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California Automobile Museum
Categories: Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Arts & Entertainment Museums Venues & Event Spaces, Museums [Edit]
2200 Front StSacramento, CA 95818
Neighborhood: Downtown
(916) 442-6802
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
37 reviews for California Automobile Museum
Review Highlights
37 reviews in English
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Review from Coral H.
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fun place to hold an event or spend an afternoon. All kinds of cars. Something for everyone.
Sometimes they have motorcycles too! -
Review from Christina S.
Davis, CA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Super chilly inside, $4 student admission with valid ID.
There were lots of little historical displays that set the setting for older cars, with lots of old cars and parts. There were interactive sections to entertain the non-car savvy. There were a lot of photo opportunities for children and the young at heart in various cars. You can get a free tour from any of the very nice men in blue vests, who really do know a lot of interesting tidbits about the various cars.
I wasn't a huge fan, but the boyfriend was very excited. You also get a discount at the gift shop for checking in! -
Review from Miss M.
Sacramento, CA
12/29/2011
Just held our office xmas party here last week and everything was perfect! We had about 80 last minute guests arrive and the staff at the museum didn't skip a beat! They were on it helping us add tables and chairs! I couldn't say enough nice things about the staff at the California Auto Museum. Very friendly and helpful! This is our 2nd year having our xmas party at the museum, and I have a feeling it's going to be a tradition now! :)
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Review from Elizabeth M.
West Sacramento, CA
12/27/2011
This place makes me wish i knew a butt load about cars and all their parts and whatnots. For people who do know a lot about cars, this would be your little piece of heaven. Huge display of cars, more than i thought there would be to be honest. For current students its $4. Adults is like ~8. Its a bit nippy in there so, this makes for a great date idea. ;) keep that special someone warm while looking at classic beauties. The row of Mustangs was amaaaazzzzing, btw. They almost got jacked, just saying.
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Review from Kara B.
Sacramento, CA
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Va va va vroooom!
Rad little muesum full of all types of automobiles from EVERY era - a horse, an REO Speed Wagon (never knew it wasn't just a band) , a one-of-a-kind 70's custom recreational vehicle (it's actually quite scary and neat-o at the same time), and a light pearl pink mac daddy Caddy, that I would totally jack... just to give you an idea.
It's a local mueseum, folks - show em some love. Visit often. The price is minimal (CSAA members get a little discount). Try not to drool all over my Caddy. -
Review from Leopard S.
Sacramento, CA
6/27/2011
Wow...beautiful classic cars that are obviously well loved and well maintained. Everything from Model A's to Camaros, motorcycles, trucks. Show your AAA card and get a dollar off admission. Its in a warehouse, and being summertime, it was HOT in there, even with their swamp coolers going. I would imagine the best time to come would be spring or fall. This was a fun trip back in time-a great learning experience too.
I heard they have a Wurlitzer organ here. When I talked to one of the people that work there, she told me they only use it for special events as people have tried to touch it in the past. I guess its one thing to touch a classic car, its another to touch a Wurlitzer organ. Really tragic it sits in storage. -
Review from Jason G.
9/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Nice selection and reminiscent of an era gone by.
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Review from Sky Y.
San Jose, CA
4/11/2011 10 photos
I came here on a cold Friday morning and it was probably even colder inside than outside. The building is pretty much like a big garage that isn't heated for the exception of the entrance area.
Since it was a weekday morning, there weren't very many visitors. Probably less than a handful. There were several docents who walked around and offered information.
There's a wide range of cars on display at the museum. From my understanding, most cars are loaned to the museum by private citizens so different cars will cycle in and out for display. We stayed for over an hour and had a chance to look at everything within that time and took pictures.
