Current Exhibits
The San Diego Automotive Museum is a 17,000 square foot exhibit space that showcases both cars and motorcycles in distinct and sometimes thematic collections. With a mix of rotating exhibits and our permanent collection, SDAM features over 75 vehicles and motorcycles. We invite you to explore our collection and appreciate the beauty, design, style, construction, history and future – and perhaps spark a memory of your own. Welcome to our Museum!
SDAM’s Car Club Corner: Corvair Club
The exhibit will feature one car and history of a club, starting with San Diego Corvair Club.
The Plank Road
The story of the Plank Road began with the era of automobile transportation and the growing rivalry of two Southern California cities, San Diego and Los Angeles. Just as railroad towns owed their financial well-being to rail commerce, so would communities linked by good roads benefit from the automobile. Civic and business leaders quickly perceived the benefits of bringing routes and roads to their communities. Having lost a bid to become a terminus for the transcontinental railroad, San Diego was determined to beat Los Angeles to become the hub of the Southern California road network.
On Exhibit:
- 1914 Ford Model T 3-Door Touring Car
- 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster
Indian Motorcycles
In the spring of 1901, the Indian motorcycle company was born. Carl Oscar Hedstrom, designer and engineer, and his partner, George Hendee, bicycle manufacturer, produced the first production motorized bicycle known then as a "motocycle".
With Hendee's history as a champion bicycle racer, their venture turned to racing. The Indian dominated motorcycle racing in the US and overseas well into the 1940's. By 1904, Indian had won virtually every event and thus the demand for Indians soared. By 1908, motorcycle racing in America had become a growing sport, especially in the professional circuit, racing on large wooden velo-dromes known as board track racing. Finally in 1909 the "bicycle" frame era ended with the introduction of the full loop frame that incorporated the fuel tank in front of the rider.
Over the next 50 years, Indian became one of the most famous motorcycles in the world.
On Exhibit:
- 1914 C-3 Big Twin, with factory sidecar
- 1924 Indian Chief
- 1941 Indian 400-4
- 1942 "Army Model 841"
- 1947 Indian Chief
- 1948 Indian Chief
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer that has captured the imagination of riders for over a century.
The company was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903 by William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, and quickly became known for producing rugged, reliable bikes that could handle the toughest roads and conditions. The Harley-Davidson brand has become synonymous with freedom, adventure, and a unique lifestyle that embraces the open road. From the classic designs of the early 20th century to the cutting-edge technology of modern bikes, Harley-Davidson has remained at the forefront of motorcycle innovation and style.
Our Harley-Davidson exhibit in the Museum showcases the brand's rich history, its cultural significance, and its enduring legacy in American popular culture.
On Exhibit:
- 1916 Harley-Davidson V-Twin 16F
- 1926 Harley-Davidson Model A "Peashooter"
- 1970 Harley-Davidson XR 750
- 1981 Harley-Davidson Heritage Edition FLH80
- 1997 Harley-Davidson FLSTF "Fat Boy"
Louie Mattar's Fabulous Car
Often seen driving around San Diego demonstrating the features of his car and telling stories about his adventures, Louie and his crew became celebrities. His non-stop drives from San Diego to New York and Anchorage to Mexico City made him a legend in his own time.
Currently on exhibit at the San Diego Automotive Museum, this one-of-a-kind car is a unique piece of automotive design visitors from all over the world can enjoy.
On Exhibit:
- Louie Mattar's Fabulous 1947 Cadillac
Featured Collection
Our collection of cars and motorcycles in the museum showcase automotive history and culture. The collection includes cars, motorcycles, objects, and ephemera.
We pride ourselves on diverse exhibits that effectively present the automotive culture of the region.
With our extensive and diverse collection of automobiles and motorcycles, the San Diego Automotive Museum is a must-see destination for any automotive enthusiast or history buff!