Sarasota Classic Car Museum closed permanently in 2023 after more than 70 years. Learn why the museum closed, what happened to its collection, and discover alternative attractions in Sarasota. Recognized as the second-oldest continuously operating classic car museum in the United States, it welcomed thousands of visitors every year with its impressive collection of antique, classic, muscle and exotic cars. This article explains why the museum closed, what happened to its famous collection and where classic car enthusiasts can visit similar museums today.
The museum was located on land owned by New College of Florida. In 2023, the college terminated the museum’s lease because the property was needed for the planned expansion of the campus, including new athletic facilities and other developments. As a result, the museum had to vacate the site and relocate its collection of approximately 150 vehicles and thousands of automotive artifacts.
The museum’s management initially tried to secure a new location and obtain an extension of the move-out deadline. Although the deadline was extended for a short period, the museum ultimately closed permanently at the end of 2023. The buildings were later demolished as part of the campus redevelopment.
On its official website, the museum states that it is permanently closed. It also explains that its collections have been transferred to other museums so they can continue to be enjoyed by the public. The museum describes the closure as the result of “circumstances beyond our control.”
At the time, there was considerable public discussion surrounding the decision because it coincided with the reorganization and new direction of New College of Florida. However, the immediate cause of the museum’s closure was the termination of its lease and the resulting need to vacate the property—not financial problems or a lack of visitors.
Recognized as the second oldest classic car museum in the U.S., the Sarasota Classic Car Museum was a must-see for any classic car enthusiast. Visitors could travel back in time and into the future of man’s greatest invention—the automobile.
The museum featured the Rolls-Royce collection of circus magnates John and Mable Ringling, John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes-Benz, and Paul McCartney’s beloved Mini Cooper. Classic and muscle cars were displayed side by side, including Don Garlits’ famous No. 2 dragster.
The museum showcased immaculately restored classic cars from some of the world’s leading automakers, including Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, DeLorean, Edsel, and Ferrari.
For anyone interested in classic cars—or automobiles in general—the museum was recognized as the second oldest antique car museum in the United States. Visitors could step back in time while also exploring the evolution of the automotive industry. The collection featured antique, exotic, European, and one-of-a-kind classic cars. Among the highlights were John and Mable Ringling’s Rolls-Royce collection, John Lennon’s 1956 Bentley, Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper, and more than 100 additional vehicles.
