This 1901 carriage auto originally cost $900 new and was powered by a one-cylinder, 7-hp engine; displacement 123; 66 inch wheelbase; built in St. Louis, Missouri; donated in 1966 by William T. Dooley Jr. The St. Louis Motor Carriage Company was the first successful automobile business west of the Mississippi River. A manufacturer of automobiles at 1211–13 North Vandeventer Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, it was founded by George Preston Dorris (later credited with developing and patenting the float-carburetor) and John French in 1898. French took charge of marketing with Dorris heading engineering and production. The firm built 680 vehicles in its St. Louis plant from 1899 to 1905.  French left to build vehicles in Peoria, Illinois, while George Dorris stayed behind in St. Louis and founded the Dorris Motor Car Company in 1906. St. Louis Motor Carriage was the first of many St. Louis automakers and produced automobiles from 1899 to 1907.

The Bobby Darin “Dream Car” is a one-of-a-kind custom car designed by Detroit clothing designer Andy Di Dia in 1953 and completed in 1960. Mr. Di Dia apparently did not care for the design of automobiles in the early 1950’s. The Di Dia 150 was hand-built by four workers in Detroit, Michigan between 1953 and 1960 at a cost of over $93,000 dollars. The original Cadillac V8 engine was replaced by a Ford 427/365 hp V8 engine.  The body and chassis are hand-formed in aluminum with an aluminum alloy welded tube frame.  The car has hidden windshield wipers, retracting headlights, swiveling turn signals, and doors that opened with a push on a panel outside of the car (there are no door handles) and a trunk that was hinged from the driver’s side. The Dream Car was also equipped with the first backseat-mounted radio speakers.  The interior is rust-colored to contrast with the ruby colored exterior.  The car has 30 coats of paint with ground industrial diamond dust to add sparkle. Bobby Darin, a well-known singer, purchased the car from Mr. Di Dia, and as a result, it became forever known as Bobby Darin’s Dream Car.

A total of 55 Turbine cars were built by Chrysler Corporation.  The body of the car was handmade by Ghia, an Italian Design Studio, and then shipped to the United States where the engine was installed.  Five cars were built in 1962 as prototypes used for troubleshooting, and each was slightly different from the others.  A total of 50 identical turbine cars were built between October 1963 and October 1964. They were all two-door hardtop coupes with power brakes and power steering.  All were painted identically with a color known as “Turbine Bronze." The engine that powered the turbine car could operate on many different fuels, required less maintenance and lasted longer than the piston engine. The Chrysler Turbine car will be off-site, attending the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo, on June 6th and 7th, 2026.

In 1952, Ford Motor Co. began a test program to explore the use of gas turbine engines for automobiles and trucks. An improved version of the gas turbine engine was tested in a tilt-cab truck tractor with a 300-horsepower, 704-cubic-inch-displacement engine--this 1959 CT-1100 was the first vehicle used to test it. The main advantages of the turbine engine were low noise, emissions, oil consumption, and vibration; easy cold-weather starting; extended overhaul life; high torque at low speeds; and instantaneous full-power capability. High fuel consumption at idle and costly manufacturing materials needed because of their high operating speeds and temperatures prevented successful turbine use in cars or trucks. Ford gave up development in 1973. This truck tractor was donated by Ford in 1971.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Stanley steam cars utilized an external combustion engine where the fuel source is consumed external to the engine. A steam boiler generates great quantities of power for later use, unlike an internal combustion engine that must develop the needed power on demand. Kerosene was used to light the pilot and main burner of the external engine as it provided more heat energy than gasoline. Kerosene was also less expensive and safer. It would take at least 20 minutes to start a Stanley Steamer. Fuel consumption was approximately one gallon of water per 10 to 12 miles.

Popular American automotive styling may have reached its pinnacle in the 1950s with the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. An evolution of the 1955 models, which saw the introduction of the famous Chevy small-blcok V8, the 1957 Chevrolets maintained the model's reputation for power in a light-weight body, resulting in both speed and fuel efficiency that would be unequalled in the larger, heavier cars to follow. The 1957 Chevy Bel Airs have been widely featured in films, music, and television shows and are now highly sought-after by enthusiasts.  This 1957 Chevy Bel Air was presented to the Taylor Family in 2007 by their employees to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

In 1961, Ford General Manager Lee Iacocca aimed to sell a sports car with four seats, low weight, and a price tag under $2,500. In 1964, Iacocca's vision became a success with the introduction of the Ford Mustang. After selling more than 22,000 Mustangs on the first official sale date, Ford proved that it could manufacture an affordable sports car that the average American family could enjoy. It sports a 200 cubic inch, inline 6 cylinder engine; 108 inch wheelbase. Built in Dearborn, MI; price new $2,372. Donated by Carol E. William in 2001. The new car was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair. This 1964 1/2 Mustang holds a coveted spot in American muscle car history, as it was the first generation of Ford Mustangs to be produced. Mustangs remain a "classic" American car to this day.

