"Need for speed"

Last Saturday I was fortunate to be invited to tour the American Museum of Speed in Lincoln, NE and was allowed to bring the cast of characters who hang out with me from time to time. We arrived just before 9 am and tried to acclimate ourselves with the minus 5 degree temperature.  And since that didn't work too good we hurried inside the huge building that houses the Smith Collection...

As soon as we entered the doors I spotted my good friends Grouchy Frank and his lovely wife Swap Meet Cindy who were collecting money. They were in charge and it was their car club who was hosting the tours we took on this day. 

This was my 3rd time to see this world class display of every man's desire but for the rest of my gang it was the first time...

And as an engine guy I headed right for the Miller display to see the most beautiful Indy car powerplants from the 1920's and beyond. Unbelievable design and proven winners these represent the best of the best from their time in history...

While in this area I took the opportunity to photograph the 3 Scanlan boys who were with me while they were posed in such a nice backdrop...these guys are my buddies as well as family relation...

and speaking of buddies, I quickly saw my pals Matt and his Dad Larry who live in Lincoln and run in the same circles as me throughout the year at car shows and swap meets in both regional and national events. These guys are always ready for fun and today was no exception...

and then there were race cars, and lots of them...I would say that every era and every segment of the sport is truly represented here...

I was pleased that my trusty sidekick "Cuzzin Deke" was with me on this trip. He taught me almost everything I know about hot rods and old cars. And speaking of fun, he is always ready for that. 

We looked thru the glass panes of the engine room that held some of the world's most rare and sought after motors...

Soon we saw the well known Posies' "Extremeliner" car that has been the feature of so many magazine articles....

and then I saw my pal Ron looking under the deck lid of one beautiful 48 Tucker. I have seen quite of few of the rare Tucker cars but this one is of the best color and quality in my opinion...

and like any serious car collector you prefer to have an extra engine laying around just in case you need one....never mind it is among the world's most rare...

and then we saw a regal example of a late 20's Duesenberg sedan and it was nice to see this and the Tucker up close and personal with no ropes to keep us away in spite the millions of dollars each that they are likely worth in replacement value...

and speaking of "rare" how about a spare engine for the Duesenberg still in it's factory shipping crate. I was in awe...

I peered into a machine shop are where they do some of the restoration work and could not get too close as it was roped off. But check out this ultra rare all aluminum Ford Flathead V8 aircraft engine.....

then I moved on to another part of the museum where I found a great display of true Americana....the All American Soap Box Derby racer where dreams of speed have begun in the lives of youngsters over a span of many generations...

and also from Lincoln, NE is the former Cushman Scooter Corporation and there was a display for this group as well...

And even though I didn't picture them on this trip there is also the world's largest pedal car collection, lunch pail collection, and a fantastic guitar and record album display in this museum. Something for everyone as they say...
I'm going to stop here for now. We will call this "part one" so please watch for "part two" and stay tuned my friends...