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!
NASCAR: Design and Innovation
When the Next Gen car debuted in the 2022 season, it stunned fans and teams alike with the cutting-edge technologies that were afforded to it. Changes in aerodynamics, wheels, body design, and brakes are just a few examples of what the Next Gen car offers. Fan experience was elevated with in-car cameras and improved safety features such as energy-absorbing foam, a modular chassis, increased bracing and cockpit padding are everywhere.
Body design changes are abundant, with elements including a stepped front splitter, vents on the hood and an updated side skirt, all in the name of speed. Manual transmission made way for a sequential transmission and horsepower saw a significant rise.
Coming to San Diego in June 2026, NASCAR will hold all three of its major races; the Craftsman Truck Series on Friday June 19th, Xfinity Series racing on June 20th, and the NASCAR Cup Series being the feature event on Jone 21st. These NASCAR race events, being held at the Coronado Naval Base, coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy.
Cajon Speedway
Cajon Speedway, located in El Cajon, was a 0.25-mile dirt oval track that opened in 1961. Originally planned to be a practice field for the Detroit Tigers, the track expanded to a 0.375-mile dirt track in 1964 and was later paved in 1966.
Saturday nights at the speedway were always rambunctious. Most of the pit crews were staffed by volunteers, and most drivers had to pay their own way. A decent-paying weekday job was a necessity if they wanted to spend their weekends racing.
Notable events at Cajon include Ray Elder winning the NASCAR Winston West Series in 1974, Ron Esau winning the ECSCRA Super Stocks championship in 1978, Rick Carelli winning the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour in 1992, Davey Hamiton clocking in as the fastest lap ever turned at Cajon in 1990, Jerry Gay becoming a six-time champion, and Mark Norris becoming a three-time champion.
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
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 that 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 showcases 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!