The Chrysler New Yorker 4 door station wagon was introduced in January 1951.  Chrysler produced only a total of 251 units of this model. The New Yorker was powered by a 331 cubic inch (5.4 liter) 180 hp Hemi V-8 engine called the “Firepower” engine.  It was also equipped with power steering which was an industry first.  The New Yorker also had fold down rear seats to provide more cargo space. Statistically, the New Yorker was 213.25 inches in length, 75.125 inches in width, and had a 131.5-inch wheelbase.  Its top speed was approximately 98 mph, and fuel consumption was 10.9 mpg; built in Detroit MI. The original manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the New Yorker Wagon was $4026.00. Donated by Celia Scudder in 1980.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Wooden frame Chevrolet built in 1917.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Built in 1923 in St. Louis by the Traffic Motor Truck Corporation, which lasted from 1918 to 1929.  Their trucks were the lowest price for their impressive 4000-pound capacity. 22.5 horsepower gave it a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It features solid wheels and an early version of power steering. Four-cylinder Continental engine; 133 inch wheelbase; price new $1,495. Originally owned by Conklin Reuling Lumber, this truck was donated to the Museum by H. A. Reuling's grandson, Tim G. Soldwedel in 1982.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

The William Galloway Company of Waterloo, Iowa, had been a farm implement dealership and mail-order supplier of small farming equipment and tools before it introduced its line of trucks in 1908. The Galloway GT was marketed as a dual-purpose vehicle, "drive to church on Sunday and be put back to work on Monday." This unrestored truck features a two-cylinder, chain-driven, water-cooled engine. Research reveals it to be the oldest surviving delivery truck used in the city of St. Louis and one of fewer than ten Galloways to survive. Engine Type: 2 cylinder Horsepower: 14 Displacement: 142 Cubic inches Price New: $570.00 Donated to the Museum in 1972 by William Abbott.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Introduced in 1908, the Model T offered simplicity, reliability, and respectable performance in an affordable package. When Henry Ford added the moving assembly line to Model T production, the result was a car that not only became cheaper to buy every year but one that dominated world-wide automobile production for almost two decades. By 1922, over one million "Flivvers" were being sold annually. Its aging design led to the replacement of the Model T with the Model A for the 1928 model year. The Model T had a front mounted 177 cubic inch inline four-cylinder engine producing 20 hp for a top speed of 40-45 mph. The cost of a 1915 Model T was approximately $390 dollars. Henry Ford’s approach to the Model T design was one of getting it right and never changing.  He believed the Model T was all the car a person would ever need.  However, there were design changes. For example, in 1915 the hood design retained the five-sided design but louvers were added to the vertical sides, and electric headlights replaced carbide headlights. Specifications: 4-cylinder engine; 176.7 cubic inch displacement; 20 horsepower; 100 inch wheelbase; built in Highland Park MI; donated in 1969 by Preston Estep.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

The Dorris Motor Car Company in St. Louis MO introduced its first car in 1906 and became known for advanced technology, sturdiness, and restrained elegance. This 1919 Dorris began life as a 6-80 touring car but was converted to a panel truck and used for years by the Debrecht market and grocery in St. Louis. Six-cylinder engine; 377 cubic inch displacement; 80 horsepower; 132 inch wheelbase. Price new $5,400. Acquired by Museum in 1983 from donor Edward Walsh.

Steam Kit Car by A. L. Dyke Company. Donated in 2010 by the Means family. Richard E. Means discovered this Dyke steam-powered car unassembled in a barn in the late 1950s after his previous Stanley Steamer exploded. It was sold in kit form from 1901-1904. The challenge of putting the vehicle together without instructions became the ultimate puzzle. Mr. Means soon realized that not all the pieces were included with his rare find and he had to improvise with other parts. Established in St.Louis MO in 1899 by A. L. Dyke (Andrew Lee Dyke), Dyke was the first American auto parts distributor. Dyke also sold early autos, kit car or assembled. In addition to the Dyke name, the company also sold automobiles under the St. Louis Motor Company and Dyke-Britton names.

