Visiting Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum
The Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia is a fantastic automotive museum full of over 150 antique tractors and more.
This is the extraordinary true story of Ralph R. Teetor—an American innovator who refused to let blindness define his future. Against seemingly impossible odds, Teetor lived as though he could see. His own daughter didn’t discover he was blind until she was ten years old.
Today, his legacy is etched into automotive history. In 1988, Ralph Teetor was posthumously inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan, where he remains one of the select few honored with a permanent museum exhibit. In 2024, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, cementing his place among America’s greatest innovators.
His remarkable journey is the subject of the award-winning documentary Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story—an inspiring portrait of resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering determination.
Emmy Award winners Jeff Daniels and Mike Rowe bring Teetor’s story to life. As narrator Mike Rowe observed, “Ralph Teetor is a person the country needs to know.”
Born in 1890 in the small village of Hagerstown, Indiana, Teetor grew up as America stood on the threshold of the Industrial Revolution. Horse-drawn buggies still filled the streets, but machines were transforming the nation. Fascinated by mechanics from an early age, Ralph spent countless hours in his uncles’ machine shop, where they built and repaired railroad cycle cars. It was there that his lifelong passion for engineering began.
Then, at just five years old, tragedy struck. A devastating accident left him permanently blind.
Rather than surrender to darkness, Teetor made a decision that would define the rest of his life: he would live as normally as possible and never allow blindness to limit his ambitions. Through extraordinary discipline, memory, touch, and concentration, he developed an uncanny ability to “see” through his hands, logic, and precision—qualities that became the foundation of his genius.
At just twelve years old, Teetor built a gasoline-powered automobile, an achievement remarkable enough to earn national attention in the New York Herald. Years later, he astonished professors at the University of Pennsylvania by becoming the first blind person in the United States known to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1912.
His innovations only accelerated from there.
During World War I, Teetor solved the seemingly impossible challenge of precisely balancing turbine rotors for U.S. Navy torpedo boat destroyers—a problem that had stumped leading naval engineers. A news reporter in 1918 captured admiration: “Ralph’s courage and unselfishness are an inspiration to all who know him. He is a young man who has fought a good fight and won.”
In 1924, Teetor patented a fluid-actuated automatic gearshift years ahead of its time. But his most enduring innovation came from an everyday experience. While riding with his attorney—whose speed constantly surged and slowed during conversation—Teetor conceived an idea that would forever change driving: a device that could automatically maintain a vehicle’s speed.
That invention became Cruise Control, one of the most significant innovations in automotive history and a technology that laid the groundwork for today’s advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous vehicles.
Teetor’s impact extended far beyond engineering. He championed his employees during the turbulent labor conflicts of the 1950s, standing firm during historic negotiations with the UAW-CIO. He also believed deeply in developing future engineers, establishing the Ralph R. Teetor SAE Educational Fund in 1963, a program that continues to support engineering students today.
Ralph Teetor’s story is far more than the biography of an inventor. It is a timeless American story of courage over adversity, relentless perseverance, and visionary innovation. Though he never saw the road before him, he helped shape the future of transportation for generations to come.
To witness Ralph Teetor’s story firsthand, the extraordinary documentary is available on digital platforms at Blind Logic Products
This film features renowned trailblazers Lyn St. James, legendary race car driver and 1992 Indy 500 “Rookie of the Year;” Franz von Holzhausen, Chief Designer at Tesla, Inc.; Sarah Cook, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame; and Leslie Mark Kendall, Chief Historian at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
The motion picture about Ralph Teetor, titled “One Man’s Vision,” is currently in development and reunites the creative team behind the acclaimed 2024 biopic Reagan to bring his extraordinary life to a new audience.
By Jack Teetor
Image via Jack Teetor
.
The Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia is a fantastic automotive museum full of over 150 antique tractors and more.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is a must stop place if you’re in the Tampa, FL area. If you’re cruising out of Tampa take a few extra hours and stop by.
