lemayacm

Tacoma Cars & Coffee is Coming to ACM!

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:49:25 GMT

Tacoma Cars & Coffee is moving to LeMay ACM beginning January 17th, 2026

Tacoma Cars & Coffee is moving to LeMay - America's Car Museum beginning January 17th, 2026! Join us every third Saturday of the month from 9AM - 11AM throughout 2026!

Enjoy great company, cool cars, and warm coffee from @naomijoecoffee !

To ensure this event remains safe and fun for everyone, please use good judgement when entering, parking and existing. This is a community event that is free to attend and open to all years, makes and models.

Route 66 Exhibition Updated for 100th Anniversary

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:58:11 GMT

In anticipation of the upcoming Drive Home, and in honor of the 100th anniversary of the opening of Route 66, this week we opened a refreshed Route 66 exhibition at LeMay – America's Car Museum in Tacoma, WA. The exhibition, which is a longstanding favorite of Museum visitors, received an aesthetic refresh, featuring centennial-themed additions and vehicles that pay homage to the 100th birthday of America’s most famous highway. Throughout 2026, the Route 66 exhibition at ACM will feature films and artifacts from the upcoming Route 66 Drive Home.

We are now just a few weeks away from kicking off Route 66’s centennial year with our epic cross-country drive we call The Drive Home. Historically, The Drive Home was created as a partnership between America’s Automotive Trust and the Detroit Auto Show to celebrate driving and keeping cars on the road, each time making the drive "home" to the automotive capital of America – Detroit, Michigan.

For the seventh rendition of The Drive Home, we are once again partnered with the Detroit Auto Show, and additionally, the Route 66 Centennial Commission , to make the journey across Route 66 in its entirety in honor of the centennial anniversary. Nine vehicles will make the journey, accompanied by nearly two dozen “privateers,” who will be following our Drive Home convoy in their own vehicles as we make our way across America. Want to cruise with us? CLICK HERE to sign up. Be sure to follow America's Automotive Trust on their social media channels to follow along!

ACM License Plate Approved!

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 22:26:15 GMT

LeMay – America’s Car Museum Approved License Plate

We are thrilled to announce that our new LeMay – America’s Car Museum specialty license plate design has been officially approved by the Washington State Department of Transportation. This marks an exciting milestone for our Museum and for car enthusiasts throughout Washington State.

As many of you know, our originally proposed black-and-white “throwback” design was ultimately adopted by the State for its own retro plate series and therefore is not associated with ACM. Because that design is now owned by the State, we were required to create a fully new concept that met their detailed specifications—including color palette, layout, and mandatory design elements.

Working through the State’s extensive approval and compliance process, our team developed a new plate that proudly reflects the identity, mission, and bold visual spirit of LeMay – America’s Car Museum. We are excited to share this final, approved artwork with you and hope you are as enthusiastic about the finished design as we are.

At this time, we are awaiting confirmation of the official release date for when the plate will be available for order. Once the State provides this information, we will immediately announce it across our communication channels. When the ordering window opens, you will be able to purchase plates directly through the Washington State Department of Licensing website

Your purchase of an ACM specialty plate directly supports our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, helping us preserve and share America’s automotive story, expand educational programming, and continue honoring the past, celebrating the present, and driving the future of car culture.

Thank you for your continued support, passion, and patience as we’ve worked through this rigorous process. We can’t wait to see these plates on the road across Washington and to share this milestone with our entire community of supporters, members, volunteers, staff, and car lovers everywhere.

Support the Community with our Holiday Drives

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:28:22 GMT

Support our Holiday Drives to Save on Admission or Membership!

This holiday season, LeMay - America's Car Museum is teaming up with local organization to support local families. If you contribute to either, you're eligible to save $2 off of your admission ticket, or receive 10% off an annual membership! Both drives are happening now through December 10th. Here's how you can help:

We are partnering with Santa's Castle to deliver toys, books, and games to children of JBLM military families. We graciously accepting new, unwrapped gifts suitable for children of all ages.

Join LeMayACM and Northwest Harvest in fighting hunger this holiday season as part of our mission to Drive Down Hunger. We are thankful for your donation of non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local families.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@americascarmuseum.org.

Gallery: Trunk or Treat

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:14:26 GMT

Despite a bit of rain, we were thrilled to host Trunk or Treat! Thank you to our all our outstanding vendors and to everyone who participated!

