Glamour and Grit

Step into this captivating gallery and experience the stark contrast that defined America in the 1920s and 1930s. On one side, marvel at the opulent cars of the ultra-wealthy—symbols of luxury, excess, and prestige. On the other, discover the more humble vehicles that carried everyday Americans through the hardships of the Great Depression.

This exhibit highlights the two vastly different worlds of the era. The rich, immersed in a time of roaring prosperity, used their cars as a reflection of their status and privilege. In contrast, for many, owning a car was a distant dream as they battled the crushing realities of poverty and survival.

As you journey through this collection, you'll witness how these cars were not only a part of their owners' lifestyles but also a window into the hopes and struggles of an entire nation. The fantasy of endless wealth would eventually collapse, but the resilience and determination of everyday Americans would help propel them into a new era of growth and change.

This exhibit is a tribute to America's road through the 1920s and 1930s—where glamour and grit, privilege and perseverance, existed side by side. Explore the legacy of these remarkable vehicles and the story they tell about the transformation of a nation.