There are not many auto museums in Russia, but they started to appear during the last time. After the first Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix there is a hope that automotive and motorsports communities will get extra development impulse. Sochi Autodrom racetrack creation was an important step to make it so. It is very important to have inspiration for next steps and the history with its examples and masterpieces can inspire. That’s why I was very glad to know that an auto museum was created in the Olympic Park in Sochi. It is a very important initiative and a small collection is not a problem because everything just begins.
Gorky Classic and Autobeagle companies known by their restoration and tuning projects organized the exhibition. More than seventy various units from different eras are exhibited: American cars 1950–1979 model years as well as «Maserati», «Ferrari», «Aston Martin», etc.. Here are shown rarities like Kaiser Darrin or Lamborghini Diablo. And two of my favorite and most charismatic cars — two Jaguars — E-Type Mk I and XJ220 — probably the most beautiful cars ever.
In addition to road cars there is a racing Jaguar F1 car — an R5 from Mark Weber.
Unfortunately, by the time I managed to reach the museum, few cars had already left its walls. Among them my favorite replica GL-1, created by Alexander Bushuyev Alexander Zakharov and their experts; Lada Vesta and red racing Volga GAZ-24 from the Gorky Classic collection.
But there still remains a beautiful collection of American classic cars of 50s-70s. So, let's start our tour.
American La France Brockway Torpedo 1928
The American La France company was founded 175 years ago and it produced a fire engines. But in 1872 the company launched the production of fire pumps and steam engines, and its products, were extremely robust and reliable. By the end of the 19th century, most fire departments used American La France fire appliances. Especially you need to pay attention to the design and details of all body parts, as well as all mechanisms. Until now, everything is in working condition.
We will continue tomorrow.
