Check Them Out! 12 of The Most Awesome Car Museums

 Muscle cars are a distinct class of American-made high-performance automobiles that were prevalent during the 1960s and 1970s. These vehicles are known for their powerful engines, aggressive designs, and cultural impact. The United States is home to numerous muscle car museums that showcase these iconic vehicles. Below are some of the biggest and most notable muscle car museums:

1. **Muscle Car City Museum** - Located in Punta Gorda, Florida, this museum has a collection of over 200 muscle cars. It features vehicles from the 1950s to the 1970s, including brands such as Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Plymouth. The museum is situated in a 99,000 square foot building and also includes a gift shop and a diner.

2. **Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Museum** - While not exclusively dedicated to muscle cars, the Barrett-Jackson Museum in Scottsdale, Arizona, has a significant muscle car collection. It showcases over 150 vehicles and frequently rotates its exhibits. The museum is known for its high-profile car auctions and educational programs.

3. **The National Corvette Museum** - Although primarily focused on the Corvette, this museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, often includes muscle cars in its exhibits due to the Corvette's significant role in the muscle car era. It boasts over 80 Corvettes on display and offers a unique experience for car enthusiasts.

4. **The Mopar Nationals** - This annual event in Columbus, Ohio, is not a permanent museum but is a must-visit for muscle car aficionados. It showcases the largest gathering of Mopar vehicles, including Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, and AMC muscle cars, with over 3,000 vehicles on display.

driving a 2018 Dodge Challenger

5. **Gateway Classic Cars Museum** - With multiple locations across the U.S., Gateway Classic Cars has a vast collection of vehicles, including a substantial muscle car selection. The largest location in O'Fallon, Illinois, houses over 400 cars, with frequent rotations of its collection.

6. **The Henry Ford Museum** - This comprehensive automotive museum in Dearborn, Michigan, contains a significant muscle car collection. It provides a historical context for the muscle car phenomenon alongside other significant automobiles and American artifacts.

7. **America's Car Museum** - Located in Tacoma, Washington, this museum has a diverse collection of more than 300 vehicles, with a dedicated section for American muscle cars. It also features a changing exhibit, which often includes rare and unique muscle cars.

8. **Petersen Automotive Museum** - In Los Angeles, California, the Petersen Museum has a vast collection of over 300 vehicles, with a focus on American classics, including muscle cars. The museum is known for its rotating exhibits and educational programs.

9. **The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum** - This Philadelphia-based museum specializes in sports cars but also includes a notable selection of muscle cars. It is known for its "Spirit of Competition" exhibit, which often features American muscle in the context of racing.

Buick Grand National led dash bulbs

10. **The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals** - This Chicago-area event is the largest all-Corvette and specialty muscle car show in the world. It is held annually and features over 1,000 cars, with a strong emphasis on rare and authentic vehicles.

11. **The Muscle Car Museum** - This Daytona Beach, Florida museum is dedicated solely to muscle cars and has over 200 vehicles on display, including rare models and iconic brands from the golden era of muscle cars.

12. **The AACA Museum** - The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, has a collection that includes muscle cars, showcasing the evolution of American automotive power and design.

These museums and events provide a valuable insight into the history and cultural significance of muscle cars. They often serve as educational institutions, offering information on the engineering, design, and societal impact of these vehicles. The collections are typically curated with attention to historical accuracy and preservation, ensuring that the muscle car legacy is maintained for future generations. The size of the collections and the scale of the museums reflect the enduring popularity and fascination with muscle cars in American culture.