22 August, 2026

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Japan’s “mass car ownership era,” which began in 1966. That year saw the introduction of iconic mass-market models such as the Corolla and the Sunny, catapulting the growth of private car ownership. This period is considered a historic turning point toward widespread motorization in Japan. Our latest special exhibition showcases the transformation of automobiles from objects of adoration to indispensable parts of our lives. It also explores how mass-market cars evolved to meet social demands for greater environmental protection and safety, and how manufacturers responded to diverse customer needs by operating overseas and producing locally. Finally, the exhibition will examine a few mass-market car brands that have enjoyed lasting popularity and consider what types of cars will be in demand in the future.

The exhibition will run from 11 September to February, 2027

“DUCATI 100” is one of two new exhibitions scheduled to open inside the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum at the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival, October 9-11, at Barber Motorsports Park.

Saluting a century of rich history, DUCATI 100 draws a direct line from an electromechanical pioneer to a modern-day motorcycle manufacturer recognized worldwide for its brilliant engineering and championship-winning racing heritage.

Ultan Guilfoyle, museum board member and co-curator of “The Art of the Motorcycle,” which set attendance records when it debuted nearly 30 years ago at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, is organizing both exhibitions.

“When I first met George Barber,” said Guilfoyle, “his vision for what the museum and park could bring to Birmingham and a wider audience was astonishing for its farsightedness. To be asked to curate these two exhibitions in celebration of George’s life is a thrill and an honor.”

Decades after racial segregation barred Black drivers from competing on the famous asphalt of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the extraordinary life and legacy of Hoosier racing legend Charlie Wiggins is taking center stage nationally. LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM) in Tacoma, Washington, announced the upcoming world premiere of For Gold and Glory: The Charlie Wiggins Story, a 300-foot immersive exhibition dedicated to the pioneering African American driver, master mechanic, and four-time Gold & Glory Sweepstakes champion. Curated by Ed Welburn, former General Motors vice president of Global Design and the first African American to lead design for a major automotive company, the exhibit officially opens to the public on Sept. 19.

Thanks to the generosity of one of our members, 1924 Aston Martin chassis 1944 has been bequeathed to the Trust. One of just 27 surviving side valve cars built by Bamford & Martin Ltd, it has more than a century of history behind it.  The car was raced at Brooklands in 1927 and 1928 by R.H. Corbett and, following careful research, was later fitted with an authentic period style body. 

The collection of the Moscow Transport Museum has been enriched with the prototype of the VNIITE-PT conceptual taxi from 1964. Previously, this unique exhibit was located in the closed "Taxi Museum" on the territory of the 19th taxi depot. The car was developed at the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Technical Aesthetics (VNIITE) by designers led by Yuri Dolmatovsky — one of the leading Soviet automotive designers, who advocated for a cab-over-engine layout with a rear-mounted engine. The prototype featured an avant-garde design for its time and advanced structural solutions. The body was made of fiberglass panels on a steel frame, and the interior could comfortably accommodate four passengers with luggage. The main "feature" was a wide power-sliding door, which allowed a baby stroller to be easily brought into the car. The rear of the body housed a 45-horsepower "Moskvich-408" engine and a four-speed gearbox.

A Custom-built, 1-of-1 by George Barris for TV’s toughest private eye, the “Mannix” Dodge Dart is now on display at Lions Automobilia Foundation Museum.  Mannix was produced by Bruce Geller, focusing on  Joe Mannix–played by Mike Connors–driving an Oldsmobile Toronado that had been customized by George Barris and his crack team of employees. Hanging by a thread after its first season, CBS Television and Paramount (after much debate and after a series of TV-world events) allowed the show to continue, prompting Bruce to make some changes. The end result was a smash hit that included this 1968 Dodge Dart GTS, which was nearly lost to history.

The Sunbeam 1000hp World Land Speed Record Breaking vehicle has returned to the USA and has made its post-restoration debut. Engineers at Great Britain's National Motor Museum have completed a three year restoration project to see the car roar again and it will be returning to Florida's Daytona Beach for the 100 year anniversary of Sir Henry Segrave’s 203.792 mph land speed record on March 29th 2027. Departing from Beaulieu, in England's New Forest, the car was packed ready for its 3,625 mile (3,150 nautical mile) voyage to New York from the port of Southampton. Its first stop was in California, at the World famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles until early 2027.

Museum of the Horseless Carriage receives a $100,000 Margaret Dunning Foundation grant to support lighting for its new Brass Era automobile museum in Michigan.

The mission of the museum is to celebrate the history of the Brass Era (pre-1916) automobile through education, preservation, and engagement. Construction of the new 12,000 square foot museum is set to begin soon on the campus of the Gilmore Car Museum located in Hickory Corners, Michigan.