Have you heard about the automotive dream that Jean Pierre Kraemer turned into reality? This is the PACE Automobilmuseum. Welcome.
The PACE Automobilmuseum opened its doors in Dortmund in May 2022. It stands for Performance and Car Education. Jean Pierre Kraemer, the famous YouTube personality and entrepreneur, founded it. He wanted to share his passion for cars with the world.
Before PACE, this building housed Citroën and Nissan dealerships. Now, it’s a haven for car enthusiasts. The museum showcases a wide range of vehicles. Many are on loan from manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. The exhibits change every six months. This ensures there’s always something new to see.
As you step inside the PACE Automobilmuseum, prepare to be amazed. The museum spans four floors. Each floor offers a unique automotive experience.
On the ground floor, you might have been greeted by a burned-down Audi RS4 B5. This wasn’t just any wreck. The engine once produced 1,200 horsepower. A sign nearby read: Nobody Said It Was Easy. This sets the tone for the museum’s blend of performance and reality.
Venture to the basement, and you’ll find fan-voted cars. This “dungeon” displays unique projects. Anyone with a cool enough car can have it featured. It’s a clear metaphor for the underground car culture.
The second floor has a darker ambiance. Black walls set the stage for historic racing cars and important road cars. During one exhibition, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM/ITC race car was showcased. This machine was driven by Bernd Schneider. It could reach 199 mph.
Another gem was the Ford Sierra XR4Ti, also driven by Schneider in his Ford days. The Opel Manta 400B Group B rally car was also present. PACE elevates these cars on platforms. This allows visitors to view them from a low angle. JP Kraemer believes cars look better this way.
Even electric vehicles have their place here. The VW ID. R, which reset the Nürburgring EV record, is a highlight. It’s an important case study for Volkswagen.
One floor up is “Car Heaven”. Here, a 1996 McLaren BMW F1 GTR might have awaited you. This car had a rich racing history. A safari-spec Porsche 911 SC in Martini Racing colors could also be found. Next to it sat the Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC AMG Mampe. This “Silver Hammer” had a powerful V8 engine.
Another showstopper was Audi’s legendary Sport Quattro S1 E2. A brutal 1,000hp VW Golf built by Dahlbäck Racing might also catch your eye.
Before you leave, remember to visit the “Carffee”. This café offers delicious treats, including JP’s famous cinnamon rolls.
PACE isn’t just a museum. It’s an immersive experience. It’s a testament to Jean Pierre Kraemer’s dedication to car culture. Enjoy the exhibits.