Opening October 25: Birth of the American Supercar

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:56:22 GMT

LeMay – America’s Car Museum proudly presents The Birth of the American Supercar, a groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by renowned automotive innovator Steve Saleen. This one-of-a-kind display invites guests on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of American supercars. From early speed pioneers to cutting-edge modern marvels, visitors will experience a stunning lineup of vehicles that have redefined engineering, speed, and style, built by a wide range of American automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Saleen himself, and even some more obscure ones like Vector, Cunningham, and Hennessey. From roaring V8s to sleek carbon-fiber bodies, discover how American automakers pushed boundaries, challenged European rivals, and redefined what a supercar could be. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most thrilling and historically significant American-made performance vehicles ever built—all under one roof.

Our Online Store is Now Open!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:16:27 GMT

Great news! LeMay’s online store is now live! Whether you forgot to grab a souvenir during your visit or you're on the hunt for the perfect automotive-inspired gift, we've got you covered.

Shop a wide selection of LeMay-branded merchandise as well as a huge inventory of clothing, art, and unique automobilia that celebrates car culture in all its forms. From stylish apparel and collectible die-casts to vintage-inspired décor and prints, there’s something for every enthusiast.

It’s the perfect way to bring the spirit of America’s Car Museum home or send it to someone who’d love it just as much. Start exploring the shop now and fuel your passion for all things automotive.

Cars & Cigars Tickets Now On Sale

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:04:28 GMT

Turn back the clock on August 2 at Cars & Cigars!

Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening— Cars & Cigars: The Seventies Social is set for Saturday, August 2 from 6–10 PM at LeMay – America’s Car Museum , and tickets are officially on sale.

This annual event is a favorite among those who appreciate fine cigars, elevated food and drink, and exceptional automobiles. Each year brings a new theme, and this summer, we’re turning back the clock to the 1970s. Expect an evening of laid-back luxury, classic style, and nostalgic fun in a setting unlike any other.

Guests will enjoy:

Premium cigars in a sophisticated outdoor lounge
Handcrafted cocktails and refreshing beverages
Savory bites from Stanley & Seafort’s, Table 47, and Anthony’s
Live music inspired by the sounds of the era
A curated selection of classic cars displayed on the plaza

Whether you come for the cars, the company, or the warm summer breeze, Cars & Cigars offers the perfect blend of style, flavor, and atmosphere. It’s the ideal night out to gather with friends, meet fellow enthusiasts, and celebrate the finer things—1970s style.

Tickets are limited and expected to sell out. Reserve yours now and prepare for a night of retro sophistication.

June 2025 ACM Cruise-In Gallery

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:31:51 GMT

On June 12, 2025, we welcomed more than 100 cars and over 200 spectators to LeMay - America's Car Museum for our first cruise-in of the summer! With a theme honoring 100 years of Chrysler and Mopar, we saw an eclectic array of vehicles, ranging from a Chrysler Sebring convertible and classic Plymouth Cuda (along with many other American muscle cars) to a Maserati, JDM kei cars, and numerous vintage Volkswagens. These local Tacoma car shows are truly a celebration of all things automotive! We hope to see you at the next on July 17. Our theme for that one is "A world of cars," where we will celebrate Asian and European makes and models. Shout out to OpenBay Garage for sponsoring the 2025 ACM Cruise-In series!

A Short History of the American Garage

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:34:13 GMT

The Evolution of the Modern American Garage: From SIMPLE Carriage House to an extension of the home

At LeMay – America’s Car Museum, we celebrate the automobile in all its cultural, historical, and mechanical glory. But where do these beloved vehicles spend their off-hours? The answer—the garage—has a story just as fascinating as the cars themselves. From humble carriage houses to polished home showrooms and versatile lifestyle spaces, the American garage has evolved dramatically over the past century.

The Horse Before the Horsepower

Before the rise of the automobile, elite homes in the late 19th century featured carriage houses, usually tucked behind the main residence. These structures stored carriages, tack, and feed, and often included stalls for horses. Some even had upstairs quarters for stablehands or drivers—an early example of a structure designed for both function and flexibility.

As cars gained popularity in the early 20th century, carriage houses became obsolete—but they laid the blueprint for what would become the American garage.

