Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

6825-31 Norwitch Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA

Address:	6825-31 Norwitch Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
Phone:	+1 215-365-7233
Site:	simeonemuseum.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Brad J

There is something to interest everyone at the Simeone Automotive Museum. Visitors who may not consider themselves automotive enthusiasts may marvel at cars from over a century ago. Kerosene headlamps, horns that were actually brass tubes, trunks that are actually rectangular boxes--all automotive features that have disappeared from modern cars. Perhaps they will behold the radical shape and color of the Porsche 917LH. Perhaps they will consider the fearlessness of the racers who drove cars that had absolutely no element of safety. Anyone can appreciate the timeless beauty and art of cars such as the 1933 Auburn V12 Speedster or the two Mercedes Gullwings. Fans of motorsports will be happy to know that the theme of the museum is “The Spirit of Competition.” There are sports cars, Grand Prix cars, rally cars, Le Mans cars, speed record holders, NASCARs and everything in between. Among those are original race winners, such as the 1937 Bugatti 57G that came first overall in the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans. There are cars from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Besides the cars that are on regular museum display, feature exhibits occur regularly throughout the year, keeping things that much more interesting. There have been exhibits featuring the cars of Britain, Italy, Japan, Saab, Ford and even motorcycles. To refer to the Simeone Automotive Museum as just a museum would be a grand understatement. The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is living history. The cars are kept in immaculate condition. Running condition. This is no small undertaking. Nearly every single one of the approximately 70 cars at the museum is in running condition. From the 1909 American Underslung to the 1975 Alfa Romeo 33 TT, the cars run. Many of the cars look fast just sitting still in their museum exhibits. Some may think that that is insufficient proof of speed. This is not a problem, for twice a month, on average, the museum takes three or four cars out to the back lot for their Demonstration Days. These events allow museum patrons to experience the sight, sound, smell (and feel) of the cars driving around the lot. Further, the Demonstration Days are an opportunity for Dr. Simeone to discuss the cars in greater detail. Whether it is hearing the smooth purr of the Ferrari V12s, whether it is smelling the exhaust of the Bentley 4.5 Litre, whether it is watching the race-winning and now award-winning Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, or feeling the bone-rattling roar of the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, every Demonstration Day is both a history lesson and a spectacle. The Grand Sport, featured at my first Demo Day visit, was the car that rekindled my passion for automobiles after years focused purely on aviation. Dr. Simeones passion for automobiles and attention to detail are evident during every visit to the museum. His philosophy of preserving cars rather than restoring them, if possible, is clearly visible. You can see the original wear in the leather seats, the nicks in the original paint of century-old cars, the original tires on the 1937 Cord, and so on. While many other automotive collectors strive to return everything to factory-fresh, Dr. Simeone lets the history show. Dr. Simeone is always approachable and amiable, happy to share his passion with museum visitors on Demonstration Days. Whether it is your first visit or hundredth visit, you will learn something new or notice something you had never seen before. If you come on a Demonstration Day, you will have a chance at experiencing the living history that makes the museum so great. Philadelphia is a very historic city. Everybody knows that it is home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. However, it is also home to nearly 70 historic automobiles in this incredible museum, located minutes from the airport. If you have even the slightest interest in automobiles, art, or history, there is something for you at the museum. A visit to Philadelphia is incomplete without a stop at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.

Darryl Northington

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum houses a collection of some of the rarest cars in the world. They are predominantly Sports Racing Cars which essentially means they were, or closely resembled cars that could be legally driven on public roads, and with few or no modifications, could be driven in competition. Several of the non-racing automobiles on display were of the highest quality and had sporting natures by virtue of their designs or inovations. I am of the opinion that automobiles are reflections of the world conditions at the time of their manufacture -- aesthetically, technologically, functionality, and costs. Many rivalries played out on racing circuits as well as on the showroom floor for manufacturers like Alfa-Romeo, Bentley, Bugatti, and Mercedes - Benz; Jaguar, Aston - Martin, and Ferrari; Ford and Porsche, and speaking of cost, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum offers one of the best entertainment and educational values available anywhere, especially on "Demonstration Days." Visit the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, where "The Spirit of Competition" thrives!

Jack Long

This is possibly the finest collection of historic sports racing cars in the world. The museum is not to be missed, but best of all are the Demonstration Days the last Saturday of each month when several cars are taken out of the museum (weather permitting) and run in the large parking lot to the rear of the building. Every month is a different theme, like LeMans winners, or pre-World War I race cars. Seeing and hearing these rare cars is a treat for any gear head or fan of automotive history.

Alvin Ho

This is a place any petrol head should go to! This is the first time I was able to see a GT40, a Shelby Daytona coupe and a Porsche 917 all under the same roof! Although one shortcoming is that they really dont do Japanese cars, which is something I wish they would fix in the future. The day I went, Bonhams was doing an auction there so there were other cars there in various states of repair being sold.

Peter Babel

Excellent experience. Dont expect half a day kind of tour and youll be fine. Only true car lovers could do that here. Its an amazing, historically important private collection of sweet rides from early 20th century to today. A lot to look at and be amazed by. Come on demo days and see the cars run as they are all in great shape to do so.

Larry Kirkpatrick

Memorable. I was expecting a bigger place, but the quality of cars made it a great experience. We came from Michigan, so I envisioned something along the lines of The Henry Ford or the Gilmore. But this is very very good. Cars we have never seen before. However, they could use some AC. It got extremely warm in the building.

Keith Hickam

Initiate look at important, historic race cars. Not many road cars, though there are a few. Lots of historic Alfa Romeo though- a must see for an Alfisti I would think. Seemed s.bit out of the way (in a mixed industrial/automotive sales/salvage yard area. Not too expensive.

Shaun Martin

Came here simply because they had a twin turbo 2 seater 300zx on display. Really good museum with a great selection of cars. Well presented. Some cars still need restoration, including the 300zx I came to see. Very big complex with plenty of room to grow.

Christian Herrera

This place is a Gem! Decided to take my mom here as part of a day trip for her Bday. My brothers were very skeptical that she would like it. Well... seems like she enjoyed more than anyone!! Very impressive collection of cars. Lots of info to learn.

Lee Williamson

There is no other place like this I have found. It contains some of the most significant and interesting cars anywhere. The rarity and history of some of the cars is overwhelming. If you like vintage cars, history or racing you need to go.