Motorama Auto Museum - Week Ending February 2, 2026

All the museum cars are hibernating inside just waiting for warmer weather to come back to the frozen north. Through the Motorama Minute newsletter, the museum received a $500 donation from Korey Klammer. THANK YOU!

LTZ

MUSEUM NEWS: Winter Wonderland

Boneyard Additions & Valentine's Day Prep

Just before the snow came we picked up a 67 Buick Riviera for the boneyard display. We also managed to move and rearrange the Corvette pile. It looks really cool.

Everything is ready for the Valentine's Day Boneyard Tour and Open House. So put on your boots and explore the winter wonderland of old car art, then come inside for a hot drink and tall tales.

The Ferrari 250 restomod is nearing completion and will be on the hoist in the hall for viewing. This is a free event for car lovers, on V-Day naturally.

Saturday, February 14th, 9am-5pm
Free admission for all ages!

FEATURED: Paul Newman

Hollywood Icon & Serious Racing Driver

Born January 26, 1925 in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Paul Newman became both a Hollywood legend and a genuine sports-car racer. Beyond his Oscar-winning performances, Newman earned SCCA titles, secured a Le Mans podium finish, and co-owned the successful Newman/Haas IndyCar team.

Newman's racing wasn't just a celebrity hobby—he competed at the highest levels well into his 70s, proving that dedication and skill matter more than age. His blue eyes captivated audiences on screen, but on track, it was his exceptional driving that earned respect from fellow racers.

Newman's legacy bridges two worlds: cinematic brilliance and motorsport excellence, inspiring enthusiasts to pursue their passions regardless of their "day job." Racing Profile →

THIS WEEK IN AUTOMOTIVE & MILITARY VEHICLE HISTORY

Historic Dates: January 26 - February 2 • Visit Motorama to Explore These Milestones!

Jan 26, 1925 - Paul Newman is born in Shaker Heights, Ohio; he becomes a Hollywood icon and serious sports-car racer, winning SCCA titles and a Le Mans podium Read More →
Jan 27, 1956 - U.S. Air Force signs full-scale development contract with Martin for the TM-76 Mace, a turbojet-powered tactical cruise missile Read More →

Jan 28, 1932 - During the January 28 Incident in Shanghai, Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces deploy Vickers-Crossley armored cars in urban combat Read More →
Jan 30, 1951 - Ferdinand Porsche dies in Stuttgart; his legacy includes the VW Beetle, Auto Union Grand Prix machines, and the first Porsche sports cars Read More →
Early 1960s - Mazda bets on the Wankel rotary engine, solving early housing wear issues and leading to the legendary Cosmo Sport, RX-series, and RX-7 Read More →

MILITARY VEHICLE SPOTLIGHT: VICKERS-CROSSLEY IN SHANGHAI

In the early 1930s, the Imperial Japanese Navy's Special Naval Landing Forces fielded British-built Vickers-Crossley Model 25 armored cars in China—a compact 4x2 design with a rotating machine-gun turret on a truck-style chassis. These cars saw notable use in the January 28 Incident in Shanghai in 1932, where Japanese forces drove armored vehicles into the city during clashes with the Chinese 19th Route Army. The Vickers-Crossley represented an early bridge between traditional military trucks and purpose-built armored fighting vehicles. Vehicle Details →

FEATURED HISTORY: STEAM ON THE SAND

On January 26, 1906, Fred Marriott drove the steam-powered Stanley "Rocket" to a world land-speed record of about 127.66 mph on the hard-packed sands of Ormond Beach, Florida. His mile run, completed in roughly 28.2 seconds, won the Dewar Trophy and made him the first driver to cover more than two miles in a minute in an automobile. The Rocket's long, canoe-like body and 16-foot length gave it an otherworldly look, closer to a torpedo shell than a conventional early car. Marriott, a Stanley employee, wrestled the narrow steam car down the beach to that incredible mark, cementing Ormond-Daytona's reputation as the "Birthplace of Speed." Read More →

MILITARY VEHICLE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION

Do you like old military jeeps, trucks, and tracks?

Join 3,400+ members in the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and help keep military vehicle history rolling!

Membership Benefits:

6 issues of glossy, perfect-bound History in Motion magazine
Biweekly History in Motion e-news updates
5% discount on insurance through Hagerty
Access to annual Convention
Voice in shaping the organization's direction
Vehicle technical advisors and expert advice
Official MVPA merchandise from online shop
2 free classified ads in History in Motion
Member-only Facebook group access
Eligibility for prestigious MVPA Awards
Help preserve military vehicle history

Don't put it off. Join today!
www.MVPA.org/join

UPCOMING EVENTS

💕 February 14 - COMING SOON!
Valentine's Day Boneyard Tour
Love classic cars? Join us for a romantic stroll through our legendary boneyard where hundreds of vintage vehicles rest. Perfect for couples and enthusiasts alike—bring your camera and discover automotive treasures waiting to be restored. Hot drinks, cold cars, and tall tales! 9am-5pm, Free admission.

🧹 April 24-26 – Spring Cleanup Weekend
Help us prepare for the 2026 season! Volunteers are welcome for grounds maintenance, vehicle preservation, and facility improvements. Community workday includes lunch, museum access, and the satisfaction of preserving automotive history together.

🏁 May 1 – Museum Opens for 2026 Season
The wait is over! We officially open our doors for the 2026 season. Come explore over 500 vehicles spanning automotive history, from brass-era classics to modern muscle. Opening day features special exhibits and extended hours.

Aug 14-15 - Central WI 4x4 and Military Show
Our signature summer event! Two days of military vehicles, off-road rigs, live demonstrations, vendors, and family fun.