Visit the San Diego Automotive Museum to see a collection of cars and motorcycles that range from early 20th-century models to modern record-breakers.
Explore the permanent exhibitions on display year-round. See a range of makes including Fords from the early 1900s and Alfa Romeos from the 1960s. Some vehicles bring the city’s history to life you can almost imagine them speeding through San Diego’s streets.
Marvel at Louie Mattar’s car, one of the biggest attractions in the collection. In the 1950s Louie converted a 1947 Cadillac into something resembling a miniature apartment on wheels. The backseat contains a stove, toilet, kitchen sink and mini-ironing board. The attached trailer has a water tank as well as a small open-air dining area. Find out how Louie used this incredible machine in a record-breaking trip across the country.
Learn how some early cars were designed to drive on wooden-plank roads. At the beginning of the 20th century, a wooden road was part of the highway that crossed the desert to link California with Arizona. Farmers and traders frequently used the road and their heavy trucks quickly splintered and cracked the planks. The cost of maintenance was enormous for the California State Highway Commission. Lower-maintenance asphalt replaced the wooden highway in 1926.
Enjoy the array of Harley Davidson and Indian motorcycles. Read the information about the founders of these two companies and look at the fantastic photo display. Steve McQueen’s bikes and movie stunts are also a favorite sight for racing enthusiasts.
Check out the temporary exhibits that showcase car history from around the world. Past exhibits have included Japanese, European and British manufacturing collections. Laugh at the more entertaining displays, which have included Evel Knievel’s motorbike and cars from classic movie scenes.
Park in the neighboring Pan American Plaza parking lot and buy your tickets to the museum at the entry. San Diego Automotive Museum is a little gem for travelers who want to learn about this country’s history of car design and road travel.