The Birth of the Automobile Garage

By the 1910s and 1920s, as cars replaced carriages, homeowners began constructing detached garages to store their new machines. These early garages were often rudimentary sheds made of wood or brick, focused on sheltering the vehicle from the elements rather than offering any creature comforts. They were functional but unremarkable.

As the auto industry boomed, so did car culture. By the 1940s and ’50s, attached garages became a common feature in suburban home design, especially during the post-WWII housing boom. No longer a luxury, the garage became a standard feature of American life.

Garage as Workshop: The Hot Rod Era

In the golden age of hot rods and muscle cars, garages transformed into more than just storage. They became sanctuaries for tinkerers and gearheads, filled with tools, grease-stained rags, and dreams of speed. Legendary customizers like Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and George Barris did much of their early work in modest garages.

The garage was the birthplace of creativity and speed. While many automotive pioneers built their first automobiles in garden sheds and basements, by the 1960s the purpose built, attached garage had become a prominent component of any American home

More Than a Parking Spot: The Garage Expands

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the garage has once again undergone a transformation. While still home to cars, today's garages serve multiple roles:

Home gyms, with weight racks and cardio equipment
Home offices, especially post-2020, with desks, lighting, and insulation upgrades
Game rooms and man caves, with TVs, kegerators, and vintage signs
Guest apartments or ADUs (accessory dwelling units) in urban areas where housing is tight
Art studios and maker spaces for hobbies, crafts, and small businesses

This multifunctional shift reflects the American desire to maximize every inch of livable space and to make it their own. Of course, the ultimate use for the garage remains the same, a place to store vehicles. Gearheads and car enthusiasts of all types are building out their garages to reflect their personal taste in vehicles, music and more. No more is the garage just a parking space, it 's become hangout and a place to relax, reflect and restore (people and cars!).

Modern Innovations: Charging Ahead

As electric vehicles become more common, garages are adapting once again. Today’s modern garages often include EV charging stations, smart lighting, security systems, and climate control. Builders are designing spaces that look and function like part of the living space—with finished walls, durable epoxy floors, and designer lighting. In fact, the modern garage is as likely to house a vintage Corvette as it is a Peloton, a home theater, or a high-end tool wall worthy of a magazine spread.

From Practical to Polished: The Garage Renaissance

All of this change has elevated the garage from afterthought to centerpiece. What was once purely utilitarian has become a personal expression of lifestyle, values, and design taste. It’s no longer just about parking—it’s about passion. Whether that passion is for cars, fitness, work, or weekend relaxation, the garage is the space where it happens.

Integrity Garage Floors: A Proud Partner in the Garage Evolution

As garages continue to evolve, so does the need for high-quality, durable, and beautiful flooring. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Integrity Garage Floors as a sponsor of LeMay – America’s Car Museum . Their premium garage floor coating systems help transform any garage into a space that’s both functional and fantastic, whether you're parking a classic car or building a home gym.

If you're reimagining your garage, start from the ground up. Integrity Garage Floors delivers results that are as tough as they are stylish—just like the modern American garage itself. Check out a couple of the floors they have installed below.

Visit the Museum to explore the past, present, and future of automotive culture. And if you’re inspired to create your own garage masterpiece, reach out to our friends at Integrity Garage Floors to get started.

ACM closed to the public on May 24

Thu, 08 May 2025 20:25:07 GMT

As we prepare to host the DirtFish Women in Motorsports Summit, we wanted to post a reminder that we will be closed to the public on Saturday, May 24th. We apologize for any inconvenience. At the time of writing, limited tickets to the Summit are still available if you'd like to attend. Please click here to learn more!

New Exhibit Opens at ACM

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:29:27 GMT

Rare & Luxurious

100 Years of Exceptional Automobiles

LeMay - America's Car Museum is thrilled to announce a new exhibit, Rare & Luxurious: 100 Years of Exceptional Automobiles. Tracing the evolution of luxury and performance from the 1920s to the present day, visitors will be treated to an incredible array of vehicles from the likes of Duesenberg, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Continental, Crane-Simplex and more. Visit the exhibit page to learn more about this new exhibition taking place in our Showcase Gallery.

