Wellborn Musclecar Museum

There are few museums out there like the Wellborn Musclecar Museum, and that’s a good thing. Most museums have cars that are out of reach, but this museum, while having stanchions, allows much more involvement with the vehicles.

The museum is housed in an old dealership but at one time was an antique store, and after that usefulness ran out, it was just storage. That’s where Tim Wellborn came in. Wanting to give back to his community, he bought the old, dilapidated dealership and re-fashioned it into the Wellborn Musclecar Museum.

The museum houses a wide variety of muscle cars that Tim either owns, or are on loan. The contents tend to lean in the direction of Mopar Muscle, and it would not be surprising to find a row of 1971 Hemi Chargers or GTXs. There is also a smattering of rare, E-body muscle hanging around, including a 1970 and 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda, and 1970 Challenger T/A. Back in the lobby, there is a Ford GT in Gulf livery and a 1996 Dodge Viper GTS. Yu just never know what is going to pop up.

Every weekend the museum is open on Saturdays, and they regularly host car shows and car club get-togethers, such as the Mopars at the Museum event, which brought 100 cars to the site. Last year the museum hosted the Aero Warriors Reunion. As someone who has traveled around the country, this museum, the contents, and whole atmosphere are not to be missed.

Link to website: wellbornmusclecarmuseum.com

McCandless Collection

See the evolution of automotive design at the McCandless Collection, a classic car museum where each classic car is a page from the Forward Look Era’s book. This isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality and innovation that changed the face of 20th century cars.

As we add more and more rare vehicles, antiques and memorabilia to our collection over time, you’ll see something new every time you come back to see us at The McCandless Collection.

  • The McCandless Collection is all about the Forward Look Era, featuring a vast array of classic cars and vintage automotive memorabilia, a deep dive into the culture and auto industry history.

  • The classic car museum has cars like the 1957 Chrysler 300C and rare models like the Ghia Limousine and 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible, the innovation and cultural impact of their time.

  • Visitors can interact with exhibits, special events, educational programs and car enthusiast gatherings, a total experience of classic auto history.

The McCandless Collection, a classic car museum in North Carolina, is all about ‘The Forward Look Era’ cars and memorabilia. It’s a time warp to an era of radical design and technology. We have a huge selection of classic cars from this era. But it doesn’t stop at the cars.

A lot of vintage automotive memorabilia too. Sketches a picture of the culture and history of the automotive industry. From vintage race helmets and trophies to signs and rare documents, the memorabilia adds another layer to the experience.

The Forward Look Era

The Forward Look Era was a big deal in the automotive industry. Virgil Exner was the head of design at Chrysler from 1955 to 1963. This was the era that changed the shape of the car. The long, low and wide cars and the big tailfins were the hallmark of the era.

Chrysler’s design innovations were so big that General Motors had to change their designs. The influence of the Forward Look Era is still felt today in the automotive industry. That’s how big it was.

Vintage Automotive Memorabilia

Beyond the cool cars, the McCandless Collection has a ton of vintage automotive memorabilia. These artifacts give you a deep look into the culture and history of the Forward Look Era. Adds a lot of context to the classic cars on display.

The memorabilia often includes:

  • race and replica helmets

  • trophies

  • signs

  • rare documents

  • models of classic cars

Link to website: mccandlesscollection.com

The Brothers Car Collection

The Brothers Collection houses the largest collection of automobiles in the Pacific Northwest, all painstakingly restored and displayed. Enjoy a close-up view of your favorite makes and models, and see unique and exotic makes for the first time.

The Brothers Collection exists to serve those who need help. Our admission fees are donated to those charities and outreach programs chosen by the event hosts. Join us in changing lives – and have a memorable time. 

Link to website: thebrotherscollection.com