The Weekly 3

Last week I mentioned the cost of admission for automotive museums and that created a huge response. Of course, the data is completely skewed. If you’re reading this, you are an automotive enthusiast at some level. Which means you would inevitably find more value in visiting any car museum, over a typical tourist just looking for something to do.

The good news for people like us, is that there are no shortage of cool places to visit all over the world. I’ve said it before, but when I started Miles Through Time Automotive Museum, I had no clue what I was doing.

I knew I wanted to share my grandpa’s ’59 Cadillac with the world. I knew typical vehicle storage facilities were a wasted opportunity, and I knew I loved all things automotive. Everything else I didn’t know, could be learned.

I quickly learned no one really needed vehicle storage in a rural area. I didn’t have enough space, the location wasn’t good enough, I couldn’t stand consignment, it was expensive just to keep the doors open, and it was hard.

Now there is an array of car storage solutions, including museum storage. There are also a bunch of museums that sell cars and dealerships presenting themselves as museums. What I assumed was unique in 2016, when my idea really started to percolate, was really just me, not knowing what I didn’t know.

Eventually, I learned. My research became the Automotive Museum Guide, and I pivoted. I could have very easily closed the doors to Miles Through Time in 2019, but I was given another opportunity to adjust what I was doing, and learned some very hard lessons over the next 7 years.

Today, the only real variable that is outside my control to ensure the success of the museum teeters on what the building’s lease is set to. I survived one 20% rate increase, but if that happens again, there just isn’t enough revenue opportunity to cover the increase.

The next pivot will ensure this concern not only goes away forever, but payroll will drastically increase because we will have the funds to hire good people and not just operate with wonderful volunteers.

The key to being able to do all this, is by getting creative. If you want to see how I plan to take Miles Through Time from a museum, I started with one car I inherited to campus that can generate millions annually, check this out HERE. (spoiler, this will require an investor/partner, but it is the future)

Automotive Museums that can think outside the box of what a traditional museum can be, have a higher potential for success over a museum that is just a collection of cars in a building. 

The St. Louis Car Museum opened its doors when I was ten, and they offer vehicle storage and sales. This is a prime example of I had a great idea, but so did someone else, five years before I could even drive.

St. Louis Car Museum has also had to pivot over the years, and recently they’ve transitioned to only being accessible by appointment. I don’t know the reason for this, but I can imagine since I visited a few years ago.

Clarksville Throttle Museum & Dealership is a recent addition to the guide. This is Clarksville, Tennessee, not Clarkesville, Georgia, but it’s not too far away from me, so I’ll have to check it out sometime soon. Pictures of the museum look pretty cool. Just keep in mind this is a collection located at a motorcycle dealership, and it looks well done.

The last museum I want to share with you looks amazing. The museum itself looks great, but it is how the museum is positioned that has captured my interest. There’s no dealership, but there is a brewery, restaurants, barber shop, and even a tattoo parlor.

Legends Motorcycle Museum is on par with how I invision what automotive museums can be, and with over 120 motorcycles on display, there is plenty to see inside the museum. Plus, you have the added bonus of all the other things to do, so you can easily make a day of visiting. I love it and can’t wait to be able to experience it.

Seeing Legends Motorcycle Museum actually makes me more excited for the future of Miles Through Time Automotive Museum and I can’t wait to share with everyone when we get to start breaking ground. Until then, we’ll keep making the museum better, and I hope you’re able to keep experiencing as many museums as you can.

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If you want to see more, visit the Weekly 3.

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.