Free Racing Simulator Days in April & May

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:14:53 GMT

Throughout April and May 2025, enjoy FREE racing simulator rides with museum admission every Monday & Thursday from 11 AM – 4 PM! Experience the speed, test your skills, and see if you have what it takes to be a champion. Just stop by our front desk during your visit for details. Don’t miss out! Simulator rides are subject to availability.

Check out the video below to see the simulators in action!

Save 10% on Membership through 3/31/25

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:38:00 GMT

BECOME AN ACM MEMBER AND SAVE WITH PROMO CODE SHINKA10

If you sign up or renew your membership by March 31, 2025, you will receive a 10% discount on all membership levels, including Individual, Family, Silver, and Gold. To unlock the discount, use promo code SHINKA10 at checkout! As an ACM member, you'll receive an array of exciting benefits, including unlimited Museum access, all while directly supporting our efforts to bring incredible exhibits like Shinka to our community. Additional benefits include:

Access and privileges to LeMay-America’s Car Museum
Invitations to exclusive experiences, Signature Events and educational programs
10% discount to ACM Store and Full Throttle Cafe
Member portal for virtual programs
Additional Member perks with participating partners
Family and above members receive ROAM & NARM reciprocal benefits
Reciprocal benefits at Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI
Exciting driving opportunities across the country
Digital subscription to AAT’s monthly eNewsletter, En Route
Digital subscription to America’s Automotive Trust’s award-winning magazine, OpenRoad

CLICK HERE to learn more and to sign up today!

Tickets to DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit on sale now!

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 09:17:06 GMT

Held at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma on Saturday May 24, general admission tickets are now on sale

Tickets to the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit are on sale now!

To be held at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA on Saturday May 24th general admission tickets are priced at $50 and limited to 250. Additional top table tickets are available. Click here to buy.

Now in its fourth year, the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit is one of America’s fastest-growing events – hence the need to move out of DirtFish Rally School in Snoqualmie to LeMay – America’s Car Museum.

One of Formula 1’s highest profile women – Claire Williams OBE – will join this year’s Summit as guest speaker. As deputy team principal, Claire guided Williams Racing to third place in the Formula 1 standings in successive seasons. Alongside that sporting prowess, she developed the British-based team into one of the most diverse on the grid.

Williams said: “Events like the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit go a long way to open the playing field up to women and show them that motorsport is for everyone.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the event to talk about my experiences in Formula 1, but also to learn more about the world of rallying and the inspiring women participating in it.

“We all know the value a diverse workforce delivers; pushing hard here is critical. However, and perhaps even more importantly, creating a motorsport world that welcomes and supports women in their careers is just the right thing to do because everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dream and to fulfil it in a positive environment.”

Claire Williams to join DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit

DirtFish Women in Motorsport co-ordinator Josie Rimmer added: “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. We’ve had so many enquiries from people asking when they can buy their tickets and the answer is, right now!

“Announcing Claire as our guest speaker was an unbelievably proud moment. To have a woman of her calibre joining us is a measure of how quickly the Summit has grown and that’s something everybody at DirtFish can be incredibly proud of.

“Holding the event at LeMay – America’s Car Museum is a real honor and, trust me, Saturday May 24th is going to be one special day.”

DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit tickets can be purchased here , with the first 100 people buying general admission landing a bonus DirtFish pin pack. All tickets will include full and exclusive access to LeMay – America’s Car Museum on Saturday May 24th.

Shinka Through the Lens

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:15:56 GMT

Shinka - An Immersive Japanese Automobile Exhibit, currently on display at LeMay - America's Car Museum, is a one-of-a-kind exploration of Japan’s automotive heritage that offers visitors unparalleled access to some of the most iconic and important vehicles to come out of Japan. The display features everything from classic models that laid the foundation of the Japanese automotive market, to legends of the ’90s and their modern-day successors, providing Museum guests the opportunity to witness their distinct engineering and aesthetics up close. Here's a few photos from the JDM exhibit that celebrates Japanese car culture.

Restoring Studebaker Avanti #1

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:11:52 GMT

Avanti in Italian means “forward.” Studebaker Corporation (South Bend, Indiana) President Sherwood Egbert’s vision to fuel company sales was to create a radical new car for the Studebaker line. In early 1962, he tasked famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy to create the design. In just a short period, Loewy and his design team consisting of John Epstein, Robert Andrews and Tom Kellogg presented Egbert with his futuristic design and the Avanti was born. It was fabricated in fiberglass over a steel frame, a new technology at the time, and powered by the top-of-the-line Studebaker 289 R2 Paxton supercharged engine. Paxton President and racing legend Andy Granatelli joined the team to help promote its performance image. It was touted as “America’s Only Four-Passenger Performance Car.”