1912 Overland 61-T automobile owned by the Museum which had been used in the film, "The Great Race," starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood, inspired by the actual 1908 New York to Paris race.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

The Yellow Truck and Coach of GM built this parlor coach as the ultimate in highway travel. The exterior appearance is that of a conventional Z-250 model passenger bus; however, this proto RV offers all the comforts of home with air conditioning, Pullman berths, a kitchen telephone, and lavatory including a shower. It was typically operated by a crew of three. The bus designed initially used by the president of Buick Motor Division. It was later purchased by Anheuser-Busch of Saint Louis, Missouri, where it provided August A. Busch Jr. first class transportation o numerous trips across the country (1941-1946). Inline 6-cylinder, 616 cid, 150 hp., wheelbase: 250," built in Pontiac MI in 1931, acquired by Museum in 1969.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Donated to Museum in 1996 by Bi-State Development Agency.

---

No photo available. Restoration needed. Donate to the Museum's restoration efforts here.

St. Louis based Hogan Racing raced this CART-series car in 1998 which features a fiber, Kevlar reinforced body. In its racing condition, a Mercedes-Benz engine powered the 1,525 pound car at speeds of over 200 miles per hour. Hogan Racing fielded several future superstar drivers, including future Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who raced this car and for whom this car is lettered. The Reynard showcases Hogan's St. Louis heritage by featuring the logos of the St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, and former Rams.

Built 1954, by Willys in Toledo, Ohio Body made by Valley Equipment, Bay City, Michigan Four wheel drive

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Divco was a brand name of delivery trucks built and marketed in the United States. Divco is an acronym which stands for Detroit Industrial Vehicles Company. Built in 1963, this model may be driven standing or sitting. When standing, the throttle and brake were mounted on the steering column. This model has a Ford engine. It was used by Bailey Dairy until the early 1980s. Divco was known for its multi-stop delivery trucks, particularly in use as home delivery vehicles by dairy producers. Hear more here.

This Autocar truck was donated to the Museum in 1961, three years after it went out of service. At that time the president of Maplewood Planing Mill Co., Alan C. Blood, said that when his father purchased the truck for the company in 1925. He partially paid for it "by trading in a team of horses, a wagon, and a half carload of hay." In its thirty-three years of service this truck hauled countless thousands of board feet of lumber from the Missouri Pacific's Greenwood Boulevard tracks to the Maplewood Mill at 2731 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood MO, about a half-mile away. It has a three-ton capacity. Model:  27K Engine Type: 4 cylinder Horsepower: 25 Displacement: 276 cubic inches Price New: $3,550.00 Built in: Ardmore PA in 1925 The Autocar Company is an American specialist manufacturer of severe-duty, Class 7 and Class 8 vocational trucks started in 1897 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a manufacturer of Brass Era automobiles, and trucks from 1899, Autocar is the oldest surviving motor vehicle brand in the Western Hemisphere. Donated to Museum in 1961 by Maplewood Planing Mill Company.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This is believed to be the first truck used to haul mail in the State of Alabama. The Chase Motor Truck Company was founded in 1907, and its three-cylinder engine was used beginning in 1910. The truck has a three-cylinder, two-stroke, air-co0led, 20 horsepower engine, is chain-driven, and has a load capacity of 1,500 pounds. Price new $900; built in Syracuse NY. Museum acquired the truck in 1972 from donor Robert W. Abbott.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This Chicago truck was an "assembled" vehicle that was created using components from various suppliers; it was a common practice, with dozens of brands manufacturing trucks in the United States. The Chicago truck company was founded in 1906 for the sale and maintenance of trucks and built its first vehicle in 1919. The firm was out of business by 1932. Featuring a four-cylinder Hercules engine with a chain drive, and solid tires, this truck was used for many years by the donor for transporting fuel tanks. Engine Type: 4 cylinder Hercules Horsepower: 27 Displacement: 251 Cubic inches Price New: $2,290.00 Built in: Chicago IL in 1920 Donated to Museum Of Transportation in 1964 by Standard Oil Company of Indiana.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

The Model TT was a one-ton truck that derived from a Model T car chassis; it utilized a stronger frame, heavier rear axle, and the addition of two rear springs.  The truck debuted in 1917 selling for $600.00.  Ford only sold the engine and the chassis leaving it up to the buyer to either custom complete the truck cab and body themselves or pay a coach builder to finish it for them. By the 1920's Ford added the option of a cab, which cost another $45-$65. The versatility of the TT made it useful to farmers and merchants; as fire trucks, dump trucks, and passenger vehicles.  By 1928, 1.3 million Ford Model TTs had been sold. This truck arrived at the museum in 1997 in several crates. A team of dedicated volunteers re-assembled and restored it. Engine Type: 4 cylinder Horspower: 20 Displacement: 176.7 cubic inches Price New: $550.00 Built in: Detroit MI in 1919 Donated to the Museum in 1997 by William Englebrecht.

