The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum

I grew up in museums, thanks to my dad’s best friend running the art museum at Notre Dame. I’ve been to endless openings and I’ve walked through myriad exhibits. I know museums. They don’t intimidate me.

So I was unprepared to be stunned and overwhelmed by the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg museum. The dizzying array of cars and the impeccable building, a time capsule of the 1920s and 1930s, quickly sent me into visual overload.

Showroom floor

This post will be short on words and long on photos. Here’s a 1923 Duesenberg.

1923 Duesenberg

Here’s a gorgeous 1931 Duesenberg.

1931 Duesenberg

And here’s a 1936 Auburn.

1936 Auburn 852

I love the interesting details on this 1934 Auburn, such as the horizontal curved vents on the sides of the snout.

1934 Auburn

Its grille is interesting, too.

1934 Auburn

This is an 810 Cord prototype from about 1936.

Cord prototype

Here’s an 1936 Auburn hearse. Just check out that long, long wheelbase!

1936 Auburn hearse

The lighting upstairs was more difficult for photography. Here’s a 1930 Cord.

1930 Cord

When faced with so many cars to see and photograph, I usually take a methodical approach. But I was so bowled over by this museum that I mostly stumbled around, photographing what I noticed. I’m not sure I saw everything! And I can see I missed some shots I would have liked to take had my wits been fully about me.

Parked

The great thing, though, is that this museum is only about two hours from home. I can go again another day — and be fully prepared for the experience.


Comments

8 responses to “The Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum”

  1. Jan Caloia Avatar
    Jan Caloia

    Jim, My husband and I have been to the ACD Museum many times since our first visit over 15 years ago. Each time we are thrilled with the collection as well as the building and the exhibits. It’s a fabulous place to visit again and again!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      I’ve known about it for years but you know how it goes. Glad I got to finally see it!

  2. pesoto74 Avatar

    From your photos it looks like one of the best settings for a car museum that I have seen. It looks like a very upscale auto showroom from the same era as the cars.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      The first floor of the museum *was* a showroom! It was a showroom for Auburn dealers, not the general public. It is a fantastic setting and a museum I want to visit again.

  3. Carole Grey Avatar
    Carole Grey

    Wow! I had no idea that museum would be such a gem. The cars are beautiful…the building is gorgeous!! Even the floor is a wonder! I can understand you’re feeling of being stunned and overwhelmed!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Yes, there is so much eye candy in there that if you went in, you would want to live there.

  4. Tom Klockau Avatar
    Tom Klockau

    I am planning on going back next year. Remarkable place!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      I’m sure I’ll make a return visit. It’s only about 2 hours away from my home!

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