This car is Number 62R 1001 with matching supercharged engine number R1002, and is the first production Avanti made by the Studebaker Corporation of South Bend, Indiana.

America’s Car Museum obtained Avanti #63R1001 in 2001 through a donation from a local collector. The car had been discovered on the East Coast and was brought to Washington State in 1974 by the donor with the intent of restoring the car. The car was in need of a complete restoration, having been drastically altered by a former owner. In 2010, with the help of records obtained from the Studebaker National Museum archives, the chassis and engine numbers were authenticated as the first production Studebaker Avanti, securing the car’s place in automotive history.

In 2011, America’s Car Museum embarked on a journey to raise funds to restore the car. LeMay-ACM Collections Manager Renée Crist solicited the assistance of James Bell, owner and curator of Bell’s Studebaker Museum in Bellingham, Washington to assist with the project. Together they conducted a thorough assessment of #1001 developing a restoration work plan. With the approval and support of the Museum’s board of directors, and donations from LeMay-ACM supporters, Studebaker owners and clubs, the restoration was able to begin. Newly restored, in the car’s original colors of Avanti White with deluxe orange Naugahyde interior, the car is one of the museum’s showcase vehicles and adds to the rich story of American automotive innovation, design, manufacturing, and engineering.

1963 Studebaker Avanti #63R 1001 data

The serial number for the car: 63R 1001
The order date was 4/26/1962
Final assembly date was 6/1962
Shipping date was 6/25/1962
Body number for the car 63R-Q, then 101 was added
Body color 6331 – Avanti White
Interior 733A – Deluxe Orange
Engine, R2, #RS1002 – Supercharged [actual engine number matched the build sheet]
Transmission, 4 speed floor shift
The car was equipped from the factory with power steering, tinted side glass, hill holder, front and rear seat belts, radio and antenna, rear speaker, white wall tires and twin traction

Studebaker Corporate memo referencing Car 62R1001:

“1-62R Serial No. 1001” to be allocated for South Bend Technical Training Center.
The memo and accompanying “Authorization of Expenditures” document authorized the use of the first 5 Avanti’s at five technical training centers around the country. The purpose was to “develop shop manuals and present the Avanti Technical Service Training Program to corporate and dealer personnel.”

Provenance

1964: Purchased by Dick Goldfarb and licensed in Massachusetts, sold in 1966
1970: William Palmer, Jr of in Cape May, New Jersey purchased the car from Feldman Motors in Revere, Massachusetts
1974: The car discovered in Connecticut by Gary Johnson of Avanti Northwest and brought to Tacoma, Washington for the collection of Dr. Daniel Cook
2001: The car was donated to LeMay – America’s Car Museum by Daniel and Nancy Cook

Pictured above: June 3,2018 Arrival: James Bell and ACM Curator of Collections, Renée Crist view the completed 1963 Studebaker Avanti #63R1001 at at LeMay-America’s Car Museum

Avanti 1001 Rescue Society

ACM is extremely grateful for the generous support of money, parts and time donated to the project by Museum members, the Studebaker Drivers Club and Avanti Owners Association International members. Much of the assembly work being performed on the Avanti has been donated by the members of Studebaker community lead by co-project manager James Bell with support of Stephanie Bell. Additional authentication research was provided with the help of Lew Schucart of the Avanti Owners Association International and Editor of Avanti Magazine, Author and Automotive Historian John Hull, and Andrew Beckman, Author, Archivist and Historian at the Studebaker National Museum.

1963 Studebaker Avanti 1001 as it looked when it was returned to the museum after the completion of the paint and bodywork by Studebaker Drivers Club member Ron Hochhalter.

1963 Studebaker Avanti R1001 Rescue Project Managers

Renee Crist, Curator of Collections, LeMay- America’s Car Museum
James Bell, Owner of Bell’s Studebaker Museum and Diner in Bellingham, Washington

Come see the first Studebaker Avanti at LeMay - America's Car Museum!