I liked that there's ample parking for visitors and the museum was easy to find. I wouldn't mind visiting again in the future. -
Review from Cindy M.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/28/2011
What an incredible place to spend an afternoon, or to hold an event! I got lost in the many rooms of classic and exotic cars, motorbikes, Automobilia and other memorabilia. The gift shop has all kinds of goodies for a car enthusiast like me! I came back weeks later to attend a concert. The museum routinely rents a portion of the building to touring music groups and more and in between sets, it's an incredible experience for visitors to stroll among the chrome, metal and wheels. I've worked with the staff of the museum. They are all wonderful people and very passionate about the museum and assuring a wonderful visitor experience. It's also worth visiting the museum several times a year as the staff creatively secures various collections to display you won't find anywhere else. If you haven't been yet, plan a trip to Sacramento for the day, or stay a weekend and visit the California State Capitol and downtown Sacramento near the waterway where there are dozens of wonderful restaurants and shops to explore.
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Review from Revorc P.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2011 12 photos
This place is a sham!!! Lowriders until January 9th, huh?! I went on the 7th and I only got to see two from afar because they were busy dissembling their exhibition!!! (Hehehe) Meh, whatevz.
They allow pictures. They let you hop behind two cars to snap a photo or two + one racecar cardboard cutout thing. They even sell cars here, or refer you to their eBay page. Mmm, student discount. Also have AAA discount. Bathrooms. Large array of stalls + clean. Workers ready to answer any questions (since they look super bored due to no visitors.. o.o)
It is rather cold in here, I must say. My nose was like an icicle. The workers know it too, even offering us to step outside to the car to grab an extra jacket or two... little did they know I was already sporting two sweaters and a large scarf. What more could I do... Hrm. But, it is like a extra large garage. A garage full of cars. Cars. Cars are kinda cool, I think... Especially a 1929 Ford Model A MAIL TRUCK!!! WHOOHOOO! AND AMBULANCE!! DOUBLE WHOO. -
Review from Gloria C.
I am not a car fan.
I mean, definitely I learned some things while shopping for my own car, and it is interesting to learn fun facts about cars. But I'm hardly the type to just want to read up about them.
So why would I come here? -shrug- I'm not one to really pass up the oppurtunity to try something new.
I was pleasantly surprised. They have a wide array of cars to look at, and for many the names and the types will whiz right by ( as it did to me.) The standout part, however, were the wonderful docents giving a tour for each visitor. Chock full of information, they will tailor their tour based on what you may or may not want to see.
I learned a lot from this museum, and now a bit more interest in cars. It isn't a monumental change, but from a non-car freak, that's pretty huge to me. I really did enjoy this museum. Well worth the 5 bucks for those with a mild interest in cars, a must-see for those who are in love with cars. -
Review from Serious C.
Sacramento, CA
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
It was FREEZING in the museum.
There were a couple arrows on the ground indicating the preferred flow of traffic but then there was none.. but, we made our way through.
I liked as we were walking through, the backdrop of each section changed.. Italian landmarks behind Italian cars or music to match.
Tons of vehicles. You can photo them. There's even a few photo opportunity spots marked. They circulate cars in and out of the museum so even if you've been before, you might catch something you didn't see before.
You don't need to be a car fanatic to enjoy this museum. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Sacramento, CA
12/29/2010
To say I was out of my element while visiting this museum is more than an understatement. I went with my dad because he loves cars and I'm a good daughter. My car knowledge is: pretty car, ugly car, fast car, slow car. I'm not kidding.
The museum is pretty cool. And by cool, I mean literally...as in polar ice cap cold. I was FREEZING! Bring a jacket, your mittens, and a hat because it's the same temp inside as it is outside. Brrr!
Ok ok, the museum is really interesting. Each of the cars has quick blurbs about it's design and history. Enough info to teach you things but not too much to bore you. There are a ton of cars from the very early beginnings of car production til about the 1950s and then the collection dwindles down. I had my hopes on seeing a Dolorean. No such majestic auto was there. Sad panda.
Right now they have a lowrider exhibit, which is intriguing and absurd at the same time (I told you I'm not a car person!). From a practical standpoint, they are totally ridiculous, but from an art perspective, they are pretty rad.
