Fully Loaded

How many times have you driven toward I-10 and passed by the hard-to-miss Tallahassee Automobile Museum sign? If you haven’t made the leap off Mahan and turned onto its long driveway, you’ve yet to meet a hidden gem. Since its establishment in 1996, and later its relocation in 2006, this museum has grown from a little car collection into a treasure trove.

This is a uniquely Tallahassee experience from square one. The lobby springs open to cars upon cars in gleaming rows, a collection established by museum owner Devoe Moore. Moore is a collector of more than just cars: toy cars, motorcycles, pianos, dolls, antique weapons, boat motors, golf memorabilia, model trains, beautiful cash registers, and a vault of American inventions also find a home in the museum collection. It’s an explosion for the eyes. 

“What Moore is trying to demonstrate here is Americana,” says museum curator Jack Adkins as we tour the cars. “[He is] showing the craftsmanship, the artistry, everything America stands for, and also what Americans can do. The ’31 Duesenberg is a really good example.” 

Photo courtesy of the Tallahassee Automobile Museum

Adkins gestures to a glossy red four-door with a leather roof, windows and doors open to the air, whitewall tires, and the disposition of a regal duke. This vehicle was introduced as a limousine, then was rebodied with a sportier luxury design. This car, and others down the row, is an example of the ingenuity of car manufacturing during the early 1930s.

Every car has a story. Some, like the set of Model T’s and A’s are self-explanatory examples of American automotive history. Others have lesser-known histories, like the cars Devoe Moore himself used to drive (with tiny toy versions resting on the roofs) or vehicles made for stunts or set pieces. Many cars here are simply rare, like the Tucker 48; there are only 47 of these models left in existence worldwide. 

After a thorough four-wheeled education, make sure to tour the Steinway pianos which stand proudly on pedestals opposite the rows of cars: the Whitehouse “Gold” Piano, the Alma-Tadema Steinway, and six others. Each piano is one-of-a-kind, painted like a Renaissance canvas. Some travel across the United States for special events. 

Photo courtesy of the Tallahassee Automobile Museum

After leaving the “garage,” head to the second floor for an entirely new experience of American collectibles. It’s staggering to recall that Devoe Moore owns the entire museum—every exhibit and every item. His vision of an American showcase has clearly been fulfilled. 

A single tour just scratches the surface of the novelty and curiosity offered up by the museum. This is a Tallahassee original that resists summary—it begs to be experienced directly, with both hands on the wheel. 

Experience Other Local Favorites 

From galleries to theaters and live performances, experience the city’s lively cultural scene. Visit tallahasseemagazine.com/events to explore more local happenings, and read on for the Calendar in the back of this issue.