It has been two weeks since I showcased the Klairmont Kollection Automotive Museum. This was the private collection of WWII veteran, Larry Klairmont, who passed away at 94 years young in 2021.

Larry opened to the public in 2018, so his entire 300+ car collection could be seen by everyone. I believe my first visit to Chicago was later in 2018, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to visit or potentially meet Larry.

My last visit to Chicago was just last year. Again, I was pressed for time, with Chicago only being a place where I had to do something specifically and then move on.

Almost every week, I express the importance of not procrastinating and to visit every automotive museum you possibly can, as soon as you can. I’m guilty myself, assuming I had more time.

Last week, I learned the Klairmont Kollection Automotive Museum was closed. I then quickly found out that the entire collection is going to auction from September 19th – 21st with Mecum.

I know some people will be excited to have an opportunity to purchase something from Larry’s collection. For those who don’t know me or understand how Miles Through Time Automotive Museum works, will say I should go to the auction and purchase items.

Unfortunately, for the museum I founded, donations are the only way the museum’s collection grows. There may be some wealthy “museum” founders at the auction and you may be able to see something at another museum, but typically, most of the vehicles will be put into private collections all over the world.

Museums give people an opportunity to actually be able to see these works of art from history, but when they are stashed in private collections, they are often hidden from the world until they reemerge at some point.

To be clear, I have no issues with private collections. Some of the best collections in the world are private. This is the circle of life with vehicle caretakers. They’ll outlast us all.

You have one more opportunity to see the museum before it’s gone. Registered bidders can view the collection at no additional cost on September 13th and 14th. If you aren’t a registered bidder, you can still visit with regular admission.

Who knows, maybe a bit of Larry’s legacy will live on at Miles Through Time Automotive Museum in the future.

Dr. Peter Kesling and his wife Charlene chose to donate their car collection to the local historical society. The La Porte County Historical Society is home to the Kesling Auto Collection. The vehicles on display range from a 1903 Winton to a 1982 DeLorean.

I am very glad I do not have to try to pronounce the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum. 😉 This museum preserves an important era in American history. The museum also hosts the National Hudson Motor Car Company Museum.

The last museum I want to share with you is the Buffalo Transportation – Pierce-Arrow Museum. We all know how amazing Pierce Arrows are, so that should be enough to pique your interest to visit. Seeing the 1927 Buffalo Filling Station by Frank Lloyd Wright is also a treasure.

I’m telling you. Do not miss an opportunity to visit an automotive museum. Or an invitation to a private collection for that matter. It may be your only opportunity to see particular pieces of history.

Perhaps I’ll have one more opportunity to visit the Klarimont Kollection (with a trailer) 😉 I hate to see any automotive museum close for any reason. I do not know the circumstances behind the closure of Klairmont, but as a general rule for all museums, the best thing we can do is visit often.

Have a great week!

SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S 3 AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUMS.

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.