| HOME | ABOUT THE MUSEUM | PLAN A VISIT | MAPS & VIEWS | MEMBERSHIP & SPONSORS | CONTACT US |
About the Gilmore Car Museum
Click the arrow on the movie below to play. Run time – 6-1/2 minutes
The Gilmore Car Museum began in 1963 as the hobby of Donald S. Gilmore when his wife, Genevieve, gave him an antique car for his birthday — a 1920 Pierce-Arrow “project car.” With the help of some friends, the auto was placed under a tent and a full restoration followed. The hobby soon grew into a collection of over 30 automobiles. Mr. Gilmore purchased 90 acres of farm property and had several historic barns dismantled piece by piece and moved to the site. It was Mr. Gilmore’s wife who suggested the idea of turning the collection into a museum where future generations could enjoy the restored cars for years to come. The Gilmores established a non-profit foundation, and opened the museum to the public for the first time on Sunday, July 31, 1966. Donald Gilmore passed away in 1979, and Mrs. Gilmore in 1990, but the legacy they began continues to grow.
Today, the site includes eight historic barns, a re-created 1930s service station, a small town train station, and nearly three miles of paved roads. It isn’t uncommon for guest to catch a glimpse of one of the vintage cars or the authentic London double-decker bus in motion. And if you visit on a weekend or special show, don’t be surprised if the driver asks you to hop in for a nostalgic road trip! Besides experiencing the wonderful collection of automobiles, you might find yourself reliving (or even making a few) childhood memories viewing the nearly 75 vintage pedal cars on exhibit. One of North America’s largest displays of automotive hood ornaments and name badges can also be found in the combined collections of The Gilmore and CCCA museums.
The Museum is a founding member of the National Association of Automobile Museums, a member of the World Forum of Motor Museums, the Michigan Association of Museums, and the American Association of Museums.
For more information on the Gilmore Car Museum call 269.671.5089 or
Click here to visit the Gilmore Car Museum web site.
HOURS:
Gilmore Car Museum Hours:
Open Year-Round
Mon. – Fri. 9am – 5pm EST
Sat. & Sun. 9am – 6pm EST
Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Admission RATES:
CCCA Museum Members – FREE on non-event days
Adults, 16 and over – $10.00
AAA Members – $9.00
Seniors, 62 and over – $9.00
Students 7-15 – $8.00
Children 6 & Under – FREE (Must be accompanied by an adult)
Group Rates Available
Upcoming EVENTS:
This years Experience weekend will take place June 1-3, 2012 at the Classic Car Club of America Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. The theme for the 2012 event is Vintage Foreign Classics through 1965 and all CCCA Full Classics®. No Club affiliation is required to participate for the Sunday Experience Concours. On Saturday June 2 there will be a Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic only for CCCA Full Classics® cars and requires Club membership to participate. Watch for more information soon.
About the CLUB:
The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) is about vintage automobiles and the pleasure of the sport. Since its beginning in 1952, the Members of the CCCA have been dedicated to the collection, preservation and enjoyment of the world’s finest cars. As in the beginning, automobiles manufactured during the Grand Classic® Era from1919 to 1948 remain the primary focus of the Club today.