I probably won't come back anytime soon unless bribed with See's chocolates by a male in my life, but it's definitely worth checking out at least once. -
Review from Brooke K.
Sacramento, CA
8/5/2010
I'm not the kind of girl who's into cars at all (geez, I drive a Hyundai) so I probably never would have visited the California Automobile Museum on my own -- the visit was the BF's idea, but I'm glad he suggested it.
The Museum has a variety of cars from the early 20th century to modern cars, and everything in between. They have Henry Ford's wife's actual car, and a really cool one that the founder of Bank of America used during the Depression to transport cash to his banks that were running out. They have muscle cars, "ponies", and Dodge Vipers. My favorite part was the section on "green" cars (I can't understand why there aren't more electric cars).
And while my observations were generally along the lines of "Ooh, I like the color on that one!", the museum folks were smart enough to put mirrors under many of the cars so people like my BF, who know what all that stuff is, can look up the car's figurative skirt and check out the goods.
Two complaints. 1) No AC and it was hot in there. I hear it gets equally cold in the winter. 2) The layout is kind of confusing. Apparently they intend for you to start at a certain point and continue along some sort of route, but none of that is really clear.
Massive bonus points for the volunteer docents, though. Even on a random Thursday, four different volunteers came up to us and told us a story about the car we were looking at. They are all incredibly friendly and knowledgable, and they add a lot to the experience. One of them explained that they go through a 21-week training program -- wow! These guys know and love cars!
All in all, it was a fun and educational 2.5 hours. The California Automobile Museum is worth a visit for tourists and locals alike. -
Review from Julianna L.
West Sacramento, CA
2/23/2011
This museum features everything from steam-powered to eco-friendly to cheese-a-rific (T-top Trans-Am with the eagle hood? You bet!) and everything in-between. The Italian Automotive Design exhibit was worth the visit all on its own: the most allegient of American auto buffs would be hard-pressed not to have their gaze intercepted and fixed lustfully on this lineup of Fiats and motorcycles. Anyone planning their visit in the upcoming months, be warned: the facilities are chilly, so pack a fleece.
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Review from ZAC O.
Fairfield, CA
10/28/2009 2 photos
If you are a fan of automobiles? This is the place to go. I recently attended a wedding here and was truly impressed. The dance floor was large enough to cut a rug and the dining area was sitting above, so the non-dancers could still enjoy the view. When there was a lull in between wedding goings-on, we were able to roam around checking out some really nice cars and the most insane hearse I have ever seen. The bride and groom were picked up in an Old-School convertible right off of the dance floor after their vows.
Once again, truly the best wedding I have attended. This place would add a little flair to many different type of events and I would strongly recommend a visit if you are into the vintage autos. -
Review from Brad H.
12/28/2009
This is a great little museum. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but wow what a great collection of cars inside. Everything from a replica of Henry Ford's first car to the newest Tesla roadster can be found inside the walls. The museum features vehicles from all eras and most are in great shape. The docents clearly love their cars and know the history and interesting facts about every vehicle in the place. If you're at all interested in the history of the automobile or have children that think cars are cool, this is a place to visit. A motorcycle exhibit starts after the New Year and seeing some of the bikes they were wheeling out makes me want to return just to see what all is on display.
The only reason the museum loses a star is because it is not really climate controlled. The building is only heated at the entrance and with the current weather it is quite chilly to walk around the museum. Our docent told us the weather inside is usually worse than outside, so in the winter its cold and in the summer it is hot. While this is likely an operational cost issue, it does distract slightly from the experience of visiting the museum. However, if you dress appropriately, the temperature should not be an issue. -
Review from Christina H.
Sacramento, CA
11/29/2008
I've lived in Sacramento for over 7 years and never once thought of coming here. I feel guilty now because I really enjoyed my visit. We were able to get a discount for being CSAA members which was a nice bonus to the already decent admission price of $7.
