A tourist attraction that’s closed half the year and then open only two days a week may not sound like much, but I was curious about the Cussler car collection in Arvada, Colorado. Since it’s a mere four-hour drive from our home in Grand Junction, and Clive Cussler is my husband’s favorite author, we made plans to visit.
What a great collection! Some cars on display, such as the 1921 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, a 1936 Ford Cabriolet hot rod and the 1952 Allard J2X, have been mentioned in Cussler’s books that feature his famous hero Dirk Pitt, who works with the National Underwater and Marine Agency. Getting a chance to view these cars was like being a part of Pitt’s hair-raising adventures.
The museum is housed in a warehouse where the vehicles are restored. There are two huge rooms displaying cars. As we entered, we were taken back to the 1950s with brightly colored convertibles and cruisers. Cars on display included the 1906 Stanley Steamer, the predecessor of the gasoline-run car; a 1928 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Bobtail Speedster, one of two models left in existence, and of course, the first car Cussler purchased and restored, a 1946 Ford Club Coupe.
Though the collection began 30 years ago, the museum has only been open to the public for five years. The museum is closed in the winter and open on Mondays and Tuesdays from May through September. There is parking for big rigs on the street. For more information visit cusslermuseum.com.
Nikki is a writer and editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest.
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