Car museum seeks funds to complete downtown exhibit
Take a trip back in time to a nostalgic Modesto. Stroll through a bustling downtown, passing by The Hotel Covell, Burge’s Drive-In, the local radio station and even a record store. The streets are lined with classic cars reflecting the neon signs while blaring the oldies. Where it is always ‘magic hour’ in 1962.
This is the vision, in the process of becoming a reality, for The Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum. More than just an incredible display of classic cars, the museum touts itself as a cultural center exploring the 1960s era that shaped the identity of Modesto through rock ’n’ roll, cruising, pop culture, and of course candy-colored cars. It’s an era captured in George Lucas’ 1973 film “American Graffiti.”
Founding board member Chris Murphy explains, “We needed someplace to tell the story of Modesto, this is that place.”
Opened to the public in 2023, the museum is currently in phase two of three for completo tion. The museum has been closed to visitors for the last few months to complete the entrance stairs and update the pavement which will eventually feature a classic car display and an enclosed glass diner.
Phase 2 will include construction of the 10th Street experience which will replicate downtown Modesto as it was in the early 1960s. Though it could be completed by the end of 2024, Murphy says it all comes down funding.
“We need around $3 million in total to complete this phase. We have sold about 10 storefront sponsorships of the 28 planned facades and received community contributions in addition to revenue from the many events we have hosted.”
The museum will also include an official California Visitors Center kiosk making this a must-stop for anyone passing through. Executive director and founding board member Cecil Russell says they have had visitors from around the world, who are passionate about classic car culture. Both Murphy and Russell highlight the impact the museum will have on tourism and the economy of the city.
“In 2019, there were 2,600 jobs in the hospitality sector accounting for $230 million in local revenue. The average traveler will spend more than $235 per day. Investment in this project is an investment for our city,” Murphy said.
In the three years since construction of the museum started, Russell estimates they have had close to 100 events in the 50,000-square-foot space with funds going toward the museum’s completion. “We have had small regular car club meetings to large dinner fundraisers and even memorial services in this grand space. It’s more than a museum, this is an event center,” he said.
The museum also sells classic cars, donated by members and volunteers and on consignment to raise funds. Displayed in a space featuring a mechanic’s
garage facade, cars for sale include a sage green 1956 Volkswagen Beetle and a 1947 Cadillac Series 75 4-Door 9-Seater Business Sedan. Since 2022, this program has raised $250,000.
“We started this for one reason and one reason only, to bring joy to our community,” says Russell. Both Murphy and Russell beam with passion and pride when talking about the museum and the vision they have for its completion. “This is more than just a museum, it is something we can be proud of, it is part of our identity,” says Murphy.
The Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum will reopen for visitors on Fridays and Saturdays in the coming months. Visit www.graffi tiusamuseum.com for the latest updates and ways to donate or volunteer.