fbpx header.php

Brass Era

The Collings Foundation has thirteen beautiful automobiles from the Brass Era - the early period of automotive manufacturing, named for the prominent brass fittings used during this time.

This car is a Model R, the first car to bear the name Oldsmobile and the first of 3 models to be known as a Curved Dash Oldsmobile.

The Pope Waverly was originally introduced as the Waverley in 1898. It was the only electric car produced by Colonel Albert A. Pope.

The Cadillac Open Roadster is the first automobile with fully interchangeable parts for which it won the Dewar Trophy in 1908.

The Model T was introduced in 1908 with left-hand drive. The car was capable of going 45 mph and needed only a gallon of gasoline every 25 miles.

The Bearcat is the most memorable model built by Stutz. The name lasted from 1914 through 1934.

David Dunbar Buick and Walter Marr created the revolutionary Buick overhead-valve engine in 1901.

This Series H has scored 100-points in judging after restoration and is a Senior National First Prize Winner.

In 1916 Oldsmobile introduced its first production V-8 cylinder engine to the American market with the Model 44.

The first automobile to bear the name Willys-Knight was produced in 1914.

Roaring 20's

Social, cultural and economic conditions underwent dramatic changes during the 1920s. A stronger United States economy allowed Americans to spend more - particularly on automobiles. The new leisure activity of driving was born.

1921 Marmon Model 34 Speedster

A Marmon Model 34 was driven across the country in less than 6 days.

1924 Ford Model T

By 1925, one half of all the cars in the world were Model T's.

1926 Chevrolet Woody Depot Hack

This Depot Hack has its original wood body that has been restored.

Classic Era

Automobiles such as the 1927 Rolls Royce Springfield and 1932 Duesenberg SJ defined the "Classic" look of an automobile. Smooth curves, intricate hood ornaments and ornate interiors are key futures in these beautiful cars.

1927 Rolls Royce Springfield Phantom 1 Phaeton

The first Rolls Royce to come to the United States since the beginning of WWI arrived on October 4th 1919.

1928 Packard Model 533 Sedan

The Twin Six arrived in 1916 as the first 12 cylinder (V-12) car in production anywhere in the world.

1928 Chrysler Model 72 Roadster

The Model 72 Deluxe Roadster was a sporty model aimed to keep consistent with Chrysler’s popular-at-the-time advertising campaign depicting younger people enjoying youthful activities. Some would argue these early Chrysler ad campaigns truly set the tone for future, modern advertising.

1928 Packard Phaeton

This 1928 Packard Phaeton was the first antique car purchased for this collection.

1928 Pierce Arrow Series 81 Limousine

This car is in original condition. You can see the "C" gas ration sticker from the WWII gas shortage on the windshield.

1929 Pontiac Model F Cabriolet

The 1929 Pontiac Cabriolet has a top which folds down with roll down windows and a rumble seat.

1930 Cord Model L29 Convertible Coupe

The L29 was one of two front wheel drive cars introduced in 1929, the other was a Ruxton.

1931 Studebaker President

An electric car designed by Thomas Edison. 20 were built in 1902 and production continued through 1912.

1932 Duesenberg SJ Dual-Cowl Phaeton

This car is the prototype supercharged Model SJ used by Fred Duesenberg as his personal test car.

1935 Packard Model 1208, Convertible Sedan

This convertible limousine sedan has a custom body by Dietrich and is 1 of 27 1935 Model 1208 convertible limousine's originally built.

1937 Cord Model 812 Phaeton

This was the first car to have retractable head lights and a semi-automatic shift.

Celebrity Cars

The most notable celebrity car in the Collings Foundation's collection is a 1940 V-16 Cadillac limousine owned by the famous gangster Al Capone.

1940 Cadillac Limousine V-16, owned by Al Capone, original un-restored

In January 1930 the V-16 Cadillac made its debut followed in September by the V-12.

Indianapolis 500

Started in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 is one of the world's most popular races. Called "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing" the drivers race 200 hard fought laps. Offenhauser and Duesenberg were two of the pioneers that shaped the history of this event.

Sports Race Cars

24-hour and endurance sport races were won by teams who had the fastest and most durable cars with pit crews who could adjust and act at a moments notice. The Foundation's 1996 Rilley & Scott MkIII/Ford was the winner of the 1997 Rolex 24 hours of Daytona.

Sprint Cars 1920's to WWII

Where all modern organized sports car racing originated from! Ingenuity and creative thought were used to turn tractor parts and Model T engines into racing machines.

Sprint Cars WWII to the 1950's

Mechanical refinements were made to make the sprint cars faster and far more dangerous. Sprint race meets were as popular as NFL football is today.

Military Vehicles

Rare American vehicles such as the 1917 Vim Camp Devens Express and Ford Model T Ambulance are included in this unique collection.

Trucks and Farm Vehicles

Artifacts, tractors and vehicles from the early days of mechanized farming make up the majority of this unique collection.

1893: The End of an Era

Late 1800's the new automobile was quickly replacing the horse and carriage. The Collings Foundation has several classic carriages and sleighs from this time of American history.

footer.php
COVID-19 Event Cancellations & Closure

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts, the Father's Day Open House / "Tanks, Wings, & Wheels" event in partnership with the American Heritage Museum has been CANCELLED for June 20-21, 2020. Additionally, the American Heritage Museum is CLOSED until Phase III re-openings are announced in the state. We will make announcements here and on our Facebook page when re-opening is announced.