Saratoga Automobile Museum: a look at American History
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. »
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is officially open. They started accepting visitors earlier this week.
It might not have the same importance to the average person as would the announcement that Saratoga Performing Arts Center was producing shows, or that fans would be allowed inside the Saratoga Race Track to watch horse racing. But it is positive news. Not many people would call the Saratoga Automobile Museum a destination spot. Few people, except the true car buff, would plan a trip to Saratoga just to visit the museum located at a former bottling plant, built in 1935. However, for those who visit, it is a special discovery of a hidden jewel that makes a trip to the area a bit more special.
Dustin Lanterman, the Communications Director and Facilities Manager, was thinking in those terms during a recent telephone interview. He seemed optimistic that the Saratoga Automobile Museum might come into its own during the pandemic.
He explains that for the few months the museum was closed the staff worked diligently to sterilize the facility and used the time to freshen the permanent exhibits. He says it not only gave the space a new look, but to him, it brought a different perspective to the exhibits when viewed as a whole.
Lanterman was a history major in college and says he realizes the history of the automobile on display at the museum, while a Mecca for car enthusiasts, also represents a history of America. He says, when viewed in this way the exhibits and the museum take on added significance.
Lanterman makes it clear the new exhibit, “Dyson Racing/the Private Collection”, which is at the museum through November 1, is the summer draw. “And it should be,” he says. “It’s a rare and amazing look at some of the most important automobiles of the last century.” For racing fans, he points to the most treasured racing vehicle of the 20th century, a 1984 Porsche 962, chassis 1011. It brought the Dyson team to victory at Lyme Rock. In 2019 it was awarded the title, “Most historical and significant IMSA GTP car.” Indeed, the collection of 16 vehicles is a unique look at Dyson’s love of special automobiles.
On display are two Ford Model A cars. One is a basic 1929 model and the other is a 1931, 5 window coupe. Also displayed is a 2009-2011 Lola B 09/86 #16, which he says “resembles a space machine.” His point is you don’t have to be an expert to understand the advancements of the past century of automotive development. “It’s history, that in one way of another reflects on technological advances throughout the entire country.”
Other exhibits support Lanterman’s sense of history. “Wheels: Women & Independence 1900-1920” reflects on six female auto pioneers, who competed in an age when barely 10% of the entire population even had driver’s licenses.
“East of Detroit” is a look at the early days of automobile manufacturing in New York State. At one time there were over 100 different companies producing automobiles in the state. A couple that made history were Pierce Arrow in Buffalo and the Franklin in Syracuse.
There is also the exhibit “Racing in New York”, which starts in 1896 when six vehicles competed in one of the first road races. It, of course, includes the Watkins Glen race that in 1984 became the first Grand
Prix to take place in the nation.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is an institution that tries to recognize the importance of the automobile, but it does it in such a way that iconic examples elevate the vehicle as an art form. But it also makes clear that the automobile is not an elitist hobby or sport. It is part of the American Dream.
Perhaps nothing signifies this commonality more than the museum being the home of the NY State Stock Car Hall of Fame. There are few sports that offer more enthusiasm for its devoted fan, yet is less elitist than is stock car racing.
It’s uniquely American as is the Saratoga Automotive Museum.
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is located in Saratoga State Park, 110 Avenue of the Pines. It’s open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Because of mass gathering restrictions, capacity has been reduced to 25%. Advance reservations are available and are given priority over walk-ups. Length of visits are limited to two hours.
For tickets and information (518) 587-1935 or go to www.saratogautomuseuem. org