![Exploring-the-Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania Exploring the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Exploring-the-Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-696x392.jpg)
The Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars!
![The Le Mans exhibit at the Simeone Automotive Museum traces the evolution of race cars.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Le-Mans-Race-Cars-Exhibit.jpg)
Assembled over 50 years by renowned neurosurgeon and automotive enthusiast Dr. Frederick Simeone, the museum’s collection contains over 75 historically significant race cars, representing manufacturers like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Ford and more.
![A 1967 Ford GT40 MK IV on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1967-Ford-MK-IV-Exhibit.jpg)
The central theme of the Simeone Automotive Museum collection is “The Spirit of Competition.”
![Entrance to the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Entrance-Philadelphia-PA.jpg)
And by touring the Simeone Automotive Museum, you can see how competition lead to improvements in design and technology over the course of seven decades of racing.
![A 1954 Ferrari on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1954-Ferrari.jpg)
Touring the Simeone Automotive Museum
The Simeone Automotive Museum is located in a 78,000 square foot building that once housed an engine remanufacturing company named Recon.
![The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is located in a 78,000 square foot building in Philadelphia](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The cars are displayed in dioramas representing the famous race courses where they actually competed, such as Watkins Glen, Bonneville, Sebring, the Mille Miglia, and Le Mans.
![Cars that raced in the Mille Miglia (“Thousand Miles”), one of the most popular races in Italy.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Mille-Miglia-Italian-Road-Race-Exhibit.jpg)
The collection begins with a race car from 1909 and continues through the mid-1970s.
![Pre WWI race cars at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Pre-World-War-One-Race-Cars-Exhibit.jpg)
The Le Mans Exhibit
One of the most impressive exhibits at the museum is the collection of cars that competed at Le Mans.
![theSome of the cars on display as part of the Le Mans exhibit at the Simeone Automotive Museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Le-Mans-Race-Cars-Evolution-Exhibit.jpg)
Here you can truly see first-hand the evolution of sports cars over the course of 40 years.
![Story behind the Le Mans exhibit at the Simeone Automotive Museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Le-Mans-history-exhibit.jpg)
One of the most eye-catching cars in this exhibit is the 1970 “Hippie” Porsche 917, nicknamed for its psychedelic paint scheme.
![A 1970 Porsche 917 LH on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1970-Porsche-917-Exhibit.jpg)
This futuristic-looking 600 horsepower beast finished second at Le Mans in 1970.
![The history behind a 1970 Porsche 917 LH on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1970-Porsche-917-history.jpg)
An adjacent exhibit shows off a few of the American-built cars that were serious competitors at this French race course.
![An exhibit at the Simeone Automotive Museum featuring American cars that competed at Le Mans](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-America-at-LeMans-Exhibit.jpg)
Here you’ll find some beautiful examples of American ingenuity, including models by Stutz, duPont, Cunningham, and Ford.
![Several American cars that competed at Le Mans, on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-America-at-Le-Mans-Race-cars-Exhibit.jpg)
This 1966 Ford GT40 MKII, which ran at Le Mans in 1966, was one of my personal favorite cars at the museum.
![A 1966 Ford GT40 MKII on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1966-Ford-GT.jpg)
The Circle of Winners Exhibit
Another impressive exhibit at the museum is the Circle of Winners, made up of 5 cars that actually won some of the world’s most prestigious races.
![The Circle of Winners exhibit at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Circle-of-Winners-Race-Car-Exhibit.jpg)
These are not replicas of cars that won these races, they are the ACTUAL VEHICLES, preserved in their unrestored, race-ready condition!
![The story behind the Circle of Winners exhibit at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Circle-of-Winners-Exhibit-History.jpg)
Among them is this 1936 Bugatti 57G, one of three built and the only one of its type still in existence.
![A 1936 Bugatti race car on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1936-Bugatti-Exhibit.jpg)
This car won the Le Mans race in 1937.
![The history of a 1936 Bugatti race car housed at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1936-Bugatti.jpg)
This 1952 Cunningham C-4R is another “one of three built” cars on display in the Circle of Winners.
