When my father-in-law was in last, we decide to go somewhere none of us had ever been: the Lane Motor Museum. This place has been on our to-do list for YEARS and just have never been. I’m so glad we went, and Im not even a car fan! It’s just such a unique collection, and being able to get so close to the cars, to really examine them, made it much more interesting. Anyone with car fanatics in their family will want to get here ASAP, but really I think anyone would enjoy this tour through history. We spent under two hours total, and I did not feel rushed. Skyler got bored after about an hour but he’s not really a car guy; he spent more time hanging out in the kids play area than looking at the amazing vehicles!
The Vibe
Walking in is like entering a giant time capsule. The museum is housed in the old Sunbeam Bakery building and is dedicated to “unique cars from around the world.” We’re talking over 500 vehicles in their collection, with about 150 on display at any given time. They’re going to start offering tours of their vault soon, where they house 300 more vehicles!!
A Little History
The whole thing was started in 2002 by Jeff Lane. He was a collector who wanted to share his love for European cars and “oddities” with the public. It officially opened its doors in October 2003 as a non-profit. Jeff is still very involved though and you can tell this is a labor of love. It feels very personal and is clearly not just a general collection.
What Makes It Different
This isn’t just a room full of shiny Corvettes. The Lane specializes in things you won’t see anywhere else:
- Microcars: Tiny, adorable (and slightly terrifying!!!) little bubbles on wheels. I want one.
- Amphibious Vehicles: Cars that think they’re boats. I knew they were in spy movies but have not seen one up close and personal!
- Alternative Fuel: Early experiments in how to move humans around without just burning gas. Electric and human powered examples abound.
- Propeller-Driven Cars: Yes, cars with literal airplane propellers on them.
- European Gems: This is arguably the most comprehensive collection of European cars and motorcycles in the U.S. You’ll see everything from classic French engineering to oddities from the Eastern Bloc that you simply won’t find at your local car show or on the roads.
- Airplanes: It’s not just four wheels! They have a fascinating collection of aircraft, including gliders and vintage planes that fit perfectly with the museum’s “innovative engineering” theme. Some very cool old tech.
The coolest part? Almost all of these cars actually run. They maintain them in a working garage right there on-site, so these aren’t just static sculptures but functional relics!!
Why You Should Go
It’s quirky, it’s historical, and it’s weird in the best possible way. Whether you’re a “car person” or just someone who appreciates bizarre engineering, it’s a must-visit. Definitely a unique and inexpensive attraction to add to your Nashville To Do list.
Photos of the Lane Motor Museum
Discover more from No Place Like Anywhere
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.