobiles and automotive history.

Founded in 1975, it houses a collection of over one hundred classic and vintage cars, along with archival materials and artifacts related to the development of the automobile. 

1965 Ferrari Berlinetta
Revs Institute, Naples

The Revs Institute also serves as a research center for scholars and enthusiasts, offering a wide range of resources, including books, periodicals, films, and photographs.

Through its educational programs, the Revs Institute seeks to perpetuate the rich history of the automobile by inspiring a new generation of automotive enthusiasts.

TALLAHASSEE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
6800 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 942-0137 

Tallahassee Automobile Museum Pedal Car Collection
Tallahassee Automobile Museum

The Tallahassee Automobile Museum is a unique attraction located in the heart of Florida's capital city.

Founded in 2001, the museum houses a wide selection of cars, trucks, and motorcycles from the past 100 years. From classic American muscle cars to European luxury vehicles, the museum has something for everyone.

One of the most interesting collections is that of human powered pedal cars.  What memories it brings back.  As a poor boy, I always had to borrow my friend's car.

Visitors can experience a variety of automotive-themed displays, including a large collection of vintage cars, interactive exhibits, and a collection of classic car memorabilia. 

There is also a gift shop and a cafe. The museum is a great place to experience the history of the automobile and is sure to provide an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family. 

CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM OF ST. AUGUSTINE
4730 Dixie Hwy, St. Augustine, FL 32086
(904) 806-4625 

Classic Car Museum of St. Augusitne
Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine

The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine is a must-see for any car enthusiast! The museum is located in the heart of St. Augustine and is home to over 60 classic and specialty cars from all over the world. 

You'll find rare and unique cars from the 20s, 30s, and 40s, as well as muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. You can expect to find pristine examples of Cadillac, Packard, Ford, Chevrolet and more.

The museum also offers interactive activities, such as the Vintage Car Racing Simulator, where visitors can feel like they're actually in the driver's seat. 

There's also a car-themed gift shop, so you can take a piece of the museum home with you. The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine is a must-visit for any classic car lover! 

ELLIOTT MUSEUM CAR COLLECTION
825 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 225-1961

Elliott Car Museum Rack Storage

This museum has a great collection of unusual cars and trucks.  It is named for Sterling Elliott (1852-1922) who held more than 125 patents including many used in the automotive industry.

His son, Harmon Elliot, donated the money for the museum. The museum not only includes automotive treasures, but also showcases a large collection of artifacts from Martin County's history.

The cars in this museum are stored in racks and can be automatically lifted out and transported to a window for viewing. It's an amazing demonstration of robotic intelligence.

THE COLLECTION ON PALMETTO
2116 Palmetto Street, Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 953-8356

Collection on Palmetto, 1906 Winton Model K
Collection on Palmetto

The Collection on Palmetto is a non-profit private foundation and museum whose mission is to inform people about technology and innovation in early automobiles and engines.

The museum houses a carefully curated collection of Brass Era automobiles which together tell the tale of the dawn of the Automobile Age.

The oldest automobile is the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, known as the first modern car, designed and built by Karl Benz.

Collection on Palmetto, 1913 Stanley
Collection on Palmetto

The 1904 Cadillac Model B demonstrates the concept of standardization of parts in automobiles, and the 1914 Model T exemplifies the perfection of mass production processes, as well as tremendous economic growth for our country.

The recently restored 1915 12-Passenger Stanley Mountain Wagon represents the height of the steam innovation in automobiles and a formidable step in travel tourism.

The spacious veranda houses engines of field and factory, the largest of which is a Corliss steam engine with a twelve-foot flywheel.

Hand-painted murals convey the story of how engines such as these once powered the equipment that drove industry and agriculture in early 20th century America.

Collection on Palmetto, 1907 Northern
Collection on Palmetto

Automobiles and engines at The Collection on Palmetto are fully functional and operational. Periodic events highlight their operation and purpose.

Live steam demonstrations, steam car rides, and scenic views of the entire property, courtesy of a 1/8th scale train pulled by a steam locomotive, bring history to life for the public.

The Collection is also a popular destination for car clubs and private events in the Tampa Bay Area. 

HARVEY'S FORD TRUCK CEMETERY
Highway 319
Crawfordville, Florida

Ford Truck Cemetery
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

This collection of rusted out old Ford trucks is located on US Highway 319 just south of Crawfordville.  These trucks were used on a farm as both working vehicles and spare parts.

The owner of the land, Pat Harvey, began to line them up in a field in order of age from early 1900s to 1970s.

Ford Truck Cemetery
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

Over the years the old vehicles have become overgrown with vines and weeds and have become a great photo opportunity for the many tourists who stop by to walk among them.

Even rusted out old trucks need love.

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