The Panoz Museum in Hoschton, Georgia, is a must-stop for any automotive enthusiast, especially race fans. Not only is the Panoz handmade right on site, but they also display various models in the museum, as well as some of the actual race cars and racing memorabilia....
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Mustang Museum of America in Odenville, Alabama and I’ve got to say I was really impressed especially once I was told how recently the museum started.
automotive museum guide
Sign up to get updates about automotive museums right to your mailbox. Don't miss a thing. It's FREE.
automotive museum guide
Sign up to get updates about automotive museums right to your mailbox. Don't miss a thing. It's FREE.
You don’t normally get an email from me on Thursday, but after learning some terrible news, I felt the obligation to let you know.
Last night a tornado ripped through 12 to 15 miles of Effingham, Illinois. Effingham is home to MY Garage Museum, which I featured multiple times over the years.
MY stands for Mike Yager, who is the founder of the collection which displayed some beautiful Corvettes. Unfortunately, this statement from Mike Yager is crushing.
“It is my understanding that the LastC4, the C5 Alpha and Beta Corvettes, CERV4b, 1st NCM C5R box Corvette, 1949 VW cutaway, all collectibles, complete Illinois Central Railroad collection including original handwritten 1851 land grand and original corporate records books were destroyed.”
My heart goes out to Mike, his family and everyone involved with the museum. I reached out to Mike to offer any support I can, and you can do the same if you’d like.
I hate to have to be the bearer of bad news. This is the first museum closure I’ve had to announce because of such a devastating circumstance.
I hope you had an opportunity to visit before it was too late. Unfortunately, I did not, but in this case I am just glad no human life was lost.
MY Garage Museum’s website is down, but they do have a Facebook Page you can follow.
Plan your next trip, discover your new favorite, or find the nearest museum
Sean Mathis
Creator of Automotive Museum Guide
Founder of Miles Through Time Automotive Museum
P.S. Make sure you follow AMG on Facebook and join the FB Group to see what’s going on at all the museums.
MY Garage Museum & Retail Store is a popular attraction at Mid-America Motorworks’ facilities in Effingham. The center houses thousands of pieces of automotive collectibles and memorabilia of Mike Yager’s.
This is the extraordinary true story of Ralph R. Teetor—an American innovator who refused to let blindness define his future.
museum is not just a place where old cars are parked. It is a place where automotive history is collected, protected, and shared with future generations.
My Garage Museum in Illinois was destroyed by a tornado on June 17th, 2026. The rare Corvette collection on display in the museum is presumed a total loss.
The Brothers Car Collection is a private collection of more than 600 cars. Over 335 of the vehicles, including muscle cars and exotic sports cars, are on display
Museum-worthy Rolls-Royce and Bentley collection with celebrity provenance, rare models, and nearly $2 million in individual value. Offers invited on the full package.
. Sign up for updates YOU MAY ALSO LIKEautomotive museum guide get updates Sign up to get updates about automotive museums right to your mailbox. Don't miss a thing. It's FREE.Learn about North America's Automotive Museums you can visit.We...
A 1937 Rollston-bodied Packard, a dangerous night on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and a brush with the infamous Phantom—discover the true story behind this Classic Tales episode.
The NB Center campus in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is the very embodiment of the philosophy of The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage.
The Panoz Museum in Hoschton, Georgia, is a must-stop for any automotive enthusiast, especially race fans. Not only is the Panoz handmade right on site, but they also display various models in the museum, as well as some of the actual race cars and racing memorabilia....
The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum and it is located in the birthplace of towing, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Brothers Car Collection is a private collection of more than 600 cars. Over 335 of the vehicles, including muscle cars and exotic sports cars, are on display in a 117,000-square-foot warehouse turned museum that is not open to the public.
Unfortunately, only private tours can view the collection. The location in Salem, Oregon, and the identities of the owners are a closely-held secret.
This is why you won’t find Brother Car Collection listed on the map or in the state of Oregon as a car museum you can visit on a regular basis. However, the collection is so impressive that it is worthy of an honorable mention.
