Over 120 cars from all eras of the motoring age are on stunning display in the Automobile Gallery. Not just Toyota, but American and European automobiles, too. Many different and famous brands are represented: Mercedes Benz, Ford, Mazda, Porsche, Subaru, Rolls Royce, De Soto, Volkswagen, even little Isuzu to name just a few.
Vehicles produced from the beginning of the automobile age up to the 1950s are displayed on the second floor, while vehicles from the 1950s to the present fill the third floor. The building is oval shaped, like a race circuit, with visitors walking the course, surrounded by many exciting and beautiful vehicles.
Even non-motor enthusiasts are impressed by the scale, range and beauty of the cars. Highlights include a classic fire engine red 1955 Ford Thunderbird with white walled tires and President Roosevelt’s 12 cylinder Packard Twelve, the first car to be armor plated and contain bulletproof glass. There’s a rare bright red and gold trim 1910 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, over 100 years old, but looking like it’s just rolled off the assembly line. See an early Toyoda Model AA from 1939, an open top 1965 E-Type Jaguar, even a pink Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz with the Batmobile-like wings and tons of blinding chrome. All the cars are in spotless condition, and 98% are original.
To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Toyota Automobile Museum, the Cultural Gallery opened a new permanent exhibition, “Automobile Culture Showroom.” Under the theme “Mobility as Culture,” approximately 4,000 cultural artifacts are on display, including miniature cars, car badges, posters, and more related to both domestic and international automobiles. There is also a Special Exhibition Room which presents various exhibits throughout the year.
If you tire of looking at the cars, (and that will take some time) or if you need re-hydrating after drooling over the vehicles, take a break in the Museum Cafe "Cars & Books" or the relaxing Museum Restaurant "AVIEW," with views overlooking the old Nagakute Battlefield. Let the kids play in the Kids Garage, or stop by the Museum Shop with over 500 miniature cars and original souvenirs.
The Toyota Automobile Museum is not just for car fans. Men and women, young and old, it doesn’t matter, the range and selection in this expansive museum has something for everybody.