If there is one aspiration that many car guys have, it seems a large collection of cars would top the list. Large is a relative word, but however you define it, for many, the more cars the better. When gathering a collection, some would like to focus on a particular make or model – like the Chevrolet Chevelle. For others, it seems like having one of everything would be the dream collection. After all, why limit yourself?
While you might think that having a huge collection of classic cars is a great idea, don’t forget that all of those cars will constantly require some sort of care and maintenance. But for one man, the care and maintenance was something he planned on, and the collection that he aspired to gather had to do with many factors.
First, any car destined for this collection had to be all original if it was stock, and unbelievably cool if it was modified. Since the owner of the collection would like to remain anonymous, we’ll just call him Lucky. We chose Lucky, because he has amassed a collection of cars that would make even William C. Durant proud.
Whatever you do, don’t get the idea in your head that these cars got parked and simply became 1:1 scale die-cast toys. Every car in this collection is occasionally driven and maintained by a crew of guys that all feel they have a truly great job.
Luck is with all of us in this instance, as Lucky feels that these cars should be admired and enjoyed by everyone. For that reason, he doesn’t keep the cars locked away in private storage somewhere. He has placed many of his cars in local museums in surrounding communities so that everyone has access to see them. The impact on each community has been overwhelmingly positive.
Recently, Lucky opened his latest museum to the public. For the grand opening festivities, he opened the doors at no charge, to anyone that wanted to see the cars. Enthusiast’s from as far as Florida came to see the collection, with free hamburgers and hot dogs for those that stopped by. Since we know that not everyone was able to join in the festivities at the new digs, we took the day and shot a lot of pictures so we could let you in on the gathering.
Our day began by driving way back into the sprawling rural country side of Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. What we found was a small community that was as Mayberry as you could ask for. But as nice as everyone in town was to us strangers, we were happy when we found the museum after driving just outside of town, making a left at the old airplane positioned at the end of the museum’s driveway.
The gathering of cars and automobilia is but a small sampling of a collection that has turned into a destination spot for automotive enthusiasts. The Eagles Mere Auto Museum may be a small portion of one man’s dream collection of automobiles, but it gives you a chance to relax and remember days gone by. The museum is housed under one roof and showcases over 75 50s and 60s vehicles.
While 95 percent of the collection is comprised of products by Chevrolet, there are also many unique pieces of vintage memorabilia that we’re certain some people have possibly never seen until they visit the building. This is Lucky’s second museum, and represents a period in time when the U.S. auto industry dominated the world of manufacturing.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Americans were full of confidence, optimism, and youthful exuberance, and nothing could stand in their way. The automotive designs of the 1950s was captured by low, long, and sleek automobiles, which left their boxy conservative-ancestors in the dust. The cars were also flashier–with tailfins, chrome, and unique paint colors. In the 1960s, it was all about muscle: everyone needed horsepower and speed. The museum highlights both generations; there truly is something for everyone at this place.
Not only does the museum allow you to explore automobile-related history with a varied assortment of antique neon and metal signs, gas pumps, and other quirky and fun memorabilia, there is even an interactive diorama of “Lefty’s Garage.” This old-time garage is an exact replica of a one-man shop where locals would go to get their cars fixed and grab a cup of coffee. Lefty’s Garage was actually transferred in its entirety from a neighboring town to the museum—complete with oil-stained floors. Be careful walking through the front door though, as Duke, the shop’s German Shepherd mascot stands guard.
This partial collection of American automotive history truly is the ultimate man cave. So that everyone can see the collection, the Eagles Mere Auto Museum is open to the public on weekends, and is definitely worth checking out. If you would like more information about the museum, be sure to check out their web site www.eaglesmereautomuseum.com. We highly encourage a visit.