n the mid-1960s, when most sports cars still relied on small piston engines and familiar technology, NSU decided to bet on something entirely new. The result was the NSU Wankel Spider, a compact two-seat convertible that quietly rewrote history as the first Western production car powered by a Wankel rotary engine . Chairman of NSU, Dr. Gerd Stieler von Heydekampf, unveils the “NSU Spider” Built in Neckarsulm, West Germany between 1963 and 1967, the Spider was produced in very

In the early 1960s, Japan’s automakers were still known for tiny city cars and economy sedans. The country was rebuilding and learning fast but few outside Japan believed it could compete with Europe’s engineering or America’s horsepower. Then a small company from Hiroshima decided to gamble everything on an engine that most engineers considered impossible to tame. If Mazda could make the experimental rotary engine work, Japan would not just catch up. It would leap ahead. Maz

Ho ho ho! We are so  excited to have Santa stop by the Museum on Sunday, December 7th and December 14th 12-4 PM. Kids visiting the Museum will have the chance to meet Santa and pose for a photo with Santa. Don’t forget to bring your camera/phone so you can capture this special moment! Meeting Santa is included with Museum admission. We look forward to seeing you and helping you capture a memorable photo with Santa at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, just minutes from St Pete!

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is excited to offer a rare, hands-on learning experience for rotary enthusiasts: a full-day Rotary Engine Restoration Workshop , taking place March 14 and March 15, 2026 , in conjunction with the museum’s new exhibit, The Wankel Rotary Engine: Innovation That Never Went Mainstream. These exclusive workshops provide a full day of practical instruction, in-depth demonstrations, and real-world restoration techniques designed to preserve the future

In the late 1800s, bicycles were more than a novelty. They quietly reshaped daily life, gave riders new mobility, and even opened unexpected social possibilities. Few captured this moment better than the 1897 Stearns Combination Tandem, a bright orange machine designed for two, and remembered today for the unusual freedom it offered Victorian couples. From Simple Tools to the Automobile Age The story begins in Syracuse, New York, where industrialist Edward C. Stearns built hi

If you are fascinated by automotive history and the evolution of engine design, the 1929 promotional film Silent Knight: The Triumph of Silence Over Noise  is a remarkable artifact. Produced by Willys-Overland, Inc., it was created to promote the innovative sleeve valve engine system developed by Charles Yale Knight. This design promised quieter, smoother, and more refined performance at a time when noise and vibration were accepted parts of motoring. The Story Behind Silent

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum’ s 1942 Tatra 87  was recognized at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance with multiple honors, including the Chairman’s Award. Surrounded by some of the most remarkable automobiles in the world, the Tatra drew steady attention for its unusual beauty, its engineering innovation, and its distinct presence on the show field. For the museum, the recognition felt like a celebration of both art and science. The Tatra 87 is not just an elegant

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum has officially added its first motorcycle and it’s no ordinary bike. The 1989 Norton Commander , powered by a 588 cc Wankel rotary engine, represents a daring engineering experiment in motorcycle history. Unlike traditional piston engines, the Wankel rotary uses spinning triangular rotors instead of reciprocating pistons, producing power in a smooth, continuous motion. The result is a compact, lightweight engine with an uncanny turbine-like fee

Learn more about Hoods Up Week at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum!

Learn more about Hoods Up Week and our 1973 Citroën DS Pallas Prestige!

At the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, every vehicle tells a story of innovation, engineering, and creativity. Now, one of the most...

If you’re a fan of rare and vintage cars, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum has just released a collector’s item you’ll want to get your...

Now offering hundreds of rare, vintage, and original magazine car ads for sale in the Gift Shop!

We are excited to announce that the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is now serving Motorworks Brewing beer and Copa di Vino wine! Guests 21+...

NEW! DELOREAN T-Shirt The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum's new DeLorean T-shirt  is here—and it features our 1982 DeLorean DMC-12, just like...

On June 14, race fans gathered at Sebring International Raceway for a high-octane Le Mans Watch Party hosted by the Automobile Racing...

The newest addition to our unique collection of cars is the only one that was ever made. The eye-catching 2008 Arex Super Coupe Roadster is now on display in its new home!

If you are passionate about cars, history, or engineering, or all of the above , you are in for a real treat when you visit the Tampa Bay...

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum was featured on ABC Action News with reporter Sean Daley taking viewers o

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum celebrates 20 years of innovation with rare cars and engineering marvels—Alain Cerf’s legacy lives on.