We were on somewhat limited time when we got here so we figured we'd just cruise through and look at the cars. Shortly after we arrived, we were greeted by docent Fred Hutchinson who asked if we had any questions and if we wanted a tour. We didn't think it was necessary, but he walked along with us and pointed out many things that we would have never noticed and answered all of our questions. We soon realized it was worth taking our time and hearing about the changes in the model T's and other cars. He had a wealth of knowledge and I suggest looking for him as a tour guide.
I've never shown much interest in vintage cars but I found myself fascinated with the changes that have taken place and enamoured with the old styles. It's definitely a museum worth checking out! -
Review from Peter Y.
Palo Alto, CA
2/16/2009
I've been getting into cars lately, thinking about buying cars that I can't afford. This museum is great if you're even the slightest bit interested about cars. I was walking around looking at cars when one of the docents (forgot his name, think it was Randy or Rick) invited me to join his tour. I saw most of the museum by myself already but I decided to join anyway.
I'm definitely glad I did. He really made the museum a lot more interesting by explaining the evolution of the car from the first Model T to the cars we see today. He was very knowledgeable and showed me things that I would not have known if I hadn't joined the tour. He talked about why the 50's cars were designed the way they were, how the name 'dashboard' came about, and even about electric and hydrogen powered cars.
My favorite part was seeing classic muscle cars like three ORIGINAL Shelby Cobras and a couple Ford Mustangs and Chevy Corvettes. I wanted one of the Shelby Cobras but unfortunately it's a little out of my price range (over a million dollars).
The only complaint about the museum is that all these amazing cars are stored in a warehouse with a roof that needs some patching. It was raining when I went and water was dripping from the roof. I know the museum probably don't have that much money but it's a shame that these cars have to endure these conditions.
Still, it's worth visiting if you're in the area. They even have some cars for sale. They range in price from a couple thousand to really expensive. -
Review from Ann L.
2/2/2008
If you like classic cars then you should check out Towe Auto Museum. It's a huge warehouse full of classic cars. It was my 5th museum that day.
1956 Ford Crown Victoria
1950 Dodge Woodie Wagon
Buick
Ford
1960 Corvette
1966 Mustang
1962 Pontiac Bonneville
1960 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Cool for me: Wurlitzer organ-supposedly the most beautiful tone in the world. It was nice to see a live demo of it when someone played for us.
Kids class on how an engine works was kinda neat.
There's a small area to buy snacks like hot dogs, popcorn, etc.
Bathrooms available. Photos allowed.
Open daily 10-6. Closed Thanksgiving, Xmas, & New Year's Day.
website:
http://www.toweautomus...Listed in: Places to go in…
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Review from Jon M.
Sacramento, CA
9/5/2008
I feel kind of weird writing a review for this place since all of my trips have been forced by the County of Sacramento (XD), but I must say that if I ever have to do community service ever again, I'll be sure to come back here!
All of the staff, including their volunteers, are exceptional people. They really take the time to explain everything to you whether it be a quick question or a full guided tour of the entire museum. What I found most interesting is that they cover everything from engine to finished product, from Model-T's to concept cars... this place has it all. In addition, they have special exhibits throughout the year. When I went, they focused on 'Woodies' (classic cars with real wood paneling on the sides), and the now defunct 'Mini Racers'. Amazing stuff for the brain and the imagination.
This is a place for young and old alike, and though I'm no gear head, I quickly came to appreciate the automobile from just a few trips around the museum. -
Review from Kerri T.
5/5/2008
My dad would love this place. And, I'll bet, so would yours.
Auto museums are not a dime a dozen. They tend to be fairly focused, era-wise. Similarly, auto shows these days trend too often towards the souped-up, pimped-out, and rim-jobbed.
Fortunately, if you just like cars, or if your significant other loves cars, or if your dad is in town, Sacramento offers the Towe Auto Museum. Entrance fees are a measly $7 an adult, or $6 if you're a AAA member. The entrance area is pretty hokey, with personalized license plate souveneir crap mixed in with old car mags organized by year, but they've got some pretty cool car-themed greeting cards that I'm keeping in mind for father's day. Also, I'm not sure if the Vic's Ice Cream stand to the southeast of the entrance is just for show or not, but you betcha that I'll know for sure come summer.
