AUTOMOBILE DRIVING MUSEUM

MICHAEL ECKERSON January 04, 2023 All Feature Vehicles

A Collector’s Collection

Ready for a completely different car show experience? The Automobile Driving Museum offers its visitors a wide variety of vintage, classic and muscle cars on display. They have an ever-changing line-up of vehicles that numbers over 130, housed within the museum’s industrial interior. But that’s hardly what sets the ADM apart from your neighborhood car show. What the ADM offers their visitors is the unique experience of actually riding in a specially selected number of their vintage and classic cars. They truly believe in the historical connection that takes place when a visitor is invited to climb in and take a ride a car that might well have been built before they were born. The concept is profound and a complete departure from the “hands-off ” experience of a typical car show. The ADM wants you to have the feeling of what it is like to sit, touch and move in a vehicle from a bygone era.

**1941 Packard 110 Convertible Coupe** 1941 was an up-styled body design from the 1940 models. Headlights were incorporated in the fender’s design. The trim, both interior and exterior, was changed slightly. In 1940 the 110 models out-sold the 120 models; therefore, the 1941 series offered more 110 models to the public while the 120 series were reduced to only eight models. Packard’s 110 and 120 models had stiff competition in 1941 with the introduction of the Clipper. The immediate success and the public’s acceptance resulted in all 110 and 120 series to be Clipper models in 1942.

**1971 AMC Javelin** The Javelin was a Trans-Am race series winner in 1971, 1972, and 1976. Assembled and sold worldwide, the Javelin was available in a range of trim and engine levels, from economical pony car to muscle car variants.

Another thing you’ll want to check out are their events. They have exciting events like the Hot Wheels Garage which features life-size Hot Wheels cars and include race tracks, art projects, face painting, balloon artist, train rides, prizes and raffles. The event is free for kids 10 and under. They even have $3 ice cream sundaes in their retro 1950s ice cream parlor. They also have other cool events like Ladies Car Care 101, Micro and Mini Car Show, and the Orphan Car Show which showcases a few of the notable cars considered “orphaned” in America’s automotive history, and others. The ADM has lots of regular events that change regularly so visit their website for the latest offerings and schedules.

Having an event that needs a unique space? The ADM has a 3,200 sq ft climate-controlled ballroom and can supply tables and chairs along with a customized marquee. You can also opt for the Packard Ballroom, the museum floor, the library or even the ice cream parlor.

We were impressed with the facility and the commitment to the active collection, preservation and exhibition of these pristine automotive examples.

**The 1962 Impala Convertible** Chevrolet’s most expensive passenger model through 1965 that became the best-selling automobile in the United States.

The 1936 Senior Series was slightly modified from the 1935 model by a five degree slope to the front grille assembly. Production for this specific car is estimated at somewhere between five to ten. This specific car was exported to Russia by the U.S. Government to be used by Joseph Stalin. In 1990 this Packard was shipped to Germany for restoration. Three years later it was shipped to John Scales an American restorer for more restoration which took two years and was paid for by the Russian Government.

The ADM has a way for you to get involved in a current project. They have a 1955 GMC Pick-Up Truck that is being restored by an all-female team. If you are interested in becoming a parts sponsor contact Marisol Rios at marisolr@theadm.org. They are looking for more women who may be interested in learning “under the hood” opportunities on automotive restoration. They are also looking forward to the possibilities of showcasing “Jimmi” at car show events and conferences such as SEMA and the Classic Auto Show.

The Automobile Driving Museum is definitely a must-see. We were impressed with the facility and the commitment to the active collection, preservation and exhibition of these pristine automotive examples. Moreover, we are thankful to the ADM’s mission to share the experience of these special time machines with the public.