Today I'd like to introduce you to the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Museum, one of my favorite places in or around Fort Wayne.
In my humble opinion, the distinctive magic of the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Museum cannot be overstated.
Nora and I are “museum people”; that’s what we love. On our first trip to the ACD Museum (during our first expedition to our future hometown of Fort Wayne in 2021), we were not expecting much. We went up to Auburn, about 30 minutes north of the Grand Wayne Convention Center, to see what we thought would be a hand-full of nice cars.
When we got there, my jaw dropped. Nora and I were only intending to spend an hour, but we spent over four hours and between the two of us took over 1,500 pictures! I was taking close-ups of wheel hubs, tail lights, hood ornaments, and dashboards. When we left, the woman in the gift shop asked me what I thought of the museum. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. I was at a total loss for adequate words.
We are very pleased to be putting together a tour of the museum, along with the National Auto & Truck Museum (more on that museum, the home of a fully restored GM Futureliner, in a follow-on post).
Celebrating automotive heritage and innovation in Indiana, the ACD museum stands as a monument to America’s golden age of automotive innovation, luxury, and design. Housed in the original 1930s Art Deco headquarters of the Auburn Automobile Company, the museum is not just a repository of rare vehicles, it is an immersive experience that transports visitors into the roaring spirit of the early Twentieth Century. There are several aspects that make the museum truly special, setting it apart from other automotive institutions and cementing its reputation as a must-visit for car enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
First and foremost, the museum’s location is extraordinary. The building itself is a National Historic Landmark, designed in classic art deco style with polished marble floors, ornate fixtures, and a sweeping staircase that calls to mind the glamour of a bygone era. Unlike many car museums situated in modern warehouses, the ACD museum occupies a space that is intimately connected to the vehicles it showcases. Walking through its grand halls, visitors are enveloped in the same atmosphere that once buzzed with the creativity and ambition of the engineers, designers, and executives of the Auburn Automobile Company.
At the heart of the museum is the cars themselves, some of the most elegant, advanced, and rare automobiles ever produced in America. Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg, under the direction of E. L. Cord, pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and style during the 1920s and 1930s.
Auburn vehicles were celebrated for their beauty and affordability, offering cutting-edge engineering at reasonable prices. Cord cars, especially the famous Cord 810 and 812 models, were known for their revolutionary front-wheel-drive system, hidden headlights, and bold, streamlined designs.
Duesenberg represents the pinnacle of American luxury and performance, “It’s a Duesy!” became synonymous with superior quality. These cars were favored by celebrities, royalty, and industry titans for their power, elegance, and customization.
The museum’s expansive display includes more than 120 classic cars, each meticulously restored and presented in period-correct surroundings. Visitors can admire the sculpted grilles, gleaming chrome, and lush interiors that defined automotive opulence for a generation. Many vehicles are displayed in the same showroom where they were once sold, adding a layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the experience.
The museum offers much more than a visual feast. Through its exhibits, interpretive panels, and guided tours, guests learn about the rich history of American automobile manufacturing in Indiana.
Several interactive exhibits engage visitors in hands-on experiences, such as exploring engineering innovations or learning about restoration techniques. Dedicated galleries highlight not only the cars but also the people behind them: visionaries like E.L. Cord and the Duesenberg brothers, whose daring ideas transformed the industry.
Expert restorers work behind the scenes to maintain and revive vintage vehicles, using traditional methods to ensure authenticity. This dedication to restoration means that the cars are not static relics but living testaments to craftsmanship and ingenuity. Occasionally, visitors can witness restoration work in progress, deepening their appreciation for the complexity and artistry involved.
The first time my brother visited us in Fort Wayne, I told him I was going to take him up to the ACD museum and he told me, “I’m not really a car guy.” I told him it doesn’t matter. When we were going through the showroom, he told me, “This is like art!”
If you miss out on the chance to see this extraordinary place, you are missing some of the best that Indiana has to offer.
Here is a link to a short video to whet your appetite:
We look forward to seeing you next Summer.
John Figueroa