Although farm equipment was at the heart of the International Harvester's business, it also included a highly competitive truck line established in 1907. With growing competition in the farm machinery industry, the company launched a national ad campaign in 1954 called, "The International Truck Caravan." The caravan showcased the truck line and toured the country stopping at at local dealerships. International Harvester built light-duty trucks until 1975. The company's truck division was sold to Navistar International Corporation in 1986. Engine Type: 6 cylinder Horsepower: 100 Displacement: 220.5 Cubic inches Price New: $1,484.00 Built in: Canto IL Donated to the Museum in 1988 by William and Irene Blackwell.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This Elgin Model D street sweeper was the company's first machine designed specifically for automobile traffic.  The brushes concentrated on the curbs instead of the center of the street waste removal typical for horse-drawn traffic.  This 1929 street sweeper is believed to be the oldest street sweeper in America.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Although the St. Louis County Police Department was not established until July 1, 1955, this 1925  Dodge Brothers 2-door coach was restored and painted to replicate a police car of the 1920s. This car served as a public relations attraction and was displayed at many community events before it was donated to the Museum in 2004. Engine type: L-head 4 cylinder; displacement: 212.3 cubic inches; horsepower :24.03; wheelbase: 116 inches; donor: Charles and June Gallagher.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Service cars operated in the same manner as buses and streetcars as they had regular routes with regular stops. Cab drivers and bus companies loathed these cars as they were cheaper to ride  and stole potential customers. By the 1960s, most service car companies had shut and survivors operated limited routes in north St. Louis. The Consolidated Service Car Co. was the last to offer rides and was eventually bought by Bi-State in 1962. However, most drivers owned their cars and continued their service. With the support of the Committee of Racial Equality (CORE), they charged no fare but accepted 'donations' as 'freedom riders.' Bi-State added more routes to compete with the unlicensed service cars but the African American residents boycotted the buses in these areas. The dispute was settled in 1966. This is the last running and remaining service car. Engine type: 6-cyl. L-Head; Displacement: 230 cubic inches; Horsepower: 103; Built in: San Leandro CA in 1950; Donors: Herman Perkins, Anthony Sansone, Consolidated Service Car Co.; Acquired by Museum in 1967.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Physicians used buggies of this type to make house calls to their patients often bartering for their services. The Banner Buggy Co. was one of the largest horse-drawn vehicle manufacturers in the country. Circa late 1800s- early 1900s Banner Buggy Co. This two-passenger Doctor’s Buggy was built by Banner Buggy Company of St. Louis, Missouri. In 1910, the company’s president announced Banner would venture into automobile manufacturing. However, this only resulted in a few protypes and some assembly work and eventually building cars for Chevrolet. After WWI the president, Russell E. Gardner and his sons started manufacturing the Gardner automobile from 1920-1931.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Buick built trucks for a very short time. One body style available was the “Old English Motor Bus." It is believed that this is one of the only surviving models of this type. Typically, they were used by hotels as a courtesy vehicle or for sightseeing. The twelve passenger bus has a 2 cylinder 22 horse power engine located under the front seat and it is chain-driven. Donated in 1973 by William S. Abbott, this rare 1910 antique was restored to operating condition in 1995 through the generosity of the Buick Automobile Dealers of St. Louis.  

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This car was widely recognized as the pinnacle of Cadillac car design. This car features the massive horizontal grille shared by all the 1941 Cadillac models, exaggerated front fenders, and a long coffin-nose hood.  Under this elegant new shape is General Motors' revolutionary Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.  Cadillac set a division sales record of 66,130 cars that year, including 4,100 Series 60 Specials.   Specifications: V8 engine; displacement 346 cubic inches; 150 horsepower; 126 inch wheelbase; price new of $2,195; donated by Lindburg Cadillac in 1967.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

While most early American automobiles were open or convertible types, such as this touring model, dirt roads and poor conditions made winter driving unpleasant if not impossible.  In 1910 Cadillac begin shifting it model lineup toward closed or solid-roofed vehicles.  That, combined with its reputation for quality and value, led to demand surpassing factory production.  This 1910 model was a long-time fixture in the showroom of the St. Louis-area Lindburg Cadillac dealerships.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This 1930 Ford Model AA Dump Truck is a 4-cylinder in-line L engine with 40 hp. The model AA truck version used the same body and engine with many of the same interior parts as the new model A automobile, the latter of which was a dramatic improvement over its predecessor, the Model T. The truck was built in Detroit, Michigan, with a price new of between $500 and $600. Displacement 200.5 cubic inches; 131.5 inch wheelbase; built in Detroit MI; donated by Contractors Roofing Supply, O'Fallon MO in 1995.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

