Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed & Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Announce Merger
Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed and Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame announced their merger at Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Show in Tulsa, Olka.
“Darryl Starbird is one of the most prolific custom car builders and an artist who was consistently able to gain national recognition for his creations. His customs have been showcased in all of the popular car magazines for decades. This would have been difficult for any builder, but it was even harder to achieve for someone located in the Midwest. His car creations feature a space age futuristic style that people find exciting and memorable. He is certainly king of the bubble top, and like Toad in American Graffiti explains, any car as good as Starbird’s Superfleck Moonbird has to be amazing!” said Tim Matthews Curator, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. “Custom car fans now have two places to see Starbird’s fabulous creations.”
Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, located in Lincoln, Neb., is home to over 150,000 square feet of display space over three levels. The museum was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive Racing Engine and Speed Equipment development and to preserve, interpret and display items significant in racing and automotive history. Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, the collection results from their personal involvement in racing and hot rodding, and their lifelong passion for collecting and preserving racing an automotive history over the past 100 years.
“In addition to the collection the Smiths have built over the years the museum has also been the recipient of many generous donations from vehicles to important artifacts in racing and automotive history,” Matthews added. “The relationships continue to lead us to opportunities to acquire important pieces furthering our mission to preserve, interpret and display items significant in our industries history.”
The museum is currently home to four Darryl Starbird vehicles including the Li’l Coffin Car originally built by Dave Stuckey and restored by Starbird. The museum also features many other displays including the largest collection of vintage pedal cars, gas-powered miniature race cars, automobile themed toys, fine art, lunchboxes and more.
“Having my work on display at Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed has allowed it to be appreciated by even more people,” said Darryl Starbird, Founder of Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame. “Our conversations started over 15 years ago and I’m pleased to officially announce the merger giving fans two places to see my collection.”
Located in Afton, Okla. Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame is the home of over 50 one-of-a-kind full size exotic vehicles, including twenty-five of his own creations on display, as well as automotive artwork, photographs and auto memorabilia displayed throughout the 40,000 square foot facility.
The museum is also home to the National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame. Every year in June an anniversary celebration is held to recognize and induct two additional custom and rod builders into the National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame.
For more information about Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Hall of Fame please visit their website.
For more information about Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, museum hours or displays visit their website.
About Speedway Motors Inc
Speedway Motors is a proud supporter of the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. Known as America’s Oldest Speed Shop, Speedway Motors was founded in 1952 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith. Their four sons Carson, Craig, Clay and Jason continue to run the family-owned business.
Speedway Motors is a manufacturer, retailer and distributor of high-quality automotive parts and racing products. Since 1952, Speedway Motors has been committed to providing a broad selection of high-quality, affordable automotive parts—delivered quickly, efficiently and without any hassles. Their products and expert advice are available to customers by calling 1.800.979.0122, online or at retail stores in Lincoln, Neb. and Tolleson, Ariz.
About Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is a federally recognized 501 (c) (3) private foundation located in Lincoln, Neb. Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive Racing Engine and Speed Equipment development and to preserve, interpret and display items significant in racing and automotive history.
About Darryl Starbird’s National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame
The National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame located in Afton, Okla. is set up as a national 501 (c) (3) nonprofit foundation & is a nationally recognized tribute to the leading street rod and custom car builders throughout the country.
Photo Credit: Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
