Museum of American Speed

Museum of American Speed is a major automotive museum and automotive history archive located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Founded in 1992 by Speedy Bill Smith and his wife Joyce Smith, the institution is an outgrowth of their legendary speed shop business, Speedway Motors. The museum's vast collection, spread across multiple buildings, is dedicated to preserving and displaying artifacts related to American motorsports, hot rodding, V8 and racing engine development, and the broader automotive industry in the United States.

History

The museum's origins are intrinsically linked to the life and passion of its founder, Speedy Bill Smith, a pioneering figure in post-war hot rod culture and the speed shop industry. After establishing Speedway Motors in 1952, Smith began amassing a significant private collection of racing memorabilia, rare automotive parts, and historic vehicles. This collection was formally institutionalized with the opening of a dedicated museum facility in 1992. The museum has undergone several major expansions, most notably a 100,000-square-foot addition in 2007, to accommodate its ever-growing collection of artifacts donated by notable figures in American motorsports and the automotive aftermarket.

Collection

The collection is exceptionally broad, encompassing over 150,000 individual items. Its core consists of more than 600 significant vehicles, including landmark drag racing cars like the Hemi Under Glass, celebrated Indianapolis 500 roadsters and championship cars, and rare concept cars from manufacturers like General Motors and Ford Motor Company. The museum also holds an unparalleled archive of racing engines, from early Miller and Offenhauser powerplants to modern NASCAR and NHRA engines. Additional holdings include extensive collections of model cars, petroliana, vintage automotive advertising, and a comprehensive library related to automotive engineering and motorsport history.

Exhibits and galleries

Exhibits are arranged thematically across multiple galleries, often focusing on specific eras or disciplines within American automotive culture. Major permanent exhibits include the Smith Collection of classic hot rods, a gallery dedicated to the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and displays chronicling the evolution of fuel injection and supercharger technology. The NHRA Museum within the facility features iconic dragsters such as Big Daddy Don Garlits's Swamp Rat series. Other galleries highlight the contributions of specific companies like Edelbrock and Roush Fenway Racing, as well as the cultural impact of automotive toys and slot car racing.

Significance and recognition

The institution is widely regarded as one of the most important repositories of American motorsports history outside of the Smithsonian Institution. It serves as a vital educational resource for historians, researchers, and enthusiasts, preserving the material culture of hot rodding and land speed record racing. The museum's significance has been recognized through affiliations with the National Association of Automobile Museums and consistent accolades from publications like Hemmings Motor News. Its collections provide an indispensable record of the technical innovation and competitive spirit that defined the American automotive industry throughout the 20th century.

Operations and visitor information

Located at 599 Oak Creek Drive in Lincoln, Nebraska, the museum operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is open to the public year-round, though hours vary seasonally. The facility is available for private events, corporate functions, and educational group tours. Admission fees apply, with discounts offered for AAA members, military personnel, seniors, and children. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including guest appearances by legendary drivers and builders from the worlds of NASCAR, NHRA, and USAC.

Category:Automotive museums in the United States Category:Museums in Lincoln, Nebraska Category:Transportation museums in Nebraska Category:1992 establishments in Nebraska