A new classic-car museum, called Midwest Classics on 66, will open along Route 66 in Wilmington, Illinois, on the weekend after the July 4 holiday.
According to a story in The Herald-News, car enthusiasts Jeff Hubrich and Mike Bell bought the old Ben Franklin building in downtown Wilmington. Hubrich grew up in the Wilmington and Joliet areas, and Bell is from Perth, Australia.
The newspaper stated:
“We’re both huge car guys and wanted to build a car museum on Route 66,” Hubrich said. “We wanted to take advantage of the tourism.”
The museum has its grand openings from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 8 at 706 W. Baltimore St. in Wilmington.
The opening also will include live entertainment with bands throughout the day.
In addition to the museum showing classic cars and such memorabilia, Midwest Classics on 66 will help customers buy classic cars. It stated on its website:
Jeff and Mike have been Working on, Restoring, Buying and Selling classic cars and bikes for the last 34 years our knowledge and experience will ensure you get what you paying for and that you don’t end up with a money pit or a car requiring total restoration, we hear every week from people how they or their mate got misled on an Internet purchase or thought they were buying a one owner only driven on Sundays vehicle.
Admission to the museum will be $8 for adults, $4 for children age 12 and older, and senior citizens and military personnel $5. Hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
More may be found at the museum’s Facebook page.
(Image of Midwest Classics on 66 in Wilmington, Illinois, via Facebook)
Sounds interesting. I hope to check it out the next time I’m in the area.
Someone tell Holbrook Wigwam Motel that their car has apparently been stolen 🙂
I also love classic cars, it’s great to hear of a new museum on Route 66. The classic Corvette dominates the iconic image of the route. The museum will help remind everyone of other great classics. If I travel the route again I will include a stop in Wilmington.