Visiting The Tupelo Automobile Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi
When my husband first suggested we jump off the gorgeous Natchez Trace Parkway to visit a car museum, my thoughts were not pleasant, but I did agree to make the stop. To my surprise, what we found was a completely different kind of beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed touring the Tupelo Automobile Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi.
It is a different kind of museum than what I normally prefer, but the relics made it well worth my while. The museum is 12,000 square feet, but it was an easy walking tour thanks to the way the cars are lined up in rows.
I was fascinated by the older cars! The Tupelo Automobile Museum has over 100 antique cars on display. Some have been restored, out of necessity, while others appear to have just been well maintained by their owners.
I especially loved the way the museum was laid out in chronological order. From the entrance of the museum, we started our tour walking straight ahead with the oldest cars. However, you could turn left and start with the race cars and take the route backwards to see the newest cars first.
Oh, and lest I forget to tell you, the museum is air-conditioned. A huge improvement over an outdoor car show.
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| Exterior of the Tupelo Automobile Museum |
Sadly, the Tupelo Automobile Museum Closed Down in 2019
Please enjoy the photos from the past!
Photos of The Tupelo Automobile Museum
The exterior of the building doesn't begin to reflect or represent what you will see inside!
This collection of cars was originally a private collection owned by Frank Spain. Mr. Spain decided to build the museum and share his collection with the world. He had bigger plans for the museum that included a coffee shop for women and possibly a restaurant, but he died before he was able to add them. I do think having a coffee shop for women, who are often less intrigued by cars than men, was a wonderful idea. I would have welcomed a break for a sandwich and coke myself and then return to the museum to see what I might have missed on our first pass.
I took lots of pictures at The Tupelo Automobile Museum. There are audio boxes by the cars that tell some of the history of the cars and interesting facts. Honestly, I was more interested in looking than listening. Of course, I was with my own historical scholar and I would much rather hear what he was saying than the recorded voice.
1904 Model D
Unlike the Reo in the photo above, the Model D (below) provided covering for all of it's passengers. However, the feature that got my attention here was that basket on the side. This was a fun exercise for my imagination as I considered what would have been stored in that basket. Perhaps a picnic (food always comes to mind), but then I thought what about the ladies parasols or the gentleman's hats. Would they really make a provision for parasols or hats? Why not! Comfort was obviously a factor. And, either way, I love the creative covered storage area.
1908 Columbus Firestone
I was fascinated by the 1908 Columbus Firestone. It is the first time I have ever seen this car.
I couldn't help but note, if I only saw it from the side, I would have assumed it was a horse drawn carriage. Expensive, yes. Self-propelled automotive? Nope, I wouldn't have recognized that immediately.
1915 Trumbull
The 1915 Trumbull was notable for a totally different reason. It may not be obvious in the photo, but those seats were tiny! A stark reminder of how much smaller people were in the early 1900's.
From side to side, I doubt the seat is as wide as a Ferris wheel seat. There is no question there is less leg room than a Ferris wheel seat.
1912 Carter Car
This is one you would not want to miss! At first, it did not grab my eye. However, once I heard the history of the Carter Car - 4 Door, Model R, I was mystified by this car. This is 1 of 6 known to exist!
The 1917 Pierce Arrow
The Pierce Arrow design appealed to me greatly. I hated to move on past it. What a difference a few years can make when truly creative geniuses are at work.
Needless to say, I have expensive tastes. The 1917 Pierce Arrow originally sold for $6,500. Compare that to the 1915 Trumbull (shown above) that originally sold for $425. Yes, I am still laughing, but I would love to own a Pierce Arrow, even today. But, I would only sit in it in an enclosed garage. I would never want the sun to touch that beauty and definitely not the rain!
1923 Brewster
Take a look at the interior of the 1923 Brewster. The front seat was leather, while the back seats were cloth. The window between the driver and passengers could only be opened by a passenger, thus the reason for the "speaking tube" intercom.
1927 Ford Model T
When we reached the Ford Model T, I felt I was in more familiar territory, simply because I have heard of a Model T before. I have never ridden in one and it is considerably older than I am. Yet, it looks like it is in a lot better condition.
Clearly with over 100 cars, I can't show you all of them. If you like the cars featured in this article, you should definitely visit the Tupelo Automobile Museum. There are dozens more that are just as beautiful and just as interesting as the ones I have shared. You will note that I focused on cars from the first quarter of the century, but there are decades of cars that followed and are on display in the museum.
The Gift Shop in the Tupelo Automobile Museum
For those of you who really are not interested in looking at the cars, or who have seen all you wish to see long before your partner has, there is a huge gift shop. It is beautifully arranged and full of wonderful gift or souvenir items.
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