Sarasota, Florida, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, has long been a popular destination for family vacations. And among its top attractions is the Sarasota Classic Car Museum (SCCM). In fact, the museum is listed as one of the top 10 attractions in Sarasota by the “Must Do Visitor’s Guide.”
In operation since 1953, the SCCM is the second oldest antique car museum in the United States. (The Larz Anderson Museum in Brookline, MA is the oldest.) The 60,000-square foot facility features more than 100 antique, exotic, European and one-of-a-kind classic automobiles, spanning over a century. Among the collectable gems on display you’ll find circus magnate John Ringling’s collection of Rolls Royce autos, John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes Benz, and Paul McCartney’s beloved Mini Cooper. Everything from the first horseless buggies to exotic supercars to American Muscle are on display. Recently, the museum has redirected its mission to more fully educate the public on the social and economic impact the automobile has played in our American culture, and are working to complete a “Timeline Room,” that will tell the story of the evolution of the auto industry.
The museum also has a fully operational antique games arcade as well as exhibits full of antique cameras and photography. There is a little something for everyone, including a gift shop packed with souvenirs, automobilia, rare and collectible books about cars, and a “Kid’s Corner.”
Located directly across the street from the Ringling Museum, SCCM is at 5500 N. Tamiami Trail and is open seven days a week, 9:00AM until 6:00PM. (Closed Christmas Day.) Entrance fees are nominal, and you can download and print a discount coupon on the museum’s website at www.sarasotacarmuseum.org.