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Let’s get off the interstate and “Go on Patrol!!” Today we are traveling on 31W, one of the original north south routes that run parallel to I-65 from Michigan to Alabama. On a car lot in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, we found Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum. It is without a doubt the best free Car Museum in the U.S. Owner, Bill Swope, has collected and put on display 60 cars built between 1900 and 1970. They have been lovingly restored in every detail. I am a collector (not of cars) so I’m in total awe at what Mr. Swope has accomplished. He has found many totally original cars that are in “like new” condition.
Included in the exhibit is a 1953 Jaguar XK 120 Sports Car. This car has taken top honors in many judging contests because of its “meticulous body off frame, ground up restoration with particular exactness toward original
specifications.” They also have a 1914 Model T Ford Runabout. This “Tin Lizzie” had 20 horsepower and was responsible for retiring the horse. It took a match to light the headlights. They have every baby boomers dream, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala Convertible with a 409 Super Sport. It is one of the finest examples of body-off-frame professional restoration and has won many awards. They have a 1939 Rolls Royce “Wraith” Sedanca DeVille. Its owner was on tour in Germany in 1939 and came face to face with Hitler at the Wagner Music Festival. They fled Germany in the car and barely escaped. They also have a 1935 Ford Roadster V-8. It was the fastest and sportiest cars of the day. It was Bonnie and Clyde’s car of choice.
Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum sits on Swope Family of Dealerships, a new car lot at 1100 North Dixie Avenue. There is always a friendly tour guide to tell you the story behind each car. The museum is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. There is plenty of parking and room for cars, RV’s, and tour buses. If you are traveling south on I-65 take Exit 94 into Elizabethtown. There is also a good Mexican Restaurant, El Rodeo, across the street. Closed Sundays and Holidays. Winter Hours: 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturday Summer Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturday 270- 763-6175 42701
Tell us about a hidden treasure you have found by getting off the Interstate.
Any 31-W stories? What’s you favorite back road? Why?
Links:
Swope Auto Museum
1100 North Dixie Highway
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701
270-765-2181
National Corvette Museum
July 13, 2023