Once you walk past the lobby area you realize just how vast the museum really is. Cars are organized by era, more or less, with some really gorgeous muscle cars, 40s and 50s era mobster cars, and my personal favorite, the classic convertibles (not the corvette, stupid, the good kind of convertables: the Aston Martins and the Austin Healeys). They've also got a gorgeous green Willy and some war-era jeeps, which makes me nostalgic because my dad used to collect old Jeepster and Willys.
The museum has been fortunate enough to garner some vehicles that I never knew existed, including one of the first FWDs and one of the first -ever auto to snow-mobile conversions. And for the hard-core grease monkeys, there's a entire wing of the museum devoted to the engine.
In writing this review I feel sort of like a grade school teacher after the first day of school, trying in vain to remember every single kid's name but only managing to recall the most memorable ones (troublemakers), which makes me want to go back again and again to become familiar with more of the history of the automobile and read more of the stories behind the donated vehicles that are now housed within the walls of the Towe.
I've not been to very many museums that lend themselves well to repeat visits, but I'll definitely be going back again and again to the Towe. By the way, May 10 begins their summer round of classic car drive-in movies, and say hi if you see me. I'll be the girl with the boy driving the white-hot 1973 Ford Gran Torino.Listed in: Sacramento Love, Daddy Day Care
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Review from P S.
Sacramento, CA
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here for a surprise birthday party for a gear-head friend. It is a wonderful venue for a party, even if you are not into cars. Docent Jerry shared lots of interesting tidbits about the cars. The site was wonderful for a party or special event.
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Review from Yetty B.
Rancho Cordova, CA
3/26/2009
I haven't heard about this museum in about years. I just have to go back. I has the most extensive and the most fabulous collection of cars I have ever seen. Even the kids loved it...
When I was there, the tour was a guided tour. It began in the showroom with a history of automobiles from some simple two cylinder jobs through whatever was most current when I was there. That included a Tucker, one of the rarer cars (only fifty some ever made).
Overall, the amount of history and elegance here, brings respect from even the most jaded car enthusiast. Many exhibition pieces rotate and change in and out of the museum due to most cars being on loan from collectors, which ensures return trips offer a different variety.
While it wont take up your whole day, the museum is a must for car lovers and does offer a memorable experience that everybody can enjoy. -
Review from Denise M.
4/10/2008
We just had a company event here and it turned out to be a great team building experience. They have a conference room - and all setup with tables and such, it seated about 55 of us very comfortably. they have all the A/V equipment that you'll need. We catered in our lunch, but the museum was happy to accommodate and help us setup. We were even able to pick out two vintage cars to showcase in our dining area.
In between our meeting sessions, our group was able to go out and look at the mass of vintage cars. I really don't care about cars, but this place impresses me. They have displays ranging from horse and buggy carts to Nascar racers. Very cool. I was even able to pick out a couple of "I wouldn't mind driving that" type cars.
Overall, I'd say this is a fun place for a meeting. The environment is a bit more casual, so I wouldn't do a stockholders meeting here, but for a good team building or fun company event, don't rule this place out. -
Review from Judy Z.
Sacramento, CA
2/7/2010
i didn't even know this place existed until i was searching for stuff to do in sac one day and its also next to an animal shelter :D funn.
All the cars were interesting to look and and kinda read about. The only thing that bugged me was how i couldn't sit in them. oh wells.
Recommended for those of you visiting sac. :D -
Review from Susan H.
Lake Jackson, TX
4/9/2011
We went on a very rainy day which made it noisy inside the tin building and water leaked on the cars all throughout the building. No heating or air conditioning, so we about froze to death. The exhibits were nice and the tour guides were the best.
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Review from Michael H.
Sacramento, CA
12/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I came here for a company party and enjoyed seeing many of the classic cars. The staff were friendly and this venue is a nice place to have a company party!!
