Editing Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
| type = Automotive museum
| address = 6825-31 Norwitch Drive
| neighborhood = Southwest Philadelphia
| coordinates = 39.8882,-75.2551
| phone = (215) 365-7233
| website = https://www.simeonemuseum.org
| established = 2008
| founder = Frederick Simeone
| director = Frederick Simeone
| collections = Historic racing sports cars
| visitors = 30,000+ annually
| hours = Tue-Fri 10 AM - 6 PM; Sat-Sun 10 AM - 4 PM
}}

'''The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum''' houses one of the world's greatest collections of racing sports cars, featuring over 75 historically significant automobiles that competed in the most famous races of the 20th century—Le Mans, Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and more. Founded by Philadelphia neurosurgeon '''Dr. Frederick Simeone''', the museum is located in Southwest Philadelphia and is considered by automotive experts to be one of the finest collections of its type anywhere in the world.<ref name="simeone">{{cite web |url=https://www.simeonemuseum.org/about/ |title=About the Museum |publisher=Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

What sets the Simeone collection apart is that these are not static museum pieces—many of the cars are kept in running condition and are demonstrated on a special track during regular '''Demo Days''', allowing visitors to see (and hear) historic racing machines in action. The collection spans from the 1908 American Underslung to 1970s Porsches, with particular strengths in pre-war European sports cars and 1950s-60s racing legends.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/simeone-foundation-automotive-museum/ |title=Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Dr. Frederick Simeone ===

'''Dr. Frederick Simeone''' is a Philadelphia neurosurgeon who has collected significant racing sports cars for over five decades. Unlike collectors who focus on restoration to concours condition, Simeone has preserved cars in their authentic racing configuration, often retaining original patina and competition history.

=== The Collection ===

Simeone began collecting in the 1950s, focusing on:
* Cars with significant racing provenance
* Preservation over restoration
* Documentation and history
* Mechanical authenticity

=== Opening the Museum ===

In '''2008''', Simeone opened his collection to the public in a purpose-built facility in Southwest Philadelphia. The museum presents the cars in the context of racing history rather than as isolated objects.

== Collection Highlights ==

=== Pre-War Classics ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Car !! Year !! Significance
|-
| Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 || 1931-34 || Le Mans winners
|-
| Bugatti Type 35 || 1924-30 || Most successful racing car ever
|-
| Mercedes-Benz SSK || 1929 || Supercharged racing legend
|-
| Bentley Speed Six || 1929 || Le Mans winner
|}

=== Post-War Legends ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Car !! Year !! Significance
|-
| Ferrari 250 GTO || 1962 || Most valuable car in the world
|-
| Jaguar D-Type || 1955-57 || Le Mans winner
|-
| Ford GT40 || 1966-69 || Ended Ferrari's Le Mans dominance
|-
| Porsche 917 || 1970 || Le Mans legend
|-
| Shelby Cobra || 1963-65 || American racing icon
|}

=== The Collection's Scope ===

Over 75 cars representing:
* Major racing marques: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Jaguar
* Important racing eras: Brass era through 1970s
* Significant races: Le Mans, Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Sebring

== Demo Days ==

=== Living History ===

Many cars in the collection are maintained in running condition. During '''Demo Days''', select cars are demonstrated on the museum's track:
* Cars started and driven
* Original engines fired up
* Racing history comes alive
* Sight, sound, and smell of historic racing

=== Schedule ===

Demo Days occur regularly (typically monthly):
* Check website for upcoming dates
* Different cars featured each event
* Included with regular admission
* Popular events—arrive early

== Visiting the Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Tuesday-Friday:''' 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
* '''Saturday:''' 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
* '''Sunday:''' 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $15 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children (8-15):''' Approximately $8
* '''Children under 8:''' Free

=== Tips ===

* Allow 2 hours for a full visit
* Demo Days are the best time to visit (but busiest)
* The museum is accessible for casual visitors and serious enthusiasts alike
* Great for car enthusiasts of all ages
* Gift shop has automotive books and memorabilia

=== Getting There ===

* '''By Car:''' Best accessed by car—located near the Philadelphia International Airport
* '''Address:''' 6825-31 Norwitch Drive (off Bartram Avenue)
* '''Parking:''' Free on-site parking

=== Location ===

Located in Southwest Philadelphia near the airport, about 15-20 minutes from Center City by car.

== The Museum Building ==

The purpose-built facility includes:
* Open gallery space displaying cars
* Demonstration track
* Workshop visible to visitors
* Library and archives
* Gift shop

== See Also ==

* [[Automotive History in Philadelphia]]
* [[Southwest Philadelphia]]
* [[Museums in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.simeonemuseum.org Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/simeone-foundation-automotive-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum - World-Class Racing Sports Cars
|description=Visit the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, housing one of the world's finest collections of racing sports cars. See Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and more. Demo Days bring historic cars to life.
|keywords=Simeone Museum, car museum Philadelphia, racing cars, Ferrari 250 GTO, Le Mans, sports cars, automotive museum, classic cars Philadelphia, Demo Days
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Southwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Automotive History]]
[[Category:Sports]]