Imagine a world-class collection of meticulously preserved racing sports cars right in our neighborhood. Neurosurgeon Dr. Frederick Simeone did - with his passion for racing sports cars that were not merely pristine showpieces but authentic artifacts that told the story of their time on the racetrack.
The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum's collection embodies this philosophy of preservation over restoration. His approach was revolutionary at the time, advocating for cars to be preserved in their original, “as-raced” condition. This approach has since gained widespread acceptance and positioned Dr. Simeone as a pioneer in the field of automotive preservation. The museum has been a destination for local and European automotive enthusiasts and casual visitors since its founding 15 years ago.
Executive Director, Kevin Kelly, highlights the relatability and beauty of historic racing sports cars. These vehicles were often dual-purpose, capable of being driven on public roads to the track, racing competitively, and then driving home.
Among the museum's race cars is the Bugatti Type 57G Tank. Originally designed for record-setting, this 1930’s car never lost a race. Among the races it entered, it won the French Grand Prix and the 1936 Le Mans. In 1941, Bugatti buried this car to prevent seizure by German forces during World War II. After the war, it was safely unearthed, restored to its former glory, and is now seen at the Simeone Museum. This car not only represents a pinnacle of automotive engineering but also a piece of wartime history.
The 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe was created by Carroll Shelby to defeat Ferrari. This aerodynamic car, packing a Ford engine, played a crucial role in securing America's first and only World Sports Car Championship for GT cars in 1965. This victory was a significant achievement, marking a triumph for Shelby, Ford, and America in the competitive world of international racing.
The museum also houses a 1934 MG K3, a small yet formidable British racing car with a small 1.1-liter engine. At the 1934 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 1934 MG K3 came in 4th place behind other 1.1 liter engine British cars at 2nd and 3rd places. These cars defeated the preferred larger and powerful 3 liter engine cars that broke down in the intense 24 hours of racing. This race gave the 1934 MG K3 the nickname “the giant killer.”
The museum graciously hosts "Demo Days," where selected cars are taken out for demonstration runs on the tarmac. These interactive events allow the visitors to see, hear, and smell these historic vehicles in action.
The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is more than just an extensive collection of racing cars, it is a tribute to the competition, innovation, and preservation of automobile history. Dr. Simeone's legacy lives on through this remarkable institution, for the public to appreciate the rich history and beauty of racing sports cars.
simeonemuseum.org
The museum is a tribute to the competition, innovation, and preservation of automobile history