Nestled in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, Florida, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum stands as a tribute to automotive history, showcasing an impressive collection of classic, antique, and vintage cars. Each vehicle in the museum’s extensive collection not only represents a pivotal era of car manufacturing but also chronicles the evolution of automotive design and technology.
Journey Through Automotive Eras
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, strategically located between Tampa and Clearwater, offers enthusiasts and historians alike a chance to explore some of the most significant vehicles ever produced. Here are highlights from the collection of cars housed in the museum:
Pioneering Beginnings
1770 Fardier de Cugnot: Marvel at a replica of the first self-propelled vehicle, setting the foundation for future transportation.
1899 Société Parisienne: View the pioneering design of the first production front-wheel drive vehicle.
Icons of Innovation
1909 Daimler TB22 Drophead: Admire this rare vehicle, powered by the innovative Sleeve Valve engine.
1929 Cord L29 & Ruxton: Discover these early models featuring groundbreaking CV joint front-wheel drive systems.
Milestones in Engineering
1937 Citroën 7CV: Known as the 'Traction Avant', this vehicle was the world’s first unibody front-wheel drive.
1964 Studebaker Avanti: Explore the advanced engineering of this model with its aero-fiberglass body and supercharged V8.
Revolutionaries in Fuel and Functionality
1917 Owen Magnetic: A forward-thinking hybrid design combining gasoline and electric power.
1929 Gazogène Ford Model A: Demonstrates an early adaptation to fuel scarcity by running on coal or wood gas, an innovative example of alternative fuel use in automotive history.
1970 Mazda Cosmo & NSU RO80: Both highlight revolutionary rotary engine technology.
Unforgettable Designs
1938 Panhard Dynamic: Features a Silent Knight Sleeve valve engine within a stunning Art-Deco unibody.
1982 DeLorean DMC-12: Famous for its role in pop culture, this classic car with its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors remains a symbol of 1980s automotive ambition.
Pioneers of the Racetrack
1929 Tracta A: Witness this iconic front-wheel-drive vehicle that made a significant impact at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing its durability and advanced engineering.
1974 Renault Alpine A110 1600 VD: Admire this legendary rally car known for its performance and styling, which dominated the international rally scene and captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide.
Vintage Wonders
1929 Cord L29: Explore one of the first American cars with a production CV joint front-wheel drive system.
1928 Alvis FD 12-75: Admire the pioneering use of supercharged aluminum engines and bodies.
Antique Marvels
1947 Talbot Lago Record: Experience the epitome of post-war luxury and performance.
1969 Ford Zephyr: Showcases the innovative spirit of the era with its all-wheel-drive and anti-lock brakes.
Classic Beauties
1965 Chevrolet Corvair Corsa: A groundbreaking vehicle featuring a turbocharged, air-cooled engine.
1952 Jaguar XK120: The world’s fastest production car at its debut, renowned for its beauty and speed.
Plan Your Visit
Located in the heart of St. Pete, the museum is an ideal destination for car enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking for an engaging day out. Easy access from Tampa and Clearwater ensures it’s a convenient stop for anyone touring the Tampa Bay area.