The 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe models had dashboard heat indicators, a front passenger armrest, dual tail lamps,, double windshield wipers, twin sun visors, and fancy bumpers with guards. The 1937 models featured an enlarged trunk in order to fit a spare tire. Coveted for its "gliding knee-action ride," the Master De Luxe contained springs to absorb shocks, allowing the car to ride smoothly on the roads. Specifications: 6-cylinder engine; manual transmission; wheelbase 112.25 inches; four wheel hydraulic brakes; price new: $765; donated to the Museum in 1995 by Glenn Hensley and Mary Beranek.  

This 1917 Chevrolet series 490 touring car was introduced to compete with the Ford Model T and was produced between 1915 and 1922. The 1917 Chevrolet 490 model saw the addition of a left front door, standardized electric lamps, and sliding windows. Cloth upholstery rather than leather or vinyl was a features. All automobiles were finished in black. Priced new, it was $490, and if one wanted an electric lighting and starting system, it would cost an additional $60. Weight: 1,890 pounds; wheelbase: 108 inches. This vehicle was donated to the Museum in 1984 by Mr. Edward J. Walsh, Jr.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Chevrolet Corvettes with their unusual fiberglass bodies were introduced in 1953 as an economical sports car. This V-8 250 hp engine cost $1.212.00 new in 1965. Corvettes were built in St. Louis from 1954 to 1981.

Stylish and well-appointed, the 1923 6-58 Sport Touring Moon is an example of Moon's predilection for over soliciting orders (15,000) and under delivery (6,000) which led to Moon's downfall by 1930. At least 12 different bodies were offered on two chassis during the 1923 model year. Specifications: High quality Continental 8R engine and Timken axles; displacement 171 cubic inches; 58 horsepower; 128 inch wheelbase; price new $2,095; built in St. Louis MO; acquired by Museum in 2006. Hear more here.

The electric 1980 Comuta-Car was useful for short commuter trips due to its limited range before it required to be recharged. 6 horsepower GE motor; top speed 40 mph; range before recharging: 40 miles; original base price: $3,995; weight 1,400 pounds; manufacturing headquarters: Sebring FL.

The electric Bradley GT II was designed by John Chun, a former employee of Shelby American who also penned the lines of the classic 1960s Shelby Mustangs. 20.7 horsepower GE Tracer I motor; top speed: 75 mph in boost mode, 55 mph in cruise mode; range before recharging: 100 miles city, 70 miles highway; original base price $28,000; weight 2900 pounds; manufacturing headquarters: Plymouth MN; built in 1980; total number built: 50.

The first Hupmobile, the Model 20 Runabout, was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in February of 1909 with much fanfare and went into production a month later. This economical automobile was offered to the public at $750.00 F.O.B. and was considered a bargain with its two-speed sliding gear transmission and Bosch high tension magneto ignition system often reserved for pricier model cars. A folding top, trunk rack, glass windshield, and gas headlamps were premium extras. 5,340 Model 20 Runabouts were manufactured in 1910 and they continued to be produced through 1913. Engine type: L-Head 4 cylinder; 18/20 horsepower; Wheelbase in inches: 86; Built in: Detroit MI in 1910; Donated By: Red LaMore Auto Body, Webster Groves MO

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This produce peddler's truck was owned and operated by Dominic "Micky" Licavoli in St. Louis MO. It is a combination of a 1937 Chevrolet truck chassis and a 1920s era custom-built wood coach. Peddling wares was very common in the city up until the 1950s when large supermarkets became the preferred choice of shopping. The drivers had regular routes and knew their customers' needs. Often, trucks were equipped with a bell or whistle to announce their arrival, in addition to yelling very loudly. Edward Linhart donated this truck to the Museum in 1960. Museum volunteers completed their meticulous restoration of the truck to running order in 2018. Hear more here.

