If you’re a car enthusiast, the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska is a must-visit destination. This non-profit museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying artifacts of American automotive history. With over 135,000 square feet of space, the museum boasts an impressive collection of race cars, classic cars, and automotive memorabilia.
Visitors can explore the history of American racing and automotive culture through interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and informative videos. From vintage hot rods to modern muscle cars, the museum has something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard gearhead or just appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of classic cars, you’ll find plenty to admire at the Museum of American Speed.
But the museum isn’t just for car enthusiasts. Anyone with an interest in American history and culture will appreciate the unique insights offered by the exhibits. From the early days of the automobile industry to the present day, the museum provides a fascinating look at how cars have shaped American life and culture. So whether you’re a seasoned car buff or just looking for a fun and educational day trip, the Museum of American Speed is well worth a visit.
History of the Museum
The Museum of American Speed is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and racing fans. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of American racing and automotive culture. The museum was established in 1992 by Speedway Motors founder “Speedy” Bill Smith and his wife Joyce Smith, who spent over 60 years collecting and preserving automobilia.
The museum moved to its current location on the Speedway Motor’s campus in 2001, and since then, it has been presenting a continuous chronology of automotive Racing Engine and Speed Equipment development. The museum’s collection includes over 150,000 square feet of space, housing more than 600 vehicles, including race cars, hot rods, classic cars, and motorcycles, and thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents.
One of the most significant aspects of the museum’s collection is its focus on the evolution of racing engines and speed equipment. Visitors can see the development of high-performance engines from the early days of racing to modern times, including engines used in NASCAR, IndyCar, and other racing series. The museum also showcases the history of speed equipment, including carburetors, intake manifolds, and exhaust systems, and how they have evolved over time.
The Museum of American Speed is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a racing fan, a car enthusiast, or just interested in American history, the museum’s collection is sure to impress. So, if you’re planning a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, make sure to add the Museum of American Speed to your itinerary!
Exhibits
The Museum of American Speed is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of American racing and automotive culture.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, filled with rare and iconic vehicles, engines, and racing memorabilia. Visitors can explore a vast array of exhibits, each one offering a unique glimpse into the history of American speed and innovation.
Cars
The car exhibits at the Museum of American Speed are a car lover’s dream come true. The museum features a variety of rare and iconic vehicles, including classic muscle cars, vintage race cars, and custom-built hot rods.
Visitors can marvel at the sleek lines and powerful engines of these incredible machines, and learn about the history of American car culture through interactive exhibits and displays. Some of the highlights of the car exhibits include:
- The Shelby Series 1 Roadster, the only car ever produced by Carroll Shelby from a clean sheet of paper, and built from the ground up
- The 1953 Corvette, the rarest Corvette, they were white with a red interior, all had Powerglide automatic transmissions mated to 150 HP, six cylinder engines with three carburetors and dual exhaust.
- Hedy Lamarr’s 1958 Cadillac, Hedy Lamarr bought this Cadillac in 1958 from Clarence Dixon Cadillac in Beverly Hills.
Motorcycles
The motorcycle exhibits at the Museum of American Speed showcase the evolution of American motorcycle culture, from the early days of Harley-Davidson to the modern era of high-performance bikes.
Visitors can explore a variety of vintage and modern motorcycles, including race bikes, choppers, and cruisers. Some of the highlights of the motorcycle exhibits include:
- 1912 Indian Board Track Racer, This 1912 Indian has the original 500cc single-cylinder engine with a Bosch American Magneto and Hedstrom carburetor. The rigid frame is factory-built, with turn-down handlebars, and is presented in the traditional factory Indian colors.
- Honest Charley’s Custom Flathead, Beginning in 2000, the Honest Charley Speed Shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee, began hand-building a handful of these custom motorcycles in conjunction with Coker Tire, a supplier of vintage tires for vintage vehicles.
- The Widow Maker, E,J. Potter got the idea stuck in his head that a small-block Chevy engine looked like a Harley motor from the end, only longer. Finally following through with that reasoning, in 1960, Potter used a Harley frame as the base for the first bike.
Engines
The engine exhibits at the Museum of American Speed offer a fascinating look at the inner workings of some of the most powerful and innovative engines in American history.
Visitors can see engines from a variety of different eras, including vintage race engines, high-performance street engines, and modern racing engines. Some of the highlights of the engine exhibits include:
- 327 Small Block Chevy Latham, Known as the infamous Latham Supercharger, it was sold until 1965. These were designed with a sheet-metal blade installed into a hub locked by another outer ring. Initially, these superchargers were supplied with Carter one barrel side draft carburetors in 2 or 4-carb setups.
