Dabler Auto Body

Get Your Kicks at the Route 66 Car Museum

Along one of the most famous roadways in the United States—Route 66—you’ll find the Route 66 Car Museum. Located in Springfield, Missouri, which is known as the birthplace of Route 66, this museum opened in June 2016. Inside the 20,000-square-foot facility, you’ll find American and European automobiles collected by Guy Mace over the last 20 years.

So, if your summer vacation takes you through Missouri, why not check out the iconic Route 66 Car Museum? At Dabler Auto Body, we love visiting car museums all over the country so when we venture out of Salem, OR, we like to see as many classic cars that we possibly can!

With a passion for cars, Mace began the unique collection with the purchase of his first Jaguar in 1990. Since then, he has accumulated nearly 70 automobiles. According to reports, his staff ensures the cars’ batteries are charged so he can occasionally drive the vehicles.

There are a variety of cars included in Mace’s collection. You’ll find vehicles from the early period of automotive manufacturing—from the late 1890s until 1915—referred to as the Brass Era. Brass fittings were used in the vehicles during this period for parts such as lights and radiators in the vehicles, which most call horseless carriages. 

Mace also has several classics. An older automobile, a classic car is one that has enough historical interest to be a collectible and is worth preserving or restoring. In addition to celebrity cars on display, those featured in movies or popular television shows, there are many sports cars in the collection—two-door vehicles with two seats and are designed for performance.

In addition to seven Jaguars and two Rolls Royces, you’ll find the following vehicles at the Route 66 Car Museum:

A 1926 Kissel Brougham, a National First Prize winner of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA)

A 1936 Horch, which was one of approximately 50 sold in 1937 to the German government for the military’s general officers during World War II. The vehicle received the first-place award in the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Prewar Preservation Class.

A 1963 Morgan that was owned by Norman Schwarzkopf from Desert Storm

The truck used in the movie “Grapes of Wrath” that starred Henry Fonda

The “Gotham Cruiser” from the movie “Batman”

Car aficionados from around the world have come to visit Mace’s collection. The museum is located at 634 W. College Street in a building that once was Mace’s Turblex aeration-blower factory before he converted it to the museum. 

While you’re there, don’t forget to take a peek at the unique gift store where you’ll find old signs, oil/gas cans and vintage toys of tin, metal and antique rubber. As you’re cruising down Route 66, perhaps singing the famous song, “Get Your Kicks on Route 66,” consider stopping at the museum, which will take you back in history.

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Source: Wikipedia, AOL and VIA Magazine