The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum: A Must-Visit for Car Collectors
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is renowned for its exceptional collection of racing sports cars.
“In 2019, The “Classic Car Trust” Named The “Simone Museum’s Car Collection” The “Number One” Classic Car Collection In The World.”
Assembled over five decades by Dr. Frederick Simeone, the Simeone Museum showcases more than 75 historically significant vehicles from world-renowned manufacturers such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, and Ford.
Above is a photo of the Simeone Museum Mille Miglia Targa Florio vehicle display. The Classic Car Trust recently announced that the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum with its collection of 65 rare and significant racing sports cars, is ranked as the number one collection in the world.
What to Expect?
The museum’s theme, “The Spirit of Competition,” is evident throughout its extremely rare automobile. .
All the vehicles are showcased in dioramas (three-dimensional model) that replicate famous race courses, including Le Mans, Nürburgring, Sebring, Bonneville, Watkins Glen, Brooklands, Mille Miglia, and Targa Florio.
This immersive display allows visiting car enthusiasts to better appreciate the historical context and significance of each car.
Above is a photo inside the Simeone Automotive Museum, showcasing a lineup featuring over 75 of the world’s finest classic cars from renowned manufacturers such as Bugatti, Ferrari, Mercedes, Bentley, and more.
Simone Museum’s Featured Cars
Among the car museum’s most notable cars are the following:
-
1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe: A legendary race car known for its aerodynamic design and racing success.
-
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II: Famous for its victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing American engineering prowess.
-
1970 Porsche 917 LH: Renowned for its speed and distinctive long-tail design, it played a significant role in Porsche’s racing history.
-
1936 Bugatti Type 57G Tank: A unique and rare racing machine with a streamlined design that achieved notable victories.
-
1958 Aston Martin DBR1: Driven to victory by legendary racer Stirling Moss, this car is a testament to British racing heritage.
-
1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa: An iconic Ferrari with a storied racing history, known for its performance and design.
-
1956 Jaguar D-Type: Celebrated for its aerodynamic design and success in endurance racing.
-
1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza: A classic racer with a rich heritage, representing Italian engineering excellence.
One of the standout attractions of the museum is that each collector’s car is preserved in its original condition. Many, if not all, are in drivable condition. This offers a more authentic glimpse into the cars and automotive history. (Read About The Entire Simone Car Collection Here)
Featured Car “Demo Days”
A highlight for many visitors is the museum’s “Demo Days,” held twice monthly.
During these Demo Day events, select classic cars are personally driven into the museum’s three-acre lot, allowing car enthusiasts to get up close and personal and witness each historic car first-hand.
“Above is a photo of Demo Days at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, where car enthusiasts can get up close and personal with a hand-picked selection of featured cars, offering an unforgettable experience for car lovers.
Each experiential Demo Day includes a car-themed educational presentation about each vehicle, followed by a driving demonstration to understand how it drives and sounds. And for us old-timers, there’s the sweet smell of the exhaust fumes.
Each Demo Day is scheduled and posted for your convenience, offering car-loving kids a close-up educational experience of automotive history.
Plan Your Visit
-
Location: 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153 (View Google Maps)
-
Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Closed Mondays and major holidays>
-
Admission:
-
Adults: $12.00 (Buy Tickets Here)
-
Seniors: $10.00
-
Students: $8.00
-
Children (8 and under): Free
-
-
Contact: (215) 365-7233 | [email protected]
What Makes The Simone Museum So Special?
The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia is distinguished by several key features:
Unique Collection: The museum houses over 75 of the most historically significant race cars in the world. They include renowned manufacturers and car brands as Ferrari, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, and more. Visit the simeonemuseum here)
Spirit of Competition: Embracing the theme “The Spirit of Competition,” the museum celebrates the history and evolution of racing sports cars, narrating the story of automotive engineering and racing heritage through its exhibits.
Founder’s Dedication: Over a span of 50 years, Dr. Frederick Simeone, a renowned neurosurgeon with a passion for automobiles, meticulously assembled the collection, resulting in one of the world’s most esteemed car collections.
Interactive Experiences: The museum regularly hosts “Demo Days,” during which visitors can witness driving demonstrations and other special events, offering a hands-on experience of these historic vehicles.
Educational Value: Featuring a library with one of the most comprehensive automotive reference collections globally, the museum provides valuable resources for enthusiasts and researchers alike.simeonemuseum.org
Recognition: In 2019, the Classic Car Trust named the museum’s collection the number one classic car collection in the world. (Read more about the Simone Museum)
Overall, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum offers a captivating journey through the evolution of automotive engineering and racing heritage, making it a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike
The History of the Simone Museum
The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia was established by Dr. Frederick A. Simeone, a renowned neurosurgeon and passionate car collector.
Above is a photo of Dr. Frederick A. Simeone, born in 1936, and passed away on June 11, 2022. He founded the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in 2008.
His interest in automobiles was influenced by his father, a general practitioner who operated his medical practice in Philadelphia.Upon his father’s passing in 1972, Dr. Simeone inherited a modest sum and four cars, which became the foundation of his collection.
Over the next several decades, he meticulously expanded this collection, focusing on acquiring historically significant racing sports cars. In 2008, Dr. Simeone donated his entire collection to a foundation, leading to the establishment of the museum.
The museum’s central theme, “The Spirit of Competition,” reflects Dr. Simeone’s vision of showcasing the role of competition in driving automotive innovation.
For car collectors seeking to delve into the rich history of racing sports cars, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum offers an unparalleled experience that combines education, preservation, and the thrill of automotive competition.
