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Revved-up Review
If you're going to investigate the highlights and history, the evolution and engineering of cars, why not head to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum to start at the beginning?
Seriously, the very beginning.
A mind-blowing highlight at the 12,000-square foot space: The world's only replica of the 1770 Fardier de Cugnot, the first self-propelled vehicle. The original has been on display in Paris since 1801 at Le Conservatoire de Arts et Metiers. This replica comes to the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum on loan from the Deutsche Ban Museum in Nuremberg, Germany.
How far we've traveled in 230-plus years since. The collection at the museum showcases vintage cars from around the world, all gleaming with considerably more shine than the wood-constructed Fardier.
There are examples of Tatra from 1930s and 1940s Czechoslovakia, of a 1929-30 Ruxton from the United States, and of a Tracta A from France in 1929. All are lovingly and meticulously restored to their original beauty.
The museum celebrates the mechanical feats and technical innovations that have moved the industry forward, both in rear-engine and front-wheel drive, all the while reveling in the style and panache of automobile design through the decades.
For information, call 579-8226 or visit www.tbauto.org.
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