Free-admission museum featuring a rotating collection of vintage automobiles from the early 1900s to the 1960s, displayed in pristine condition with historical context.

How to Get There

From Louisville, KY (45 mi): Take I-65 S to exit 94 for US-62 toward Elizabethtown, then turn right onto N Dixie Ave to reach the museum.

Overview

The Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum is a hidden gem for automobile enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, this free-admission museum showcases a rotating collection of 33 vintage cars from a permanent collection of 66, spanning the early 1900s through the 1960s. Visitors can admire everything from a 1910 Brush Roadster to a 1939 Rolls Royce with royal provenance. Each vehicle is displayed in pristine condition, accompanied by historical context and stories that bring the golden age of motoring to life. The museum is fully accessible, air-conditioned, and offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.

Founded by the late Bill Swope, a passionate collector and car dealer, the museum reflects his lifelong love of automobiles and his desire to share that passion with the public. The collection includes rare models like a 1925 Pierce Arrow and a “gangster car” featured in a Jimmy Stewart film. Visitors from all 50 states and around the world have walked through its doors, drawn by the museum’s charm, authenticity, and the personal stories behind each vehicle. Whether you're a gearhead or a casual traveler, Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear offers a nostalgic journey through America’s automotive past.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.