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Review from frank g.
Sacramento, CA
6/26/2011
i'm not that into cars, but this is pretty incredible. lots of walking. lots of beautiful cars. not especially uniquely displayed in some quarters, but there's so much to look at here. if you love cars, you'll love the place. slightly less so if it's not your thing - but that's to be expected i would imagine.
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Review from Laura B.
Sacramento, CA
3/29/2011
Of course car lovers will enjoy the California automobile museum, but so might people who love vintage stuff, retro, history, or would enjoy a fun family-friendly place to visit. The automobile museum has lots of cars to check out. The coolest are the vintage cars - anything from the 40's, 50's or 60's, or with fins, or painted teal. I also liked this historial display that showed people driving really old cars to Yosemite or across a one-lane wood plank road through the desert. People back then were really brave! I nearly panic on mountainous roads in my extremely safe honda! They also have old ambulances, tow trucks, and mail trucks - which I find interesting to see how "work" vehicles integrated into everyday life modeled after the cars of the era. My only complaint is how cold it is in the museum, my feet were freezing! Maybe our next visit will be in August, when the temp is 100 degrees outside and the museum will be cool on the inside.
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Review from Jason M.
Sacramento, CA
6/27/2008 3 Check-ins Here
An amazing resource for Sacramento. I've been to the Towe twice this month - once with my daughter and once with my Dad. The museum has friendly, informative docents and an amazing selection of cars and car parts. Take your time and cruise the many rows of mint automobiles showing innovation, design and imagination. Be sure to check out the Woody station wagon, the Studebaker Commander, the Ford Model T and the old-time rail car. There are plenty of classic to contemporary examples of great engineering. If you have kids, they'll love seeing cars that are reminiscent of Pixar's "Cars" movie.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from qx t.
Los Gatos, CA
8/31/2009
I loved it here. They had a great exhibit of vintage cars and the exhibits/staging was done really well. The staff was also warm and friendly. I had a field day taking photos of all the beautiful cars. Wish I could have driven one home!
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Review from Van H.
Sacramento, CA
12/21/2008
This is definitely a great hidden gem in Sacramento! Perfect for an afternoon with kids or a fun date. There's a lot of different things to look at and play with. I went to the San Diego Auto Museum and it did not hold a candle to what the Towe Auto Museum had. Everyone should come have a tour, even if you're not a car-nut. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
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Review from Kristina K.
Sacramento, CA
3/8/2011
After 10 years in Sacramento, my husband and I finally ran across the CAM. What a wonderful, seemingly unknown, gem in our area. We are a car family and truly enjoy the automobile, both historic and new. We really had a great time at the museum. It was fun and educational. We particularly liked the friendly docents on staff who were super friendly and approachable. They had much to say about each lot on display. There was some leakage in the roof due to the massive rains but the catch buckets were just another reminder of the low key and unpretentious environment that you may not expect from a museum but can expect from a true car lover. We recommend a tour for young and old.
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Review from Tiffany T.
Beaverton, OR
1/5/2007
I was really surprised to see no one had rated this museum yet. I'm not a classic car fanatic but I like to check out museums and although this place is kind of off the beaten track they have a lot of cars inside. You can get a list of all the cars on display off their website and see pictures there too. You can also donate cars to them. I loved their old fashioned hearse, which was creepy! And they also had an ambulance that looked like it came out of the movie "Long hot summer". There was also this one silver car (looked like it was out of a James Bond film) that was made of aluminum. You can tell they put some effort into their displays too and I walked around the museum for about 2 hours of classic car viewing. They also had a pretty nice gift shop with some great toys for the kids that wont bust your budget. You can see old-fashioned shudder buggies, racecars, studebakers, convertables, and classic cars from the 40's and 50's. They also have events there too. If you're in Sacramento and like cars check out this museum!
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Review from Mattie P.
