NEWPORT, R.I. – The Audrain Automobile Museum is gearing up to unveil its 37th exhibit titled “Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple,” focusing on the rich history of the air-cooled combustion engine dating back to the early 20th century. The exhibit is scheduled to open on Saturday, March 22, 2025, and will be on display until July 13, 2025.
This exhibit will take visitors on a captivating journey through the evolution and significance of the air-cooled combustion engine in the automotive industry. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day applications, “Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple” aims to showcase the pivotal role that air-cooled engines have played over the decades.
Attendees can look forward to an immersive experience at the Audrain Automobile Museum, where they will have the opportunity to explore a diverse collection of air-cooled combustion engines. The highlights of the exhibit include a 1908 Cameron Model 9, 1923 Franklin Series 10, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle, 1958 Porsche Diesel Junior 108K tractor, 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Lakewood 700, 1968 Tatra T603, 1969 Moretti 500 Sport, 1924 Harley-Davidson, 1936 Indian 436 Upside Down Four, among others.
(16) Automobiles:
- 1905 Franklin Roadster
- 1908 Cameron Model 9, 4-cylinder
- 1923 Franklin Series 10
- 1956 BMW Isetta 300
- 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
- 1958 Porsche Diesel Junior 108K tractor
- 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Transformabile
- 1960 356 B Super 90 coupe
- 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Lakewood 700
- 1967 Porsche 911 2.0 S
- 1968 Tatra T603 sedan, rear-engine V8
- 1969 Moretti 500 Sport
- 1970 Subaru 360 Deluxe Sedan
- 1988 Citroën 2CV
- 1995 Porsche 962 Kremer K8 Spyder
- 2024 Meyers Manx with Radial Motion 3-cylinder
(12) Motorcycles, Go-Karts, Engines-on-Stands:
- 1899 de Dion 1 ½ hp motor
- 1910 Pierce Four
- 1924 Harley Davidson JDCA “Model J”
- 1936 Indian 436 Upside Down Four
- 1958 Wahlborg ¼ Midget
- 1967 Rupp Chaparral CS-2 go-kart
- 1969 Triumph T120 Bonneville
- 1969 Moto Guzzi V750 Ambassador
- 1976 Honda CB400F Motorcycle 4-cylinder
- 1982 Honda CR480R Motorcycle two-stroke
- 1983 Porsche 911 3.5L Engine-on-Stand by Canepa Motorsport & Rothsport Racing
- 2019 NMOTO Nostalgia BMW R nine T
“Visitors will have the chance to see firsthand the history, ingenuity and simplicity that have shaped the development of air-cooled engines,” said David de Muzio, Audrain’s Executive Director, and Chief Curator. “The exhibit offers a blend of vintage and modern cars and motorcycles, while providing a comprehensive overview of how these engines have revolutionized the transportation world and continue to inspire innovation.”
“This exhibit underscores our dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of automotive technology,” said Audrain Group President Nic Waller. “This immersive showcase is not only a testament to the museum’s commitment to education and historical preservation but also a tribute to the enduring legacy of the air-cooled combustion engine.”
About the Audrain Automobile Museum
The Audrain Automobile Museum annually produces four curated exhibits, typically displaying 17-24 vehicles of a particular period, genre or theme in a non-touch, self-guided experience. These exhibits attract more than 35,000 visitors per year.
“Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple” exhibition preview: https://www.audrainautomuseum.org/aircooled-keep-it-simple
Enhance your visit to the exhibition using the free digital and audio guide through the Bloomberg Connects app on your phone: https://www.audrainautomuseum.org/digital-guide
Audrain Automobile Museum, Inc., is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. For more information regarding the Museum, please visit, www.AudrainAutoMuseum.org.
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