Ford's Model N automobile mad great strides toward Henry Ford's dream of producing an affordable, mass-produced vehicle. The lightweight Model N contained a 4-cylinder engine and was capable of being driven 45 miles per hour. It contained stylish fixtures, including the nickel-plated front lamps and an 84-inch wheelbase. At the time of production, the 1906 4-cylinder Ford Model N sold for only $500, which was less than one-cylinder automobiles sold by Cadillac, Reo, Rambler and Oldsmobile. Ford's reputation for safety and reliability, in addition to the features of the Model N, made this car the predecessor to the later, and much more famous, Model T. Specifications: 15 horsepower; acquired by Museum in 1977; donated by William T. Dooley, Jr.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

Industrial designer Raymond Loewy created the distinctive look of many Studebaker models from the late 1930s into the 1960s. The bullet-nose front and the wrap-around rear window are hallmarks of this Studebaker design. The economical but innovative and safe Studebakers offered a Hill Holder feature, power antenna, and child-proof rear door locks as options. Despite its 1954 merger with Packard, Studebaker closed its doors in South Bend IN in 1964, ending 112 years of first wagon and then automobile and truck production. Specifications of the Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe: V-8 engine; displacement 232.6 cubic inches; 120 horsepower; 115 inch wheelbase; price new $1,933; built in South Bend IN in 1951; donated by Robert and Shirley Wilson in 1996.

This 1951 Studebaker represents the 1950s in our '100 Years of Route 66' exhibit.

The Chevy Bel Air Hardtop had ample interior size; it six passengers comfortably plus it had fuel efficiency. 137,672 of the four-door hardtop sedans were manufactured compared to only 47,562 of the two-door convertible models. Specifications: V-8 engine; 115 inch wheelbase; displacement 265 cubic inches; 283 horsepower; price new $2,365; weight 3,323 pounds; built in 1957; donated by Willard McHugh in 2011.

Brothers Joseph and John Moon came to St. Louis in 1882 and formed the Moon Brothers Carriage Company. The company manufactured carriages, wagons, carts and buggies at low prices and with a wide range of available features. For around one hundred dollars, base model carriages could be purchased, and for several hundred dollars more, options included room for four and collapsible tops. Well-known for its wholesale prices, the Moon Brothers Carriage Company became the largest of its type in St. Louis and a member of the National Carriage Manufacturing Association. In 1905, to keep up with the emerging industry, Joseph Moon began manufacturing automobiles. The Moon Brothers Car remained in St. Louis and manufactured cars until the early 1930s, when the company went out of business during the Great Depression. Hear more here.

An "opera coupe" could seat four people, but the front passenger seat was collapsible, allowing for easy access to the two-person rear seat. The height of the opera coupes also allowed for the wearing of top hats. The original owner of this car was probably wealthy enough to have a chauffeur. Specifications: 6-cylinder engine; 128 inch wheelbase; 38.4 horsepower; price new $3,250; built in St. Louis MO in 1917; acquired  2009.

This 2000 Cadillac Seville was the last car legendary St. Louis Cardinals player Stan Musial purchased new. A Fifth Generation (1998-2004) flagship sedan, the Seville was the first to be engineered and built with both right-and and left-hand drive form and the first modern Cadillac to be sold in a right-handed market such as the United Kingdom without a conversion kit. Stan Musial’s legacy cannot be refuted. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals his entire baseball career spanning twenty-two years. He won seven National League Batting titles, awarded MVP three times, and helped the Cardinals win three World Series Championships in the 1940s. He had a batting average of .331 with 475 home runs before retiring in 1963. Stan Musial was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969. and, in February 2011, he was presented with the Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor for contributions to society. Specifications: Engine Type 4.6-liter V8 Displacement 278 cu in Wheelbase (in) 112.2 Price New $44,080 Production 29,535. Donated by the Musial Family

This vehicle is not currently on display.

This 1919 Studebaker Special Six was one of the South Bend, Indiana, Studebaker Corporation's mid-range models from 1918 to 1926, with a 120-inch wheelbase and wood wheels.

This vehicle is not currently on display.

“It Bites When Cornered.” The Barracuda model was manufactured by the Chrysler Corporation from 1964-1974 for the two-door pony market. This second generation (1967-69) vehicle was available as a convertible, notchback coup and fast back. 30,110 Barracudas were produced in 1967. This car has been heavily modified over the years as a “Resto/mod” which is a car that appears to be original on the outside, but has an updated drivetrain, braking, safety systems and additional model upgrades. Some of these modifications include: 340 V8 engine (420 HP), 727 automatic transmission, custom front suspension, Hydroboost/Wilwood four- wheel disc brakes, full custom leather interior including the door panels and trunk space with an Alpine stereo/video system. Donated by the Lippman Family. 1967 Barracudas have made (and continue to make) countless appearances in a wide variety of movies and television shows, including (but not limited to): Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, 1967 She-Devils on Wheels, 1968 Gidget Gets Married (a made-for-TV movie), 1972 Gone in 60 Seconds, 1974 Caged Heat, 1974 Return from Witch Mountain, 1978 Ghost in the Machine, 1993

