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!


 

Low and Slow: A Celebration of Lowriders

San Diego’s rich and diverse history of lowriders dates to the 1950s and is still a major part of the city’s culture today. The many different types of lowriders we see on the streets of San Diego all have one thing in common: creating highly specialized, beautiful versions of their cars and lowering them. The lowriders that cruise on the streets in this city illustrate the love and respect each owner has and gives to their respective car. We invite you to enjoy these cars, get to know their owners and celebrate a tradition of elegance and pride.

On Exhibit:

  • 1955 Hardtop Chevrolet BelAir
  • 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS
  • 1956 Chevrolet BelAir
  • 1957 Chevrolet BelAir
  • 1973 Chevrolet Caprice
  • 1979 Monte Carlo Landau

 

 

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.

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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!

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION