A Guide To Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum

Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum
Deanna
Deanna 
Published
| 3 min read

The boating canals and seaside resorts of Fort Lauderdale bring tourists to southeastern Florida. It’s easy to understand why Fort Lauderdale is so desirable. You are welcomed by agreeable weather all year. The city has an abundance of natural wonders and man-made distractions. Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum may not be on your bucket list at this time, so we’ll tell you why it can be the highlight of your Florida holiday itinerary. The museum is a veritable showroom for Packard automobiles. Before the Second World War, anybody who cared about cars wanted to own a Packard. Those who could afford the hefty price tag did. Inside the 30,000 square feet (2,787 square meters) repository vehicles and memorabilia are on display. You will not find a better collection of 1920’s vintage photos, gas station signs and hood ornaments. Check out their website for a glimpse at some of the key exhibits. When you head out to Florida you can use this guide to Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum to plan a day tour.

Things to do / highlights

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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A fleet of fancy cars

Packard is a luxury automobile marque offered by Detroit-based Packard Motor Car Company, which became the Studebaker-Packard Corporation in 1953. Every model housed in the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is a vision of elegance. The museum is a salute to an automobile that is the very definition of luxury from the 1920’s to the 1950s. Every car on display has its story. Some carried famous personalities while others are plain old Packards, basically, automobiles epitomizing high forms of art and engineering.

Collector Arthur Stone curated a total of 22 displays representing one model for each year between 1900 to 1958. Stone’s love for the Packard started early in life, but he could not afford to buy one when he was young and orphaned. In 1948, whilst enjoying the fruits of his labors, Stone brought his first Packard for USD 700. All the cars on display are in full working order. Every car in the fleet is in tip-top shape, thanks to the untiring attention of museum staff. The cars on exhibit are loved and cherished. There is a book of facts for each car on display for admirers who want to know more about them.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt exhibit

An entire gallery in the museum is dedicated to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States of America. Arthur Stone was a florist by trade. He grew up in Depression Era New York and faced many adversities in life. Stone worked hard to change his stars. He made his fortune with a successful chain of shops named Buning the Florist. Stone loved his Packards, but he admired Franklin Delano Roosevelt with equal passion. Stone invested time and resources on his FDR memorabilia, which is housed in a gallery right next to the Fire Truck Exhibit.

Catered events

The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is offering its facility as a venue for special events, with top-of-the-line services and food preparations courtesy of CE Catering. They are the museum’s exclusive caterers and have the resources to organize and customize a special gathering of car enthusiasts and Packard fans. You may call CE Catering for inquiries at (954) 920.3911.

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Travelers tips

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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Poinciana Park neighborhood

The museum is located in Poinciana Park, Broward County, which is a mix of urban and suburban environs. If you are driving to the museum you will pass by quiet parks and a number of restaurants and cafes. It is popular with the locals so you can ask for directions along the way.

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How to get there

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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

By car

If you are not familiar with the area, drive to the Fort Lauderdale City Hall at 100 N. Andrews Avenue. From there, it should take you 5 minutes to reach 1527 Southwest 1st Avenue at a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers).

Via Sun Trolley Route

You may take public transportation if you don’t have luggage with you. The trolleys do not carry luggage, and strollers are only allowed if you have kids accompanying. The Sun Trolley Route Downtown Link accepts passengers from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Get off at Broward Health Medical Center. From there it is a three-minute stroll along SE 1st Avenue and SE 15th Street to the museum.

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How to book tickets

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Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

You can buy tickets at the museum when you arrive. Take note of opening hours during weekdays, and call beforehand on Saturdays for an appointment. The numbers to call are (954) 779.7300 and (954) 920.3911 (for private events). Tickets are considered tax-deductible donations to sustain the museum’s operations. Founder Arthur Stone and his wife Shirley have passed on, and the care of their collection has fallen under the loving attention of the museum’s coordinator and curator. The minimum contribution for adults is USD 10 and for children aged 5 to 12 years, the fee is USD 5. Children under five years of age can enter the premises free of charge. You may coordinate with museum staff for field trips and group tours for special rates on offer.

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Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum information

Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum

Address: 1527 SW 1st Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale , FL 33315

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (Monday to Friday) / Sat: By Appointment

Cost: 10 USD

Official website: Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum

Department of tourism: Visit Florida

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Deanna Kathrina, a pediatric physical therapist specializing in neurodevelopmental disability, serves as a teacher and advocate. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys the company of music and aspires...Read more

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