Noted Upstate automobile dealer, John Willys, took over the operations of the Overland Automobile Manufacturing Company in 1907 after his $10,000 deposit for cars were never delivered due to backorders and debt. With a new infusion of cash, he reorganized the firm as the Willys-Overland Company (1909), and dramatically increased production. This growth continued until the early 1920s. Ultimately, Willys-Overland was the second largest producer of cars behind Ford. John Willys was eventually demoted from his role at the company after huge financial losses due to bad business decisions and a post-war depression. Years later, he regained his position and Willys- Overland rebounded with great success. The Production of the Model 91 began in 1923 and lasted until 1926. It was offered in a range of open and closed body styles. The Model 91 utilized the company’s Triplex suspension. Unlike conventional semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension system, which in most cases was mounted parallel to the frame, the Triplex system was a three-point cantilever design consisting of a pair of quarter-elliptic springs mounted at an angle. This unique suspension was used in both the front and rear of the car. Specifications: 4-cylinder, Displacement 158 cubic inches, 20 HP, Wheelbase 100 inches, Built in Toledo Ohio,  Price New starting at $530.00. ON LOAN from Ben Hilliker

The Pontiac Fiero was a mid-engine sports car built by General Motors from 1983-1988 for the 1984-1988 model years. It was designed by George Milidrag and Hulki Aldikacti as a sports car but met resistance from GM’s management thinking the car would compete with the company’s popular and powerful Corvette. They eventually sold them on the idea that it was a more fuel efficient “commuter car” in an era of high gasoline prices after compromising on a smaller engine while retaining the sporty look. A total of 370,168 Fieros were produced over a relatively short production run of five years with 32,305 of the Fiero SE model produced in 1986. Production ceased after 1988 due to declining sales and bad press relating to the car’s reputation for catching fire. Poor reliability and performance were also a factor in the car’s demise. The Fiero still has a cult-like following among owners and customizers. Larger high-performance engines made by General Motors can replace the original 4-cylinder Iron Duke engine that was utilized in several GM automobile models at the time. Specifications: Engine V6 2.8 liter 173 ci; Transmission 4-speed Muncie Manual; Wheelbase 94.4 in; Factory Price $11,240; Built in Muncie IN; 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE ON LOAN from Marcia and Allen Ritter

The history of the Corvair began in 1960 when GM decided to build a compact car that could compete with the Volkswagen Beetle. The Chevrolet Corvair Corsa was a unique car by American standards. It was powered by an air-cooled flat-6 engine mounted in the rear of the car and sported a design with details that looked more like a European sports car. Legendary race car driver John Fitch was particularly enthusiastic about the Corvair and began developing modifications to the vehicle in the early 1960s. These were known as the Sprint model. To achieve this customized version, a customer had three options: the car could be shipped to Fitch’s shop in Connecticut; the local Chevrolet dealer could order the necessary parts; or the owner could order them directly from Fitch and do the work themselves. There were two generations of Sprint models, 1962-1964 and 1965-1969. This second-generation Sprint had over 36 different options to personalize a Corvair, from changing the suspension to adding a fiberglass extension to the roof that gave the car a fastback look. Roughly 1,200 Fitch Sprints were sold over the course of a decade, including the cars manufactured in-house and mail-order kits.    

Before supermarkets and electric refrigerators were in widespread usage, fresh milk in glass bottles was home-delivered on a daily basis. In the United States, milk was delivered by horse-drawn carts until the 1950s, well after the advent of the automobile. The horses that pulled the milk wagons often knew their routes so well that the milkman could make deliveries to a number of houses and the horse would know exactly where to stop and wait for him. The Museum's Pevely milk wagon, #143, was retired from service by the St. Louis dairy in 1950. It original had iron-tired wooden wheels, which didn't work very well on paved roads. Eventually, iron tires gave way to solid rubber tires. They were finally replaced on many carts by pneumatic tires in the 1930s.

