San Diego Automotive Museum

Open since 1988, the San Diego Automotive Museum serves as a tribute to the history of automobiles and how they have shaped the culture in these United States.

The museum has a permanent collection of autos reflecting a rich history of technological advancement and styles. However, the focus of the San Diego Automotive Museum is more reflective of the social impact and stories about how each car affected the lives of those that drove them. The museum also offers educational programs for the children of San Diego. These programs are designed to help foster an understanding and appreciation of social studies, science, physics, technology and art through teaching about the impact of the automobile on the American society.

One of the main exhibits is the Louis Mattar story of how he transformed a 1947 Cadillac into an incredible accomplishment of self-sustaining mobility. After spending five years and $75,000 making futuristic renovations to his car, Mattar and a few coworkers took to the open road in 1952 and embarked on a roundtrip adventure from San Diego to New York—a total of 6,320 miles. While making the round trip drive is quite an accomplishment by its own right, Mattar and company made the drive without ever stopping! 

The backseat was equipped with an electric stove, a refrigerator, washing machine, toilet, ironing board and more—all of which could be stored under the backseat cushions. Up in the front of the car amenities like a mobile nationwide phone, a shower and a moveable platform that allowed for changing tires while the car was moving made this one-of-a-kind car even more spectacular. There was a trailer attached to the back of the car which could hold up to 225 gallons of gas, 10 gallons of oil and 25 gallons of water.

As you take a self-guided tour through the museum, you’ll see automobiles from the past and present—many in impeccable condition featuring very unique stories and technological advancements. Bring your whole family and enjoy sharing the stories of how automobiles have affected your own lives.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the automobile, visit the museum library—home to an expansive collection of automotive research materials, repair manuals, old photos and more. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the museum store where you’ll find some great gifts for any automobile enthusiast including rare auto models, books, clothing and more.

HelloSanDiego Tip: The San Diego Automotive Museum is located in Balboa Park within proximity to many other San Diego attractions, including The Old Globe Theatre, the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art.
 

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.