There are opportunities to visit the collection during fundraising events. Most often, tickets to visit are about $25.
Learn more at thebrotherscollection.com
The Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia is a fantastic automotive museum full of over 150 antique tractors and more.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is a must stop place if you’re in the Tampa, FL area. If you’re cruising out of Tampa take a few extra hours and stop by.
The Panoz Museum in Hoschton, Georgia, is a must-stop for any automotive enthusiast, especially race fans. Not only is the Panoz handmade right on site, but they also display various models in the museum, as well as some of the actual race cars and racing memorabilia....
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Mustang Museum of America in Odenville, Alabama and I’ve got to say I was really impressed especially once I was told how recently the museum started.
automotive museum guide
Sign up to get updates about automotive museums right to your mailbox. Don't miss a thing. It's FREE.
Now offered worldwide, this private collector’s 50-year collection brings together an extraordinary group of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and John Lennon-related pieces assembled for their story, rarity, and cultural significance. The highlight is the Imagine Collection, which is best preserved as a complete group rather than separated.
Blending music history, celebrity provenance, art, and iconic British luxury automobiles, this is a rare package with global collector appeal. Offered as a complete collection, it is an exceptional opportunity. Accepting offers now.
Email Dave at bigeasydave@aol.com
The Imagine Collection represents a rare opportunity to acquire a tightly connected group of automotive and musical pieces inspired by the world of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Included are Yoko Ono’s Bentley Arnage RL, purchased new for nearly $300,000, John’s recreated psychedelic Rolls-Royce tribute car, and the unique Marcie Ziv Art Car, created after the artist encountered Lennon’s famous Rolls and interpreted it through her own “Love Car” vision.
The collection is completed by a limited-edition Steinway grand piano modeled after the piano John gave Yoko for her birthday, and they created the song Imagine together. Equipped with a player system that performs “Imagine,” it serves as both a musical instrument and a powerful tribute piece. Offered together, The Imagine Collection is an exceptional package at $499,000.
This 2015 Steinway & Sons John Lennon “Imagine” Series Model A grand piano is one of just 25 produced worldwide. Finished in polished white, it features the opening notes of “Imagine,” John Lennon’s signature on a numbered plaque, and one of his illustrations on the music desk. Originally owned by Dakota resident Jacqueline Bikoff, the piano later passed through her estate before being acquired for The Imagine Collection, where it stands as both a rare musical instrument and a tribute to Lennon’s artistic legacy.
This 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Art Car is a one-of-a-kind left-hand-drive example hand-painted by artist Marcie Ziv. Previously part of a collection in Kobe, Japan, it was acquired and brought back to the United States about four years ago. The car retains its original body panels, shows no evident collision damage, and, while currently unattended for several years, remains a striking centerpiece of The Imagine Collection.
This Bentley Arnage RL Long Wheelbase is finished in Black Sapphire with an Autumn interior and was originally owned by Yoko Ono Lennon. Purchased new for just under $300,000, it was used to chauffeur her to public and private appearances before being auctioned in 2007 to benefit The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. Now offered by only its second owner, it is a distinctive part of The Imagine Collection.
This Mulliner Park Ward limousine was sold new by H.R. Owen and built to the same specifications as John Lennon’s famous 1965 “psychedelic” Phantom V. Finished today with a full body wrap replicating Lennon’s iconic design, this right-hand-drive example remains all original with its original body panels, no major defects, and no evident collision damage. Mechanically sound, it is offered only as part of The Imagine Collection.
The centerpiece of the NEMS Collection is the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III with division, a right-hand-drive example ordered new by Brian Epstein for The Beatles under their company, NEMS Enterprises. Owned by the four Beatles along with Brian Epstein and his brother, the car was commissioned with special features, including its striking Royal Maroon finish. Brian is said to have chosen the color while arriving at the showroom in his Bentley Park Ward Drophead Coupe finished in the same shade.
