Being the car nut that I am and have been most of my life, it was only natural to make my way to the collection. Really, in the car-culture crazy Phoenix Metro area, it was a great starting place.
This is really owner and founder, Mel Martin’s, personal collection. It’s not just the 175 or more cars, it is also the memorabilia, antiques and signage that make the place interesting. Like the MIM, earlier this week, this is just my first visit. It has to be: there is just too much to see, touch, talk about and experience.
From the Tucker at the front door to the Vettes in the back of the hall, cars are arrayed along three aisles on a highly polished floor. In between are everything from 1960s drag cars to muscle cars to Model A Fords and customs (of note is an Ed “Big Daddy” Roth fiberglas thing). Scattered around the edges of the showroom are gas pumps and neon signs from eras gone by. Most of the cars are unlocked and visitors are invited to politely sit in them–only touch the steering wheels, thank you.
Of note is the “library” and the model shop. The library holds everything from classic Hot Rod Magazine issues to Chilton repair manuals. In the model shop I got to trade stories with the curator, Jim, about metal and polystyrene kits. He is a noted restorer of classic models from around the world.
Did I have a favorite car? Well, while I am partial to early model Corvettes (they were introduced the same year, 1953, I was born, after all), the first year (1967) Pontiac Firebird stood out for me.
Add this to the list of car displays and collections in The Valley. It is worth more than one visit.
Relentless
