New Year, New Additions at Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, dedicated to preserving, interpreting and displaying physical items significant in racing and automotive history, announced today new acquisitions and loans that are now on display in the new year.
“Every time you visit the museum there is always something new and exciting to see,” said Tim Matthews, curator Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. “This year is no exception, and we are excited announce new additions on display in the new year.”
The new vehicles that are now on display include:
Burke-Francisco “Sweet 16” Belly Tank
In August of 1949, Bill Burke and Don Francisco's flathead-powered Streamliner made its mark in history and became nationally recognized. Named, "World's fastest Hot Rod," by Hot Rod Magazine in 1949, it was the first belly tank to set multiple land speed records at Bonneville. Co-built in 1947 by, Bill Burke and Don Francisco, Sweet 16 was the third belly tank car that raced in subsequent seasons utilizing an aircraft surplus P-38 belly tank vessel. Probably one of the most accurate running representations of a vintage belly tanker that raced at Bonneville. The record setting “Sweet 16” which has been featured on Jay Leno is on loan to the museum from Bobby Green Collection.
Burkland Streamliner
Donated by the Burkland family the Burkland Streamliner is now on display. After years of hard work and struggle Tom Burkland, the Burkland streamliner, and the Burkland family finally made an important step towards the final goal of breaking the wheel-driven record. During the September Top 1 World Land Speed Shootout, they took the FIA International mile record from Al Teague, who has held it for seventeen long years, since 1991. The speed, 415+ mph, was not fast enough to break the kilo record, but the relative ease with which the record was broken, and the speed on the mile in the return run (427.723 mph) makes everyone comfortable that the kilo record will follow soon, and eventually, given the right salt conditions, the outright wheel-driven record might be within reach.
'55 Chevy and '56 Nomad
On loan from Joel & Lynette Janssen, the ’55 Chevy and ’56 Chevy Nomad add to the museums factory GM displays which is a growing collection of GM cars from the 1950s.
1971 Gurney Eagle
On loan from Gary and Karen Schroeder, the Gurney Eagle debuted at the Indy 500 in 1971. It was raced by 3-time Indy winner Bobby Unser and performed as the closest challenger to the McLaren M16s. This car is powered by a Turbocharged Offenhauser engine.
'59 Plymouth Belvedere
Restored by past Museum volunteer Roger Wermeskerch, this is on loan from Bethine Wermeskerch.
Superbee Pedal Car
One of the newest acquisitions, this extremely rare Superbird Pedal Car is one of nine ever built. Commissioned by Elmer's Toy Museum and built by custom builder Jerry Anderson. As the largest pedal car collection on display in the world, the Museum of American Speed is honored to pay tribute to Elmer’s Toy Museum by displaying many cars which originated in their collection.
Vote for Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
Recognized as the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice awards in 2021 the museum has once again nominated and you can cast your vote through April 10th. Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is currently 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. The Museum’s collection results from “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith’s personal involvement in racing and hot rodding, and their family’s lifelong passion for collecting and preserving racing and automotive history.
The Museum also features many other unique displays including the largest collection of vintage pedal cars, gas-powered miniature race cars, automobile-themed toys, automotive art, lunchboxes and more. The first phase of the expansion project is currently underway expected to be completed by Spring 2023 adding another 90,000 square feet to the museum.
For more information about Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, museum hours or displays, visit www.museumofamericanspeed.com.
About Speedway Motors, Inc.
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 the “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith family, 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.