That connection makes the companion Bentley especially significant, creating a remarkable pairing tied directly to Brian Epstein’s taste and to the early business history of The Beatles. With build sheets supporting both cars, this duo represents a rare opportunity to acquire two closely linked automobiles from the world of NEMS Enterprises. Offered together as a pair for $1 million.
CEL89, a 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III limousine, was ordered by Brian Epstein for NEMS Enterprises and became The Beatles’ first company Rolls-Royce. After Epstein’s death, it passed to Ringo Starr, then to television producer Marty Krofft in Los Angeles. Acquired for this collection in 1998 and returned to the U.S. in 1999, the car is now being restored to its original specifications.
This 1952 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe by Park Ward is believed to be one of just 57 built and retains its numbers-matching engine according to the Bentley build sheet. Ordered new for Miss Marjorie Carnegie through W.M. Couper Ltd., it features custom details including a scuttle aerial and fog lamp. An older restoration in a beautiful color combination, the car presents well today and is accompanied by its tools, build sheet, and Schoellkopf card.
This 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III was specially ordered by MGM Studios for Samuel Goldwyn and delivered to his London apartment. Goldwyn used the car in England before having it shipped to Hollywood.
Later sold by MGM, the car spent a decade in a San Francisco collection before being acquired for this collection. It is described as complete, original, rust-free, and running smoothly. Samuel Goldwyn’s Cloud III, with rebuilt engine and conversion kit like new $149k.
This 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III LWB with division is a rare right-hand-drive example by H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, one of only 84 built in this configuration. Finished in two-tone gray-blue over metallic midnight blue with red coach stripes, it retains a well-preserved original blue leather interior with burled walnut trim.
Equipped with front and rear air conditioning, the car is reported to function well and passed a 158-point inspection. It is accompanied by tools, manuals, historical records, and its original UK license plates. $85k
This 1957 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I saloon was specially built for Hollywood legend Gloria Swanson, who ordered it through her dealer in France and used it there before shipping it to the United States. A friend of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Swanson famously arrived in this car to testify on Lennon’s behalf at his 1976 immigration hearing in New York.
A rust-free restoration project, the car remains complete and largely original, with its replacement motor, gearbox, suspension, and brakes already done. It runs smoothly, and the remaining parts have been marked and boxed for reinstallation as the restoration is completed. Gloria Swanson’s Cloud I, with its rebuilt mechanics ready to be completed, $49k.
This 1958 Bentley S1 Drophead Coupe project is finished in black and powered by a straight-six engine with an automatic transmission. Identified by VIN B19FD, it represents an elegant open-top Bentley awaiting restoration or completion. $75k
Together, these vehicles form far more than a collection of rare Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles. They represent a carefully assembled, museum-worthy group tied to music history, Hollywood, and postwar British luxury motoring. With connections to The Beatles, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Samuel Goldwyn, and Gloria Swanson, the collection offers the kind of provenance, storytelling, and visual impact that makes it ideal for exhibition.
Individually, the vehicles represent approximately $2 million in value. As a complete package, however, their significance is even greater. This is a ready-made exhibit with built-in historical depth, cultural recognition, and audience appeal. Rather than separating the cars, the opportunity is to preserve the collection as a whole and acquire a one-of-a-kind museum-caliber package. Offers are invited on the entire collection.
automotive museum guide
Sign up to get updates about automotive museums right to your mailbox. Don't miss a thing. It's FREE.
The Keystone Truck and Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, Virginia is a fantastic automotive museum full of over 150 antique tractors and more.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is a must stop place if you’re in the Tampa, FL area. If you’re cruising out of Tampa take a few extra hours and stop by.
The Panoz Museum in Hoschton, Georgia, is a must-stop for any automotive enthusiast, especially race fans. Not only is the Panoz handmade right on site, but they also display various models in the museum, as well as some of the actual race cars and racing memorabilia....
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Mustang Museum of America in Odenville, Alabama and I’ve got to say I was really impressed especially once I was told how recently the museum started.
automotive museum guide
Sign up to get updates about automotive museums right to your mailbox. Don't miss a thing. It's FREE.