Take a road trip into the past with specialty vehicle museums all over the state

By Jay McKinney

After dodging automobiles in traffic all day in the metro area, why would one want to go see a car museum in Colorado? History, and the impressive use of steel propelled by engines that reflect the nation’s technological advancements. Plus, they look cool.

It’s been a minute since Henry Ford’s company rolled out the Model A in 1903, launching a product that impacted the world.

Ford’s wasn’t the first, but it was the most accessible auto that the masses could aspire to own.

With impressive advancements in technology, the electric vehicle will soon send more combustion engines to the museum floor. We’ve compiled a list of auto museums to help people understand a bit of the history and excitement.

Gateway Auto Museum, Gateway

Located in the Gateway Canyons Resort, this car museum is great for guests visiting the resort or those passing through the remote stretch of Mesa County. American businessman Discovery Inc. founder John Hendrick’s private collection makes up the exhibit that celebrates the history, design and social impact that the automobile had on American life. Rare models of Cadillac, Packard, Pierce-Arrow and others can all be seen in this historic collection with some valued at millions of dollars. One of the museum’s highlights is a 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 concept car that Hendrick purchased at an auction for $3.25 million in 2005.

Photo courtesy Shelby American Collection

Shelby American Collection, Boulder

Established in 1996, the Shelby American Collection Museum in Boulder is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Carroll Shelby and the American Shelby Team, with its extensive collection. Shelby is an icon in automotive history, and the cars he designed turn heads every time they drive by. Car enthusiasts will be thrilled to view cars like the 289 and 427 Cobras, the rare Daytona and Willment Coupes and the Ford GT40. Also housed in the museum is an extensive collection of memorabilia, art, race records and photographs that pay tribute to Shelby and other iconic figures of 1960s auto racing.

Rangely Automotive Museum, Rangely

Located in the town of Rangely in Northwest Colorado, this museum was founded by Bud Striegel, who has been collecting cars since he was just 12 years old. Back when Striegel began his automotive journey, he would purchase cars for extremely cheap prices, often using the earnings he made selling pop bottles to a local bar. As he got older, his love for cars eventually evolved into a desire to fix them, and Striegel has now restored over 70 cars. The collection at the Rangely Automotive Museum is a nod to his passion for automotive history and includes an impressive display of cars and motorcycles that had a profound impact on design and production in the industry.

Rambler Ranch, Elizabeth

While it may only be open three days a week, and available to visit by appointment only, the Rambler Ranch is well worth the money and the drive to its location in Elizabeth. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Nash Ramblers and other AMC automobiles, and it is highly regarded among car enthusiasts. In addition to the extensive collection of cars, the museum features a number of other attractions that will make visitors feel as if they are stepping back in time. A 1920s Sinclair gas station replica that houses the Rambler Ranch ice cream and gift shop, a 1960s model home replica and a Kelvinator model kitchen provide a glimpse of nostalgia and are just as enticing as the cars.

Forney Museum of Transportation, Denver

This museum highlights cars and essentially any other method of transportation that gets one from point A to point B. It began with the private collection of J.D. Forney, who lived in Fort Collins and had an unwavering interest in transportation from an early age. Presently, the museum has collected more than 600 artifacts including motorcycles, steam locomotives, aircraft, carriages, sleighs and other modes of transportation that have artistic, historical or technological significance. Among the highlights at the car museum in Denver are Amelia Earhart’s 1923 Kissel Gold Bug, a 1913-1953 Indian Motorcycle collection, a Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive and other displays both big and small.

Penrose Heritage Museum, Colorado Springs

The Penrose Heritage Museum honors numerous parts of Colorado Springs’ history and the impact that entrepreneur Spencer Penrose had on the region. Those who have driven to the top of Pikes Peak can thank Penrose for not only helping to construct the road in 1916 but also initiating the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Within the museum are 15 race cars that competed in the annual race to the summit of Pikes Peak, with the most notable one being 100 years old and belonging to Penrose himself. The car museum in Colorado Springs is free to the public, and educates guests on the rich history of the Pikes Peak region in addition to wowing them with the amazing displays of race cars and other artifacts.

Vehicle Vault, Parker

The Vehicle Vault in Parker is much more than just a car museum, as it offers garage space for collectors. However, the Gallery at Vehicle Vault showcases rare and exotic cars that the general public can view. The interactive and rotating exhibit aims to educate, inspire and enhance the appreciation for automotive history that is so ingrained in the American way of life. Dozens of local and regional car shows also make their way to the Vehicle Vault each year and are popular for car enthusiasts and anyone who can appreciate the beauty of rare and vintage cars.

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.