April 30th - Luray Auto Museum

The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum exhibit is a tour of milestones in transportation, including authentically restored cars, carriages, coaches and costumes, dating from 1725 to 1941. The centerpiece of the collection is the 1892 Benz, one of the oldest cars in the country still in operating condition. Other highlights include a Conestoga Wagon, a 1908 Baker Electric, a 1913 Stanley Steamer, and Rudolph Valentino's 1925 Rolls Royce. The collection was assembled in the 1950s under the direction of H. T. N. Graves, President of Luray Caverns Corporation. What started as one man's fascination with antique transportation led to a museum that both preserves and explains the history of travel. The social, political and economic impact of motorized vehicles is traced throughout the collection, providing an insightful look at the role of transportation in the future and the importance of auto enthusiasts now and then.

The Auto Museum at Luray was an added bonus to the caverns. We knew about the caverns, but had no idea that the museum was included in the admission price until we bought our tickets. We had already done the auto museum in Tupelo, but as both C and I love old cars, we were quite delighted to take a trip through this one as well. We were so glad that we did, as it was completely different from the Tupelo one!!!! There were not as many cars, and no modern ones at all.... just delightful old autos. In fact, the first thing you see upon entering the museum is not an automobile at all, but rather a centuries old royal carriage (Circa 1727-29) - A Berlin Coupe de Gala Carriage, built in Paris, France for the Royal House of Portugal. It would have had "four-horse power"!!!

An 1875 Wicker Baby Buggy
A Tricycle in the shape of a horse--in fabulous condition!!
One of the special features of the museum is how it is arranged in scenes. Mannequins are spread throughout the museum, dressed in clothing appropriate to the era of the auto being displayed. It really adds to the enjoyment of a trip through the old cars and such.
An old milk truck!!!!!!
1930 Cord
1914 Locomobile
1892 Benz
1927 Mercedes Benz
So many beautiful cars, so little room in the blog to show them all!!!!! I've tried to pick a few of the rarer ones to display here. Well worth the visit if you are ever in the area!