22 March, 2025

On March 19, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum turned 20 years old. The museum is especially proud to continue the passion, vision, and legacy of its Founder, Alain A. Cerf. What started with 33 antique cars has grown into a collection of more than 90 vehicles from 7 countries and 56 manufacturers. Stay tuned for events and news as the museum celebrates its 20th anniversary.

65 years ago, the Mazda R360 Coupe laid the foundation for Mazda's global success as an automobile manufac-turer. After a history almost traditional for Japanese brands, with the production of cargo tricycles and pickup trucks, Mazda forged its own path with its first proper passenger car. And it is this success story and the "city cars" in Mazda's history that the Mazda Classic – Automobil Museum Frey is dedicating its new special exhibition, which will be on display as part of the permanent exhibition starting in April 2025.

The Catalunya Museum of Science and Technology (MNACTEC) has inaugurated its latest exhibition: "The Automobile Revolution. The Beginnings of the Motor Industry in Catalonia". The exhibition presents vehicles manufactured between 1890 and 1936, a very prominent period in the Catalan automotive industry. Catalonia was a pioneer in the manufacture of automobiles on the Iberian Peninsula. From the end of the 19th century to the 1930s, the Catalan industry developed from the first self-propelled vehicles in the State to the greatest exponents of the motor industry in the international arena, with such emblematic brands as Hispano-Suiza or Elizalde.

From 28 February to 21 April, the fire-breathing and rock-slinging exhibition 'Rally Legends - From Dust to Glory' is on display at Autoworld. It is a dazzling look at the World Rally Championship with a unique collection of cars that won the WRC, the legendary drivers and co-pilots and the many stories, both big and small, that have made the WRC so spectacular. Exhibited cars include the Toyota Celica, Alpine Renault A110, Lancia Stratos.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host a special exhibit showcasing five legendary race cars that have left an indelible mark on the event's rich history. The exhibit will be open to the public from March 20 through April 8 in the museum's lobby, giving visitors an up-close look at machines that once roared through the streets of Long Beach.

The County Classics Motor Museum reopened on March 18. In addition to little changes made to the position of the exhibits to make them more accessible, there are also some new ones, just arrived. The County Cafe open to all has also restocked all the lovely homemade treats that are so popular.

Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) is proud to display Mick Gardiner's R190 International on loan from the current owner. With a rich history, a story to tell and an exceptionally well presented piece of rolling art, this one sure has a presence on the museum floor.

The Kaáli Car and Motorcycle Museum has added a 1970 McLaren M8C Can-Am to its collection. As the only survivor of only 15 ever produced, this extremely rare and incredibly powerful machine is not only a serious weapon on the track, but also a unique, sought-after collector's item all over the world. The M8C on display boasts a documented pedigree, including ownership history. In addition, restoration reports detailing every aspect of the rebuild and mechanical overhaul.

Richard Hammond's MGB GT has joined the DRIVETRIBE exhibition of Haynes Motor Museum. This 1972 MGB GT is the last car Richard Hammond ever drove on Top Gear. Originally dark blue, it has been transformed into a race car thanks to a full livery change by Hammond and The Smallest Cog. It's on display at the museum for a limited time only.

Whitewebbs Museum of Transport has a new arrival, a 1959 Morris Mini Minor which was registered on 27/8/59, the day after the model was launched to the public. It's no.529 produced and had one owner for the first 50 years before being barn stored and subsequently fully restored. It's the 15th oldest Mini known with 46000 miles on the clock and it still has its original bodyshell.

"If you think its grille and hood resemble a "Mercedes," you're mistaken! If the body panels, doors, and fenders remind you of a GAZ-21 "Volga," that's not quite right either—the profile curves in a completely different way" - says Mykhailo Prudnikov owner of the museum. The Merso-Volga is one of thousands of self-made cars built in the Soviet Union. Not much is known of its history, but the museum is hopeful that, over time, they'll be able to uncover the full history of this car, which was built by I.F. Tkach.