Step back in time and immerse yourself in the golden age of motoring at the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, nestled within the charming Grovewood Village in Asheville, North Carolina. This captivating museum showcases a remarkable collection of antique cars, offering a nostalgic journey for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Located at 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804, the museum is easily accessible and welcomes visitors from April to December, Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. While admission is free, a $5 suggested donation helps preserve this incredible collection for future generations of antique car lovers. Please note that the museum is closed from January to March, as well as on Thanksgiving and Christmas. For directions, you can Get Directions.
A Treasure Trove of Vintage Vehicles
Stepping into the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is like entering a time capsule, transporting you to an era of elegant wooden steering wheels and gleaming brass headlamps. Founded in 1966 by the esteemed Harry D. Blomberg, a local automotive legend and Asheville’s Cadillac-Pontiac dealer for over half a century, the museum is a testament to his lifelong passion for antique automobiles. Blomberg, also the founder of the renowned Harry’s On The Hill restaurant, meticulously curated this collection, which features a stunning array of vintage and classic cars.
Among the museum’s prized exhibits are a rare 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, a symbol of mid-century automotive luxury, and a 1922 American LaFrance fire truck, a piece of Asheville’s local history. These iconic vehicles are just a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating collection housed within the museum’s walls.
Explore the Collection: From Model T to Edsel Corsair
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum boasts an impressive roster of automobiles, each with its own unique story and charm. The collection spans several decades of automotive innovation, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of car design and technology. Below is a glimpse into the vehicles on display:
| Year | Vehicle Description |
|---|---|
| 1913 | Ford Model T (Tin Lizzie) – Currently on display at The Grove Park Inn |
| 1914 | Ford Model T Touring Car (Copperhead) |
| 1917 | Willys Overland Touring |
| 1922 | American LaFrance Fire Truck (Type 75) |
| 1923 | REO Touring |
| 1925 | Dodge Touring |
| 1926 | Cadillac Seven-Passenger Touring Sedan |
| 1927 | LaSalle Phaeton |
| 1928 | Chandler Sedan |
| 1928 | Pontiac Sedan |
| 1929 | Chevrolet Sedan |
| 1930 | Ford Model A Coupe (with rumble seat) |
| 1932 | Chevrolet Coupe |
| 1940 | Buick Century |
| 1940 | Packard Coupe |
| 1950 | MG TD Roadster |
| 1955 | Cadillac Sedan |
| 1957 | Cadillac Eldorado Brougham |
| 1959 | Edsel Corsair |
From the early days of the Ford Model T to the distinctive Edsel Corsair, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of automotive history. Each car is meticulously maintained, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and design of these classic machines.
Harry Blomberg: The Visionary Behind the Museum
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is more than just a collection of cars; it’s a tribute to the vision and passion of Harry Blomberg (1904–1991). A true Asheville native, Blomberg’s journey in the automotive world began in 1923 at the young age of 19, when he established one of the city’s first filling stations. His entrepreneurial spirit and love for cars led him to build a successful Cadillac-Pontiac dealership and eventually create this museum to share his prized collection with the public.
Intriguingly, an old moonshine still, also on display in the museum, played an unexpected role in inspiring Blomberg to save Biltmore Industries, a significant part of Asheville’s heritage. To delve deeper into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable individual, you can READ HIS FULL BIO.
From Weaving Shop to Auto Showcase: A Building with History
The museum building itself is steeped in history, adding another layer of interest to your visit. Constructed in 1923, it originally served as the weaving shop for Biltmore Industries. In its heyday, over 40 looms operated within these walls, producing exquisite handwoven wool fabric that was sought after by notable figures such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Helen Keller, and even several U.S. presidents and first ladies.
To learn more about the fascinating past of this location, explore THE HISTORY OF BILTMORE INDUSTRIES.
Roycroft Chandeliers and Inspiring Inscriptions
Beyond the stunning array of antique cars, the museum also features unique architectural and artistic details. Look upwards to admire two custom-made Roycroft chandeliers, crafted around 1918 by Karl Kipp, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement known for his exceptional metalwork. These chandeliers originally graced Overlook, a historic stone castle located near Asheville, adding a touch of elegance and historical significance to the museum’s ambiance.
As you explore, you’ll also notice thought-provoking quotes and mottos inscribed on the museum’s beams and chandeliers. These inspirational messages were placed by Fred Loring Seely, then-manager of Biltmore Industries, to motivate and inspire his employees, adding a unique philosophical dimension to the museum experience.
Accessibility and Event Rentals
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum strives to be accessible to all visitors. While the historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has two steps at the main entrance, a portable ramp is available for wheelchair access. However, please note that the lower level of the museum is not currently wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking is available, and visitor drop-off and pickup at the main entrance are permitted for convenience.
For those seeking a distinctive venue, the museum is also available for event rentals. Imagine hosting an unforgettable anniversary, vow renewal, or cocktail party surrounded by classic automobiles in this historic setting. For RENTAL INFORMATION & BOOKING, please visit the provided link.
Experience Asheville in a Model T with Mountaineer Motor Tours
To further enhance your Asheville experience, consider Mountaineer Motor Tours. Heath Towson, a museum docent and Asheville native, offers tours in a 1923 Ford Model T. Explore scenic backroads and downtown Asheville with Heath, who is passionate about local history and automobiles, for a truly authentic and memorable journey into the past.
For TOUR INFORMATION & BOOKING, please visit Mountaineer Motor Tours website.
The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum is a must-visit destination in Asheville, offering a captivating blend of automotive history, local heritage, and unique artistic elements. Plan your visit today and step back in time to experience the romance and elegance of antique cars.
