For those of us who have spent a life admiring automobiles, there are few greater joys than seeing cars that we could never hope to drive or afford. Arizona has all sorts of distinct automotive pleasures, both near Phoenix and in places more remote. But which are the best of the bunch? Here are a few of the best auto museums you’ll find in Arizona, from your friends here at Avondale Nissan!
Best Auto Museums in Arizona
Dwarf Car Museum — Maricopa, AZ
Have you ever looked at a classic car and thought, “Well, that’s nice, but why can’t it be miniature?” If so, then your thinking is right in line with that of Ernie Adams, originator of the Dwarf Car Museum. Adams has been building dwarf cars since 1965, and in the meantime has built scores of race cars and cruisers. You can now see them at his museum, located 35 miles south of Phoenix.
Penske Racing Museum — Phoenix, AZ
If you’re a fan of motorsports and would like to see a bit of its storied history, look no further. Just invoking the name “Penske” is enough to send most racing fans into a spinout — Racing puns! –but when you consider the scores of terrific cars and memorabilia on display, it’s a positively unforgettable experience. You can also buy official Penske apparel, much of which is signed by Penske Team drivers.
The Franklin Auto Museum — Tucson, AZ
If you’ve never heard of Franklin automobiles, then you’re missing out. They were introduced in 1902, and before folding during the great depression, Franklin was among the most popular brands in America. Tucson native Thomas Hubbard founded the Franklin Auto Museum to showcase his personal collection, believed to be the largest single collection in the world. This museum is a literal tour of automotive history.
Martin Auto Museum — Phoenix, AZ
While the other museums on this list are specialized in their missions and focus, the Martin Auto Museum rejects this minimalistic approach. This museum covers the entirety of auto history, with classics, race cars, concepts and more. Our personal favorite: an exact reproduction of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, widely believed to be the world’s first automobile. For informative fun, this museum is for you.
We hope that these recommendations help you improve your automotive knowledge, and that you can put this knowledge to good use during your next visit to Avondale Nissan!
We are excited to have @NASCAR_NNS cars represented in the museum @Team_Penske @Hertz @DiscountTire @RyanBlaney22 pic.twitter.com/CZfrpN8wYO
— Penske Racing Museum (@PenskeMuseum) September 20, 2014
