History Smithsonian's Hidden Car Cache

[Scrumpy]

Just found this video and with a quick search it does not appear to have been posted before. The two cars featured here are going to be put on display soon if not already. Now I need to go see if the other cars in the collection are listed anywhere.

Tucker and Supercharged Miller.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3vbf...layer_embedded

Scrump

[Mr48chev]

I don't think he gets too excited about much of anything. Two of the most interesting cars that a guy could ever think of though.

[Beach Bum]

The Miller is one of two that Griff Borgeson rescued from the Bugatti factory in the '50s.

Kurt O.

[Dale Fairfax]

The subject of the Smithsonian's collection of automotive history was discussed heatedly and at length on the Yahoo Racing History Site about two years ago. The main point of argument at the time was the fact that the Smithsonian has this fantastic collection -especially race cars- and most are never seen. Only when some special display is arranged do they bring a few out of hiding. One of the ones most dear to a HAMBer's heart is the #32 Track Roadster built in 1948 by Indiana's Hack Winingear and Dick Frazier and driven by Dick to total dominance of Mutual's 1948 season. A classic by any measurement.

[titus]

That Miller is Awsome!

[HOLLYWOOD GRAHAM]

Does the word NERD or GEEK come to mind.

[hiboy]

Would it not be great to tour the smithsinian's back "lot"? I liked the roadster that was in a Elvis movie, saw it last summer

[pwschuh]

Originally Posted by HOLLYWOOD GRAHAM

Does the word NERD or GEEK come to mind.

Perhaps, but being a Hot Rid nerd would make you one of the cool kids.

[lothiandon1940]

Apparently their cars are kept in a secure warehouse somewhere in Suitland, Md. That's only about 12 miles from here. I need to do some sleuthing around.

[51 BIRD]

I think that guy has been wedgie'd one time too many!!!

[Jonnie King]

Many thanks for the link ! Awesome, INDEED !

Jonnie King www.legends.thewwbc.net

[Alex S. L.]

If that guy was any less animated he would be dead.

[Al K]

Fascinating;I'm sure I'd have a very difficult time there. I'd want to look in every corner,under every cover,and in every nook and cranny for more history. Recognized a couple of cars,but what is the dark red/maroon car that's pictured a few times? I've seen it before,but can't remember the make or model.

The curator's enthusiasm may seem to be,well,less than enthusiastic;but it's obvious that there's a respect for the machines. I'm sure any of us would be the same way,but the little boy(or girl) in all of us would want to play with all the toys.

I know that GM saved a number of cars that still have not seen the light of day(and some VERY interesting engines),and I'm sure that holds true for Chrysler and Ford. There's some very unique Buick engines(Can you say "turbo-nailhead"? I thought so...)that I saw before the closing and demolition of the Buick complex(RIP) that I hope were not scrapped. I've got one small but significant piece of a 1-of-2 V-6 Buick mill-I may have to get a pic of that,though it's OT time-frame wise.

Imagine what's still sitting in barns,and forgotten warehouses and...the mind boggles.

[slammed]

The custodian is Highly educated, articulate and well read. Nice posting of a historical stash of automobiles.

[T Hudson]

Thats cool. I would have a hard time picking a favorite too.

[clockwork31]

this guy won't die of an heart attack... but the Miller... wow!

[johnod]

" the 48 tucker was introduced after WW2" Ya think?

[A.P. Photography]

Would love to be able to walk around in there and see what all they have.

[Vintageride]

My view was missing the audio. Hopefully, I am not speaking out of turn.

I suspect he is the same Roger White. Roger White is a Smithsonian Associate Curator at the national museum of american history and author of some very important articles and books about transportation. Look up Home on the Road: The Motor Home in America. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2000.

In addition to the Miller and the Tucker, I love the Freightliner.

Vintageride

Originally Posted by slammed

The custodian is Highly educated, articulate and well read. Nice posting of a historical stash of automobiles.

[Nappy]

I can't imagine all the stuff that the Smithsonian has stored away.
If you're planning a trip to the East, these museums are something to see and as an extra bonus admission's free.

The Air & Space museum by Dulles airport has the Enola Gay, a Concorde and the Space Shuttle Enterprise among other stuff. The downtown museum has the Wright Flier, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 Module along with tons of other mindblowing stuff.
The American History museum has everything from the Fonz's leather jacket to Evel Knievel's bike to huge trains & the flag that inspired the National Anthem.
The Museum of Natural History has the Hope Diamond and all sorts of dinosaur bones and treasures.
These museums are really incredible. It can take several days to see them.
In light of their huge collections, I can't really fault them for not being able to display everything. It's a shame the stuff's often hidden, but at least it's being preserved and displayed occasionally.