Sacramento, CA
9/30/2007
I'm not a car owner and I'm definitely not a fan of the army of SUVs and other monstrous four-wheelers that clog the streets and stink up the air. But antique cars...that's a different story. I'm a sucker for 1950s tail-finned road boats as well as their horseless-carriage predecessors.
I'd toured this museum in 1988 when it was known as the Towe Ford Museum. Eventually Mr. Towe had to sell many of his Fords to pay off an IRS debt, but the museum survived by collecting other makes of cars and reinventing itself as the Towe Auto Museum. I visited today with a friend who'd never been there. I couldn't remember much from my last trip so I wasn't sure what to expect. The building, a nondescript warehouse located in the middle of nowhere, certainly wasn't inviting. I think the phrase CALIFORNIA STATE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM or some other curious misidentification was painted on the side of the building.
We paid our $7 and the pleasant woman at the desk gave us a map of the exhibit hall. The map didn't help at all, and I was initially confused and irritated by the layout of the exhibits. I wanted a chronological display of autos but instead found myself in a maze of themed exhibits that were accessible from several directions. But as I wandered back and forth I quickly warmed up to this place, and ultimately I was charmed by its haphazard, odd layout.
As we wandered through the various areas - "Dream of Luxury," "Dream of Cool," "Dream of Speed," etc., we tried to see vehicles from all angles but simply couldn't get close enough. Many cars were parked so close together it was impossible to admire their curves and angles from the side. Still, the displays were generally satisfying and enjoyable. Most vehicles appeared nicely maintained but not over-restored. I noticed dings in paint, rips in upholstery, and other signs of wear and use. This didn't detract from their beauty; in fact it added a sense of life to these cars. I was thrilled to discover a 1950 Ford two-door Deluxe like the one my dad bought in 1953 and finally handed over to my brother a few years ago. Seeing one here brought back fond memories of Sunday drives (and not-so-fond memories of carsickness!). My favorite car was the mysterious, one-of-a-kind 1914 Detroiter Model B. This strangely creepy little black buggy kept drawing me back for another look.
A vast display of Ford memorabilia reminded me that this was once a Ford-only museum. I was especially fascinated by a huge parts catalogue that featured actual small parts mounted to its pages. I noticed an Art Deco "Ford V8" sign but didn't understand its significance until I found informational material about it at the opposite end of the display. There was so much to see, I couldn't take it all in.
I didn't expect to see bikes, but the Towe has five motorcycles in its collection: a Harley, two Indians, and, to my great delight, two fine British examples: an AJS and a Vincent. Several vintage bicycles also appeared unexpectedly as we made our way through the exhibit hall. It was this random inclusion of unexpected objects that won me over completely. I enjoyed displays of vintage toys that pacified antsy kids on long road trips, Brownie cameras used by travelers to record vacation memories, and leather jackets worn by a race car driver. The cars themselves were beautiful objects, but the small displays were a reminder of their connection to human beings.
I found informational signage and placards near each vehicle so I was able to learn as much or as little about each car as I desired. The signage varied in size, font, and appearance. This would be considered sloppy and amateurish in most museums, but I felt it added to the warmth and charm of the Towe. This museum is a labor of love, not a sterile shrine for precious antiques. Friendly docents wandered around, always ready to answer questions, but I'm so stupid about cars that I didn't know what to ask. Still, it was nice to know there were experts nearby.
We finished our tour in the clean, bright gift shop. In addition to postcards and t-shirts, the gift shop sells old car magazines. Need a June 1957 issue of Hot Rod? You'll probably find it here. As we left, I realized more than two hours had gone by and I'd thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The Towe is in danger of losing its home due to redevelopment along the river, but the city of Elk Grove is wooing it. I highly recommend a visit to this unique treasure while it's still hiding in a warehouse in the middle of nowhere, close to downtown Sacramento. -
Review from Pete B.
Sacramento, CA
8/7/2008
I just went to Towe for the first time last weekend. What an incredible collection of vintage and unique cars they have on display! I was really impressed that there was even an EV-1 - I thought GM had destroyed ALL of them, but guess not! VERY COOL!