- 1930 Cadillac V-16, Cadillac produced two of only the three production, gasoline-fueled V16 engine models in history. Both were used in the Cadillac V-16 automobile from 1930 until 1937.
- Brayton V-8 Indy Engine, This engine was designed, engineered and built at Brayton Engineering in Coldwater, Michigan, to power the INDY car Scott Brayton was to drive in the 1994 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
Special Collections
The Museum of American Speed is home to an impressive collection of unique and rare artifacts that tell the story of American automotive history. The museum’s special collections are some of the most fascinating exhibits on display.
One of the most impressive collections is the Bonneville Salt Flats exhibit. This exhibit showcases the history of land speed racing at Bonneville and features some of the most iconic vehicles to ever race on the flats. Visitors can see the famous “Spirit of America” jet car that broke the land speed record in 1964, as well as other record-breaking vehicles.
Another must-see exhibit is the “Cars of the Stars” collection. This exhibit showcases the personal cars of some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen, and Frank Sinatra. Visitors can see the famous pink Cadillac that Elvis drove, as well as the 1968 Mustang GT from the movie Bullitt. For fans of drag racing, the museum’s “Drag Racing USA” exhibit is a must-see. This exhibit showcases the history of drag racing in America and features some of the most iconic cars to ever hit the strip.
Visitors can see the famous “Swamp Rat” dragster that Don Garlits drove to victory, as well as other record-breaking vehicles. The museum’s special collections are constantly changing, so there is always something new to see. Whether you’re a fan of land speed racing, Hollywood glamour, or drag racing, the Museum of American Speed has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to see these incredible artifacts up close and personal.
Events and Activities
The Museum of American Speed is not just a place to see amazing vehicles, but it also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy car shows, educational programs, and special exhibits that showcase the history of American racing and speed.
One of the most popular events is the Cars & Coffee. The Cars & Coffee event takes place on the last Saturday of each month from May through October at the Speedway Motors Campus. From 8 am to noon, attendees are encouraged to bring their specialty vehicles and enjoy complimentary coffee while admiring an impressive collection of cars, including their own. Those who bring a specialty vehicle receive two free vouchers to the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed.
There is also the International Speedster’s Trials and Reunion. This will take place from June 21st-24th, 2023 at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, NE. The event will include a road trip through rural Nebraska, a Cars and Coffee gathering, a Hill Climb competition with classes for cars powered by pre-1935 four-cylinder engines, dyno testing available for registration, and an induction ceremony for the year’s honorees into the MTFCA Speedster and Racer Hall of Fame.
There will also be other activities both inside and outside of the museum, as well as ample time set aside for museum touring. The biennial Speedsters Reunion celebrates the fun and excitement of early four-cylinder engine-powered cars, at any stage of tuning or modification. Enthusiasts of early 4-cyl powered cars, regardless of manufacture or current body style, are encouraged to attend.
Overall, the Museum of American Speed is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American racing and speed. With its diverse range of events and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Visitor Information
Hours of Operation
The Museum of American Speed is open from Thursday to Saturday. On Thursdays and Fridays, the museum is open from 12 pm to 4:30 pm. On Saturdays, the museum is open from 9 am to 1 pm. The museum is closed on Sundays. Guided tours are available on weekdays at 1 pm, while self-guided tours are available on all three floors.
Admission Fees
The admission fee for adults is $15, while seniors (65+) and military personnel pay $10. Children ages 6-15 years of age pay $5, children 5 and under are admitted for free.
Location and Directions
Accessibility
The Museum of American Speed is wheelchair accessible, and a wheelchair is available for visitors upon request. Additionally, the museum has an elevator that provides access to all three floors.
Conclusion
The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is a must-visit destination for any car enthusiast or history buff. With its vast collection of racing and automotive memorabilia, the museum offers a unique and immersive experience that will leave visitors in awe.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage cars, hot rods, or modern racing, the Museum of American Speed has something for everyone. The museum’s exhibits showcase the evolution of American speed and the iconic vehicles that have shaped it. From the earliest days of racing to modern-day supercars, visitors can explore the history and technology behind some of the most famous vehicles ever built.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of engines. Visitors can see everything from classic V8s to modern-day hybrids and learn about the engineering that goes into creating these powerful machines. The museum also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it’s like to drive a race car or work on an engine.
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