Tucked away in Olathe, Kansas, the Kansas City Automotive Museum is like stumbling across a time capsule with a V8 engine. Located at 15095 W. 116th Street, this unassuming building hides a treasure trove of vehicles that span generations, eras, and almost every chrome accent imaginable. On the day we visited, the scent of old leather, engine oil, and nostalgia hit us right at the door—and I swear, somewhere in the distance, I heard a Beach Boys song faintly playing. As Crystal admired the sparkling paint jobs, I remembered the myriad of muscle cars I’ve owned. This place revs up the imagination as much as the memories.
Model T Takes the Spotlight
Front and center during our visit was a display of Ford’s mighty Model T—a vehicle that didn’t just change the automobile industry, it created it. The Kansas City Automotive Museum rotates its featured cars every few months, and this time it was celebrating the game-changer from the early 1900s. We marveled at the rugged simplicity of the T’s build. These early vehicles had enough room for the family, maybe a picnic basket, and probably one adventurous goat. My thoughts drifted to our journeys along Route 66, America’s “Main Street” during the heyday of the Model T. Seeing all of these beauties, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in a bowler hat, bouncing down a dusty road toward a general store.
Muscle and Chrome
If the Model T was about practicality, the muscle cars were all about attitude. I couldn’t stop grinning when I spotted the 1959 Ford Thunderbird convertible gleaming like a cherry soda on wheels. But the crown jewel? A 1970 Shelby Mustang GT500 in bright yellow with those racing stripes that practically dare you to speed. I’ve got a soft spot for Fords—blame it on the Gran Torinos I proudly (and recklessly) drove back in the day. One was a similar shade of yellow, and sucked gas like a camel loading up on water. Seeing these souped-up classics brought back memories of late-night drives, crumpled paper maps, and gas station sodas bigger than our heads.
Packard Elegance
Continuing through the museum, we spotted a 1929 Packard roadster, sitting like a perfectly preserved slice of Gatsby-era grandeur. This was the car for the dinner jacket crowd, the ones who liked their jazz fast and their steering wheels wood-grained. The Packard’s 8-cylinder glimmered under the lights, and I swear you could hear it whisper, “I don’t race, I glide.” Its sweeping fenders and Art Deco dash made me want to stand up straighter. Back in its day, this ride turned heads, even if you were heading to the soda fountain. We couldn’t help but notice that the details were immaculate, right down to the hood ornament that looked ready to leap into a champagne-soaked night.
Studebaker Surprises
We rounded the corner and ran into a couple of Studebakers, which always feel like the car equivalent of finding a vintage lunchbox in the attic—unexpected and oddly charming. One in particular, a bullet-nosed 1933 Rockne, looked like it could blast off if given the correct runway. The Studebaker brand may have faded, but the designs remain bold, quirky, and unapologetically different. We learned at the Studebaker Museum that they started building wagons before shifting to cars. It makes sense since both require sturdy wheels and the occasional sense of adventure. Crystal and I could imagine ourselves cruising down a boulevard with all eyes on one of these classics.
A Trailblazer in a Jordan
One of the most powerful displays featured a name we hadn’t heard before: Homer Roberts. It turns out he was the first Black man to own and operate a car dealership in the U.S., and it just so happened to be right here in Kansas City. His elegant 1925 Jordan limousine stood proud, a symbol of resilience and style. Its long frame and dapper detailing echoed the Roaring Twenties in all the right ways. I could easily picture it cruising past Union Station with jazz notes floating out the window. Homer’s story added a historic depth to the Kansas City Automotive Museum. It’s proof that trailblazers from all walks of life shaped the automobile industry.
Whimsy on Wheels
The museum doesn’t just celebrate horsepower and high society—it also leaves room for some good ol’ fashioned whimsy. One of our favorite finds was a Ringling Bros. converted Model T. It was an unexpected treat that reminded us of our visit to the circus’s winter home in Baraboo. We also discovered a row of vintage pedal cars that looked like they rolled straight out of a 1950s holiday catalog. And then there was the 1957 Messerschmitt KR 200, a three-wheeled German microcar that looked more like an amusement park ride than a mode of transportation. At just over four feet wide, it’s a reminder that not every great car needs to be flashy—some need to spark conversation and maybe a chuckle or two.
A Rare Ride on Two Wheels
We were surprised to find the museum’s 1913 Sears motorcycle, which looked surprisingly modern despite its age. Sears, as in the catalog, sold these motorcycles via mail order. Imagine flipping past bed frames and into motorcycles. The chain-driven beast had a modest frame and a mechanical simplicity that begs closer inspection. It represented an era when machines were still finding their rhythm and folks were eager to try something bold. While it wouldn’t win any races today, this would’ve been a high-speed ticket to freedom in the early 1900s. It’s moments like these when I appreciate the Kansas City Automotive Museum’s variety—it’s not just about cars, but the culture they rode in on.
Pedal to the Metal
After hours of gawking, reading placards, and sharing stories, we couldn’t resist one last moment of silliness. The museum keeps a couple of open cars perfect for photo ops, so naturally we climbed in and struck our best “race face” pose. Crystal took the wheel and felt the power pulse through her grip. I held on for dear life, trying to avoid a panic attack. It was the perfect way to cap off a day of discovery at the Kansas City Automotive Museum. This place isn’t just for gearheads, it’s for anyone who’s ever loved a road trip, a tailfin, or the thrill of putting pedal to the metal. So tell us, what’s the favorite automobile you’ve ever owned?