Charles Herman Metz started out building bicycles in 1893, under the name Waltham Manufacturing Company. By 1897 the output for the company was 15,000 units. The following year he produced a motorized tandem bicycle that was acknowledged to be America's first motorcycle. In 1898, his company started building automobiles as well. He eventually brought in two investors to obtain the necessary financing needed to expand. After major disagreements about how the company should proceed, C.H. Metz left the company in 1901. He continued to build motorcycles, first under his own name, and from 1905, he partnered with the Marsh Brothers as the Marsh-Metz motorcycle. He got his old company back in 1908. Walther Manufacturing was now in dire financial hardship with a huge amount of debt and an even larger surplus of inventory parts. Metz started marketing kit car, selling packages of parts for $25.00 each. Fourteen packages of parts could complete one car. The "Metz plan" as it was known, provided a payment plan for the buyer and it allowed him to raise the capital to eventually assemble his own cars to sell. In 1909, he reorganized as the Metz Company and began offering factory assembled automobiles and in 1912 offered a 22-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine for $495 and a stripped-down version for $395. Metz cars from the beginning utilized a chain drive and friction transmission: he preferred the term "pressure drive" for his system. 1915 was the company's most productive year with 7200 automobiles sold. However, the fortunes would soon disappear with the war in 1918, production stopped. Efforts to revitalize failed and in 1922 Metz petitioned for bankruptcy. This 1912 Metz was donated to the Museum by Gordon and Kathy Carlson.

The Model A was the second successful endeavor for Henry Ford, replacing the hugely popular Model T. This newly designed automobile was produced from 1927 to 1931 with nearly 5 million cars made in 39 various configurations. It was assembled in 19 cities in the United States including St. Louis, Missouri and 18 additional countries around the world. All vehicles sold in the United States had the same engine type and chassis. Model A was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls with the conventional clutch and brake pedals, throttle and gearshift. It was also the first car to have a safety glass windshield. Typically, a coupe is a car with a fixed roof, two doors and two seats. The term coupe was first applied to horse-drawn carriages for two passengers without rear-facing seats. This car is equipped with a rumble seat which allows extra passengers to ride in the back in the open air. This Model A was donated to the Museum by Wes and Judy Ken.

The Willys MB and the Ford GPW, both formally called the U.S. Army truck, 4X4, command reconnaissance, Willys Jeep and sometimes referred to by its Standard Army vehicle supply number G-503, was a highly successful American off-road capable and light utility vehicle. Well over 600,000 were built to a single standardized design for the United States and Allied forces in World War II from 1941-1945. In June of 1941, the U.S. government contracted Willys, Ford, and Bantam, to design and develop a lightweight, four-wheeled-drive-cross-country vehicle for the US Army, capable of carrying equipment and personnel across rough terrain. All three companies were instrumental in the development in this endeavor; however, Bantam is credited with inventing the original 1/4-ton jeep in 1940. Willys' aggressive advertising and branding during and after the war overshadowed the two other companies, making the world recognize Willys as the creator of the jeep. They event went as far as applying for the "Jeep: trademark. This caused friction between the other manufacturers, eventually forcing the Federal Trade Commission to step in and debunk the claims that Willys was the sole creator of the Jeep. Many U.S. Army generals had high praises for this light-weight vehicle and its performance. General George Marshall, Chief of Staff of the US Army during the war, called it "Americas greatest contribution to modern warfare". In 1991 the MB Jeep was designated an "International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark" by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  

This 1942 Willys MB represents the 1940s in our '100 Years of Route 66' exhibit, and is on loan from Jonathan Heck.

The International Extreme Truck Series (often identified by the acronym XT) is a pickup truck that was built by Navistar International from 2004 to 2008. The XT line marked International's return to the production of a commercial pickup truck since 1975. The largest pickup trucks ever mass-produced for retail sale, two of the XT trucks were developed from the International medium-duty truck range, while the third was a variant of an International military tactical vehicle (similar in concept to the Hummer H1). The International CXT (Commercial Extreme Truck) was the first variant of the XT-Series to enter production (2005-2006) with 200 to 300 units built, making it a very rare and collectable truck. At its launch, Navistar targeted the CXT towards business owners, marketing the truck as a dual-purpose vehicle. In addition to its towing and hauling capabilities, the CXT could be used as a promotional vehicle, essentially a large rolling billboard.    

This 2005 International CXT represents the 2000s in our '100 Years of Route 66' exhibit, and is on loan from SCE Inc.

The Dodge Challenger is the name of the three generations of automobiles produced between 1970 to 2023. This 2015 Challenger Hellcat is the third and last generation model which were produced from 2008 - 2023. This generation is a full-size muscle car built to rival the evolved fifth generation Ford Mustang and the fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro. The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat features a 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 engine producing 707 hp and 650 lb.-ft of torque. It achieves 0-60 MPH in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. The car came with two key fobs: a red key for full 707 hp, and a black key that limits the car to 500 hp.  

This 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat represents the 2010s in our '100 Years of Route 66' exhibit, and is on loan from a longtime supporter of the Museum.