Imagine stepping back in time surrounded by the gleaming chrome and elegant curves of classic automobiles. This is the Automobil Museum Dortmund. It was once a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. It showcased automotive history. Sadly the museum is closed since December 31 2022.
Adolf Edler von Graeve a passionate collector established the Automobil Museum Dortmund. He opened it on May 1 1999 in Dortmund’s Wellinghofen district. His daughter Barbara Edle von Graeve managed the museum. It even included a restaurant in the same building.
For its 10th anniversary in 2009 the Automobil Museum Dortmund held an open day. Initially it was open six to seven days a week. However in 2020 opening times changed to weekends only. During the Corona pandemic visits were by appointment. Unfortunately due to fire safety regulations the museum closed.
Inside the Automobil Museum Dortmund around 50 cars were on display. There were also 15 motorcycles and tractors. The collection focused on Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Most cars belonged to the von Graeve family. Some were on loan.
Exhibits changed over time. In 2004 visitors could see a Dino 246 GT and a Ferrari 365 GT 2+2. Also a Jaguar E-Type and a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL were exhibited. A Mercedes-Benz Nürburg from 1934 was also present.
More recent displays included Alfa Romeo Horch MG and Volkswagen cars. A 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite and a 1957 Goliath GP 1100 were on view. You could also admire a 1950 Jaguar Mark V and a 1934 Lanchester 18 HP. A 1958 Trabant P 50 completed the picture.
A visitor described seeing a Mercedes-Benz SL 300 from 1956. It had a 3000 ccm 6-cylinder engine producing 215 horsepower. Its top speed was 265 km/h. A 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine was available for wedding rentals. A rare Goggomobil 250 Coupe from 1957 also caught the eye.
Amongst the collection was a Volkswagen Kfer Boxer Cabriolet from 1971. There were also examples of an Alfa Romeo and a Porsche. A Mercedes-Benz Limousine from 1934 and an Opel GT 1900 from 1972 were also highlights. The museum even featured a car made of wood.
Interestingly all the Automobil Museum Dortmund cars buildings could be purchased. But there was a catch you had to buy everything. This meant acquiring the entire collection. It seems this remarkable museum is now just a memory. It remains a significant part of Dortmund’s automotive history.