The Martin Auto Museum is a fantastic place to visit if you’re ever in the Phoenix (Glendale), Arizona area. We took a road trip and marveled at the extensive and amazing collection of such a wide variety of vehicles there. Cars from the very beginning of the automotive age to today are displayed along with a nice selection of race cars, movie cars, custom cars and classics. Additionally, there are trucks, micro cars and a cool collection of model cars too. For those interested in researching vehicles, or are looking into doing their own restoration, there’s a small library with shop manuals available to peruse in addition to getting the opportunity to gaze under the hood of a car similar to what might be of interest. A fine example of classic automotive tools and diagnostic equipment is also on display. For the young, and young at heart, there’s even an arcade to play free video games! Finally, if you’re looking to host your own automotive event/wedding reception/business meeting or other type of event in such a cool place, the museum has plenty of options for you with small to super-large rooms. If you’re ever in the area, make it a point to visit, you’ll love it!
NOTE: Joe Bridgewater is the general manager of the museum and he was nice enough to spend some time with us to not only show us around, but also engage in our podcast interview, where he talks about some of the highlights of this fantastic venue. For more information, please visit: www.martinautomuseum.org.
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2025 Larry Mason
Joe Bridgewater is the general manager of the Martin Auto Museum in Glendale, AZ. Besides being a friendly guy, he is a super knowledgeable auto enthusiast that can help you find your favorite type of car at the museum, or help you schedule an event there too!
This 1948 Tucker is one of only 51 ever built! This mostly original car was featured in the movie, “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” starring Jeff Bridges. Besides having the unique, three-headlight design up front, the engine is placed in the back! In the background, you can see just a few of the other vehicles on display.
This 1930 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Convertible Boattail Speedster was the most expensive, fastest, and technologically advanced car of its day. When the Model J was unveiled at the New York Auto Show on December 1, 1928, it was such an event that trading was halted on the New York Stock Exchange! A real status symbol of the time, this particular car was once owned by John Factor, aka “Jake the Barber” who was a Prohibition-era gangster that later owned the Stardust Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
This 2010 Transformer Edition Chevrolet Camaro is flanked by “Bumblebee.” A real fan favorite of visitors to the Martin Auto Museum, it’s easy to see why.
This 1929 Chevrolet Popcorn Truck is a shining example of craftsmanship, ingenuity and art of the era. Completely mobile, this brought the popular snack food to crowds everywhere.
This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Cutaway is used for educational purposes to show how the body sits on the frame while also highlighting the drivetrain. The transmission in this chassis is the famed, Muncie 4-Speed “rock crusher.” This display allows you to walk 360 degrees around the car and see it inside and out!
A panoramic view of a room containing classic automotive service and diagnostic tools is a fun walk back through time.
An original Bill Davis Racing, Baby Ruth Chevrolet, raced by (and autographed by) Jeff Gordon at the start of his career. Besides this NASCAR Grand National race car, there’s also a cutaway stock car along with numerous other sprint cars and race cars.
Joe Bridgewater with his current favorite car – his dad’s custom-built hot rod. It’s been featured in magazines and won car show awards. It’s immaculate inside and out and really makes a statement with its far-from-normal paint color!
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)