![A 1952 Cunningham C-4R on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1952-Cunningham-race-car.jpg)
This American-made beauty was the class winner at the 1954 Le Mans race.
![The history of a 1952 Cunningham race car on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1952-Cunningham-history.jpg)
This gorgeous 1958 Aston Martin won the 1958 Nurburgring (a 1000 km race in Germany).
![A 1958 Aston-Martin race car on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1958-Aston-Martin-Race-Car.jpg)
As with every car in the museum, a detailed history/pedigree is displayed next to it.
![History behind a 1958 Aston-Martin race car on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1958-Aston-Martin-History.jpg)
The 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe Exhibit
Without a doubt, this 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe was THE highlight of my visit to the Simeone Automotive Museum.
![This 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania is the first of just 6 built and is the only one left in original, unrestored condition.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1964-Shelby-Cobra-Daytona-Coupe-Front-view.jpg)
If you’re even the slightest bit interested in sports cars, you know the name Carroll Shelby, and this particular vehicle is as close to a “holy grail” car as you can get!
![The history behind the 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1964-Cobra-Daytona-Coupe-History.jpg)
This Cobra Daytona Coupe (one of six built) set 25 USAC/FIA world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, in November 1965.
![A 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1964-Cobra-Daytona-Coupe-exhibit.jpg)
It eventually wound up in the collection of record producer Phil Spector, and legend has it that Spector racked up so many speeding tickets, his lawyer advised him to get rid of the car before he lost his license!
![The 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania was the first vehicle entered into the National Historic Vehicle Register.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1964-Shelby-Cobra-Daytona-Coupe-exhibit.jpg)
The Salon of Sports Car Style and Design
The Salon of Sports Car Style and Design exhibit takes you on a chronological tour of automotive styling, with impressive examples from around the world.
![The Salon of Sports Car Style and Design at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Salon-of-Sports-Car-Design.jpg)
This 1933 Squire Roadster is an example of exquisite English design.
![This 1933 Squire Roadster at the Simeone Automotive Museum was featured on an episode of Jay Leno's Garage.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1933-Squire-Roadster.jpg)
One of three built, it was the subject of an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage (Jay pictured below with Dr. Simeone).
![Dr. Fred Simeone and Jay Leno taping an episode of Jay Leno's Garage at the Simeone Automotive Museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Jay-Lenos-Garage-episode.jpg)
While this 1970 Plymouth Superbird is an example of the aerodynamic, big-block American monsters that dominated NASCAR racing in 1969-70.
![A 1970 Plymouth Superbird on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1970-Plymouth-Super-Bird.jpg)
In fact, the Superbird was the first advertised American-made car capable of reaching 200 mph that you could buy off a dealer’s lot!
![History behind a 1970 Plymouth Superbird on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1970-Plymouth-Super-Bird-History.jpg)
The Patterson Gallery of Automotive Art
The second floor of the Simeone Automotive Museum is home to the Patterson Gallery of Automotive Art.
![The Patterson Art Gallery at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Patterson-Art-Gallery.jpg)
Here you’ll find a beautiful collection of oil paintings, bronze sculptures, and other assorted objects of art related to “the Spirit of Competition” theme than runs throughout the museum.
![Exhibits inside the Patterson Art Gallery at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Patterson-Art-Gallery-Exhibits.jpg)
The oil paintings on canvas were painted by renowned artist Alfredo De la Maria.
![An oil painting on display in the art gallery at the Simeone Automotive Museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Art-Gallery-Painting.jpg)
Visitors can view all of these exceptional works of art as part of their tour of the Simeone Automotive Museum.
![Sculptures on display in the art galley at the Simeone Automotive Museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-Art-Gallery-Sculptures.jpg)
Hours and Directions
The Simeone Automotive Museum is located near the Philadelphia airport, at 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153.
![A 1963 Corvette Grand Sport on display at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-1963-Corvette.jpg)
The museum is open 6 days a week (closed Monday) – please check the museums OFFICIAL WEBSITE for the most up-to-date hours and admission prices.
