Automotive engineering excellence
A Tribute to Creativity & Innovation In Engineering
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum features a unique collection of vintage cars and vehicles that demonstrate special creativity and imagination in their history and engineering.
Housed in the museum galleries are many of the finest early approaches to aerodynamic shapes and packaging, front wheel drive and rear engine-rear drive engineering, unibody construction, pioneering uses of materials like cast aluminum, pressed steel, and more.
We believe that the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is more than just a collection of cars; it is also a celebration of the engineers who, through advanced thinking, brought us the car as we know it today.
VINTAGE POSTER ART EXHIBIT
This exhibit features a collection of 20th-century lithographic posters by the illustrious Jean Sébastien Aprile. As one of the top cultural spots in the Tampa Bay area, the museum brings together an amazing mix of art and historic cars. Visitors love exploring the diverse displays that celebrate both art and automotive history.
A special feature at the Museum is the world’s finest faithful and operational reproduction of the French 1770 Fardier de Cugnot.
Scroll below to see 3 of the most interesting examples of the renowned "Silent Knight" sleeve valve engine that will be on display at the 2025 Gasparilla Cars in the Park.
See the Entire Collection!
Housed in the museum galleries are many of the most innovative early approaches to aerodynamics, front-wheel drive and rear engine-rear drive engineering, unibody construction, and pioneering uses of materials like cast aluminum, pressed steel, and more.
The innovations of engineers such as Paul Jaray (designer of the Zeppelin airships), Gabriel Voisin (aircraft designer from World War I), and Jean Albert Gregoire (Tracta front wheel drive) are present in many automobiles throughout the collection.
The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum is more than just a collection of cars; it is also a celebration of the engineers who, through advanced thinking, brought us the car as we know it today.
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
3301 Gateway Centre Blvd
Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
(727) 579-8226
Monday 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Friday 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm-4:30 pm
on display at the 2025 Gasparilla Cars in the Park
1938 Panhard Dynamic
Art-Deco with Sleeve Valve Engine.
Production Years
1936-1939
Country
France
Number Produced
2581
Engineer
Louis Bionier and Charles Yale Knight
Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 1936, the Panhard et Levassor Dynamic is a remarkable embodiment of modern automotive engineering. This exceptional car showcases an advanced electrically welded steel unibody in Art Deco style.
1928 Willis-Knight Model 56
“Silent Knight” Sleeve Valve Engine with Patented Rectifier.
Production Years
1928-1929
Country
United States
Number Produced
37,931
Engineer
John North Willys, Charles Yale Knight
In 1927, the Willys-Overland Motors saw a groundbreaking addition with the introduction of the Type 56, a luxurious sedan featuring a six-cylinder Silent Knight sleeve-valve engine.
1927 Avions Voisin C7
“Silent Knight” Sleeve Valve Engine, Power Brakes.
Production Years
1924-1928
Country
France
Number Produced
1350
Engineer
Gabriel Voisin, Charles Yale Knight
Transitioning from aviation to automobiles, engineer Gabriel Voisin designed the 1927 Avions Voisin C7 Chastness that featured a body nicknamed “lumineuse” for its openness to light.
more glimpses of these extraordinary vehicles
