Revving Up Nostalgia: A Visit to Auburn’s Classic Car Haven

Drawn by the allure of classic cars and Art Deco architecture, I embarked on a journey to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. This visit promised a nostalgic trip down memory lane, connecting me with the rich history of American automotive innovation.

A Journey Back in Time

As I stepped into the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, I was immediately transported back to a time when the open road was a symbol of freedom and adventure. The museum, housed in the original 1930s headquarters of the Auburn Automobile Company, is a treasure trove of automotive history. The Art Deco architecture of the building itself is a marvel, a testament to an era when design was as important as function.

Walking through the museum, I was struck by the sheer beauty and elegance of the cars on display. Over 120 classic, antique, and vintage automobiles are showcased here, each one a masterpiece of engineering and design. The museum’s collection includes some of the most significant automobiles from the 1890s to today, and each car tells a story of innovation and craftsmanship.

The signage throughout the museum provides a wealth of information about the history of car manufacturing in Indiana and offers a broader perspective on American history. It’s a fascinating journey through time, and I found myself lost in the stories of these incredible machines and the people who built them.

A Personal Connection

As I wandered through the museum, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with classic cars. I was reminded of a summer afternoon in the early 1980s when I had the chance to ride in a 1936 Auburn. My cousins and I were visiting our grandmother in Larimore, North Dakota, when we spotted a neighbor’s son about to take his gleaming white Auburn for a spin. We were so enamored with the car that he offered to take us for a ride around town.

That ride left a lasting impression on me, and the Auburn name has been etched in my memory ever since. Seeing these magnificent cars up close at the museum brought back a flood of memories from that day, and I felt a deep sense of nostalgia for a time when life seemed simpler and the open road was full of possibilities.

Celebrating American Ingenuity

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is more than just a collection of beautiful cars; it’s a celebration of American ingenuity and the spirit of innovation that has driven our country forward. The museum’s staff and volunteers have done an incredible job of preserving this important piece of automotive history, and their passion for these cars is evident in every detail.

As I left the museum, I felt a renewed appreciation for the role that automobiles have played in shaping our culture and our history. The open road has always been a source of inspiration for me, and this visit reminded me of the joy and freedom that comes with exploring new places and discovering the stories that connect us all.

For anyone with a love of vintage cars, architecture, or American history, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is a must-see destination. It’s a place where the past comes to life, and where the spirit of adventure is alive and well. I can’t wait to return and explore more of the stories that this incredible museum has to offer.

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About the Author
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Fiona Ridgeway
Fiona collects data on scenic routes, small-town charm, and reviews from travelers driving across the American Midwest. She creates heartfelt, data-driven road trip itineraries that showcase America’s highways.