![Simeone Automotive Museum hours.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Simeone-Automotive-Museum-Philadelphia-PA-hours.jpg)
Related Attractions
The AACA Museum in Hershey, PA is consistently ranked as one of the top automotive and transportation museums in the United States!
![Exploring the AACA Automotive Museum in Hershey Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Exploring-the-AACA-Automotive-Museum-in-Hershey-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The Swigart Auto Museum in Huntingdon County is the oldest automobile museum in the United States!
![The Swigart Museum features between 30 and 35 cars on display each year from their larger collection.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Swigart-Museum-Huntingdon-Pennsylvania-DeLorean-display.jpg)
Inside the Swigart Museum, you’ll find automobiles and carriages dating back to 1896!
![The Swigart Auto Museum collection contains automobiles and carriages dating back to 1896.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Swigart-Museum-Huntingdon-Pennsylvania-Vintage-Vehicles-Exhibit.jpg)
The Grice Museum in Clearfield County features nearly 70 classic cars on display, along with hundreds of taxidermy mounts of wild game animals from around the globe.
![A grizzly bear guarding the showroom at the Grice Museum in Clearfield PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Grice-Museum-Clearfield-County-Pennsylvania-Grizzly-Bear.jpg)
Whether you’re a serious automotive history buff or just looking for some kitschy fun, a visit to the Grice Museum is not one you’ll soon forget!
![The best things to see and do at the Grice Museum in Clearfield Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Grice-Museum-Clearfield-County-PA-Corvette-Alligator.jpg)
Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum in Pottsville is MUCH more than just another car museum, featuring two floors of pop culture memorabilia and dozens of beautiful automobiles.
![Vintage VW Bug on display at Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum in Pottsville.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Jerrys-Classic-Cars-VW-Bug-Pottsville-PA.jpg)
Barry’s Car Barn in Lancaster County is a classic car museum focusing primarily on American muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
![A collage of four photos showcasing Barry's Car Barn in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a blue Shelby AC Cobra and a row of classic muscle cars in various colors. The top right photo shows an indoor exhibit with a collection of vintage Corvettes and retro automotive signs from brands like Texaco and Gulf. The bottom left photo displays a row of colorful classic cars, including a red 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, set against a backdrop of nostalgic memorabilia. The bottom right photo captures the exterior of Barry's Car Barn, a white barn-style building with vintage Gulf and Texaco signs, surrounded by a grassy area and a clear blue sky. The museum highlights American muscle cars from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Exploring-Barrys-Car-Barn-Lancaster-County-PA-1024x858.jpg)
The Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County displays more than 80 Cadillacs, spanning every model group and decade, making it the largest collection of Cadillacs in the world!
![A collage of four photos taken at the Greenberg Cadillac Museum in Jefferson County, PA. The top left photo features a vibrant red 1959 Cadillac with other vintage cars in the background. The top right photo shows a lineup of 1970s Cadillacs, including models in brown, beige, and white. The bottom left photo displays a row of vintage Cadillacs, including a maroon model with its hood open, alongside other cars in gray and blue. The bottom right photo showcases various classic Cadillacs with distinctive chrome detailing, including a silver model from the late 1950s, all arranged on a checkered floor in a well-lit museum setting.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Exploring-the-Greenberg-Cadillac-Museum-Jefferson-County-PA-1024x858.jpg)
For 50 years, Carlisle Events has been hosting some of the largest car shows in the United States at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Cumberland County.
![Collage of four photos from the Carlisle Events Ford Nationals car show in Cumberland County, PA. The top left image shows the entrance sign at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, announcing the Ford Nationals event and celebrating 50 years of Carlisle Events. The top right image features the Shelby American display with classic Shelby Cobras under a tent adorned with the Shelby American logo and Carroll Shelby's signature. The bottom left image captures a row of classic Mustangs with their hoods open, including a black Mustang GT, displayed under tents. The bottom right image provides an aerial view of the crowded showfield, showcasing rows of cars, vendor tents, and attendees enjoying the event under a sunny blue sky.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Experiencing-a-Carlisle-Events-Car-Show-Cumberland-County-PA-1024x858.jpg)
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