Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
| Type | Automotive museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 6825-31 Norwitch Drive |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Southwest Philadelphia |
| Phone | (215) 365-7233 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 2008 |
| Founder | Frederick Simeone |
| Director | Frederick Simeone |
| 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.[1]
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.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Dr. Frederick Simeone
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Simeone began collecting in the 1950s, focusing on:
- Cars with significant racing provenance
- Preservation over restoration
- Documentation and history
- Mechanical authenticity
Opening the Museum
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Pre-War Classics
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Living History
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $15 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors: Discounted rates
- Children (8-15): Approximately $8
- Children under 8: Free
Tips
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]Located in Southwest Philadelphia near the airport, about 15-20 minutes from Center City by car.
The Museum Building
[edit | edit source]The purpose-built facility includes:
- Open gallery space displaying cars
- Demonstration track
- Workshop visible to visitors
- Library and archives
- Gift shop
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About the Museum". Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025