Between 1906 and 1918 horseless carriages have given way to real cars, affordable cars, like the Model T Ford. You and I suddenly have a reliable alternative to the foot, the horse, and the train. We have become independent! The Motorcar has revolutionized just about everything since ordinary folks became mobile, and have they ever taken advantage of it! The farm has suddenly gotten closer to town and faraway vacation places such as Yosemite National Park have become more accessible. This exhibit looks at the early automobile as a provider of newly-found mobility through mechanical improvements (the electric self-starter) and mass-production techniques (providing affordability).

The automobile appeals to farmers. From the beginning it has been the magic tool. Eats no oats, never gets tired, goes a lot faster and can carry more produce. The results are unbelievable. A Tin Lizzie can work around the place all week, then shuttle the family into town on Saturday to do the shopping. As Henry Ford put it, "I just want to take the work off men's backs and put it on machines and motors." Later on, farm-to-market roads will enable heavily loaded farm trucks to haul their produce to market in all types of weather and seasons, generating efficiency and prosperity. This exhibit shows a 1926 Model T farm truck and 1921 Waterloo Boy tractor.

By the 1930s the automobile has become democratic; almost everyone has a car. Smoothness and reliability are taken for granted. The wealthy indulge their impulse to be unique by riding in one-off coachwork on chassis big as Rent-A-Trucks. Luxurious styling is hot, and in the Depression tightened market the competitors are trying to keep going by producing ever more gorgeous cars. When the checkbook is large enough, the results are magnificent. The cars in this exhibit are an elegant and beautiful legacy.

We've suddenly found out that maybe the stock market won't just grow forever, and we're darn lucky just to have a job, if indeed we have one. We even had money in the bank until the bank failed. The movies are popular for the escape they offer, and the movies are the showcase for the stars and their cars: Those gorgeous cars that are the last gasp of the luxury makers who are suddenly having to scrap over a market that has dwindled to nothing. It has become politically incorrect to exhibit such elegance, even if you can still afford it. The Democrats are proclaiming that Happy Days Are Here Again, and Chicago and New York stage extravagant world's fairs to provide a peek at what those Happy Days' will look like. Well, maybe someday. Right now it looks like there'll be a war ....

Cool has many meanings. The one we like connects with being young, hip, "with it", fun, to be emulated. The word came with the "be-bop" youth. Our cool dream is the teen-age automobile culture: Hot rods, customs, sports cars, motorcycles, and the better Detroit iron in their natural habitat: the drive-in. The `50s at they’re finest.

The age-old urge to go a little faster. You could say motor sport was born in three stages: The first guy built a car; the second guy built a car; they had a race. After that, feet and horses just couldn't compete when it came to producing adrenaline. Some prefer oval tracks; some like roads; some need drag strips, dry lakes, or salt flats, some think two wheels are better. Doesn't matter. What does matter is, that the best driver and vehicle are first across the finish line. Racing is a popular sport with BIG Dreams!

This exhibit shows the significant changes in automobile mechanical design and construction from the Model T and Model A eras to hot V8s and racing power plants. Cutaway engines and transmissions provide the visitor with an "inside look" of how they work. A "hopped-up" Ford V8 "Flathead" engine displays race equipment of the `40s and `50s. Three built-up chassis show engine, transmissions and differentials. Equipment items such as a scope, distributor machines, and valve grinders are displayed along with a variety of hand tools. The Hall of Technology invites your hands-on exploration.