The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is a hidden gem in Asheville, NC that promises an engaging experience for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Located at 111 Grovewood Road, adjacent to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, this museum offers a unique peek into automotive history. Visitors are treated to a fascinating collection of vintage automobiles and antique carriages, each with its own story.
The museum's charm lies not only in its impressive collection but also in the rich history of its founder, Harry D. Blomberg, and the transformation of the former Biltmore Industries weaving shop into a haven for classic cars. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just looking for a unique family outing, the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is a must-visit destination that will leave you captivated and eager to explore more.
Highlights
- Vintage Automobiles: A stunning collection of classic cars, including the rare 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and the 1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck.
- Historic Setting: The museum is housed in a building with original hardwood floors, open-beamed ceilings, and Roycroft chandeliers, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century craftsmanship.
- Educational Displays: Informative visual displays provide historical context and background information for each vehicle, making it a learning experience for all ages.
Contents
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Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is worth visiting with kids, especially those aged 8 and up. The museum offers a hands-on learning experience where children can marvel at the vintage cars and hear fascinating stories about their history. The unique setting and the chance to see a real 1922 fire truck up close will surely spark their curiosity and imagination.
Family-friendly Features
- Interactive Displays: Children can learn about the history of each vehicle through engaging visual displays.
- Special Events: Family-friendly car shows and educational programs are held regularly.
- Picnic Areas: The museum's beautifully landscaped lawn offers a perfect spot for a family picnic.
History of the Museum
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum was founded by Harry D. Blomberg in 1966. Blomberg, an Asheville Cadillac and Pontiac dealer, had a deep passion for automobiles. His contributions to Asheville's automotive history are significant, as he established one of the city's first filling stations and later opened a Cadillac-Pontiac dealership. The museum is housed in the former Biltmore Industries weaving shop, a building rich in history and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Blomberg's vision transformed this space into a museum celebrating automotive history and preserving the legacy of vintage cars.
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The Collection
The museum's collection boasts a variety of vehicles, each with its unique story and significance. Here's a closer look at what you can expect to see:
Vintage Automobiles
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum features several classic cars that impress any car enthusiast. Among the highlights is the rare 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, known for its Lake Placid Blue exterior and stainless-steel roof. This vehicle is a true gem, with only 400 produced in 1957, making it a rare find for collectors and visitors alike. The Cadillac Eldorado Brougham is not just a car; it's a piece of automotive history showcasing its time's luxury and innovation.
Antique Carriages
In addition to vintage automobiles, the museum also houses four antique carriages. One of the most notable is a carriage owned by Edwin Wiley Grove, the visionary behind The Grove Park Inn. These carriages offer a glimpse into the transportation methods of the past and highlight the craftsmanship and design that were prevalent during that era. The collection of carriages adds a unique dimension to the museum, providing visitors with a broader perspective on the evolution of transportation.
Notable Vehicles
The museum's collection includes several notable vehicles that have played significant roles in Asheville's history. One of the standout pieces is the 1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck, which served the city of Asheville for over 40 years. This vintage fire truck is still in driving condition and is a testament to the durability and engineering of early 20th-century fire-fighting equipment. Another highlight is the 1921 Asheville City Fire Truck, which adds to the museum's impressive lineup of historic vehicles.
Unique Features
What sets the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum apart is the unique features of its collection. Each vehicle is meticulously preserved and displayed, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical significance and technological advancements of the time. For instance, the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham's stainless-steel roof and luxurious interior reflect the pinnacle of automotive design in the 1950s. Similarly, the 1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck showcases the engineering prowess of early fire-fighting vehicles with its robust construction and functional design.
Additional Highlights
The museum's collection goes beyond just cars and carriages. Visitors can also explore an authentic moonshine still, which adds a touch of local history and culture to the museum experience. The moonshine still nods to the region's past, offering an interesting contrast to the automotive exhibits. Additionally, the museum features Roycroft chandeliers from 1918, which were originally part of Fred Seely's stone castle. These chandeliers, inscribed with Shakespearean quotes, add a touch of elegance and historical context to the museum's ambiance.
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Table of Notable Vehicles
| Vehicle | Year | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Eldorado Brougham | 1957 | Lake Placid Blue exterior, stainless-steel roof |
| American LaFrance Fire Truck | 1922 | Served Asheville for over 40 years, still in driving condition |
| Asheville City Fire Truck | 1921 | Historic fire-fighting vehicle |
| Edwin Wiley Grove's Carriage | N/A | Owned by the visionary behind The Grove Park Inn |
The museum's collection boasts a variety of vehicles, including:
- Vintage Automobiles: The collection features several classic cars, such as the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, known for its Lake Placid Blue exterior and stainless-steel roof.
- Antique Carriages: Four antique carriages, one owned by Edwin Wiley Grove, the visionary behind The Grove Park Inn, are among the exhibits.
- Notable Vehicles: Highlights include the 1922 American LaFrance Fire Truck, which served Asheville for over 40 years, and the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, a rare find; only 400 were produced in 1957.
The unique features of these cars, such as their historical significance and technological advancements, make the collection truly remarkable.
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The Museum Experience
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum visitors are greeted by the building's original hardwood floors, open-beamed ceiling, and two 6-foot Roycroft chandeliers, which reflect the space's early 20th-century roots. The museum offers guided tours and visual displays that provide historical context for each vehicle. Large windows allow natural light to illuminate the prized cars, creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. Inspirational quotes placed by the original owner, Fred Seely, add to the museum's charm, making it a memorable experience for all who visit.
Events and Activities
The museum hosts various special events and car shows throughout the year, providing opportunities for car enthusiasts to engage with the collection. Educational programs and family-friendly activities are also available, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you're attending a car show or participating in an educational tour, there's always something exciting happening at the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum.
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Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum with children is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and the garden is in full bloom. Weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds, and mornings offer a quieter experience.
Recommended duration: Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours exploring the museum.
Our Resume
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Its rich history, impressive collection, and family-friendly features make it a must-visit destination in Asheville.
