So we were in Florida awhile back and jetting down the freeway and I see this sign Don Garlits Museum exit Ocala. The wife says "Do you want to stop?? " Why hell yes I want to stop. I might never get back here for a long time. So on the way back from Disney World we pull in. The son and I went in while the rest of the tribe slept. I took a few pics while inside. Enjoy >>>>.
What! no shots of Scorpion II? I havent seen the display since Don finished up the recreated car I delievered a couple of years ago. I gave him a CD Rom with around 300 photos from Bobby Langley's personal photh albums. Don should be able to do one hell of a display on the car. This car is the first Scorpion he ran aganst from 1959 March meet. dwrfab Don Ross
Yes indeed, it should be on evryones must see list! I find it a very difficult place to take photographs, Im too busy having a major sensory overload!!! Every where you turn is something cooler than the last....
Hey I got more pics, I had to log off to buy a speedometer for my willys off e-bay and I'm thrashing on an older Hemi for a cat that's gots lots of em!!!! I'll get more pics up soon >>>>.
Hey, I'm that cat that's got lot's of 'em and I'm giving you permission to post more photos dammit!!!
Yup, this is a must see for any gearhead - and Don is the man!!! I think a lot of drag racing and hot rod history would have been lost forever without his efforts, he must have never thrown anything away. At the Tampa Billetproof he stood in the front of the museum signing autographs, telling stories, and taking pictures with guys all day.
If you are even anywhere close to Florida you MUST go to Don's Museum. Take an extra day, drive however far you have to, but get there. And plan on at least 4 hours just to see everything, more to really take it all in. I got the behind the scenes tour from Big Daddy himself. AMAZING. There is stuff hanging in the rafters in the back rooms that will knock your socks off. I spent most of my time in the museum saying... I had that Hot Wheel !!! I built that car as a model when I was 9 !!!!! seeing the real things gave me chills. get thee hence. it is a pilgrimage not to be missed. of course... you could just come to Billetproof Florida 2009 at the Museum and kill two birds with one stone
Back in '02, I left my wife and kids at Wally Disney-World and spent a day with me at Garlits museum. It was a great day!!!!!
Ok I'm done on e-bay and I did get the speedo for the willys, the Hemi work is all done for the night, so here goes with some more pictures. enjoy >>>>.
I was there a few years ago when the jet had been blown off the pedestal, on e of the best car collections in the country IMO. The thing that really impressed me was the info on all the data signs in front of the cars. If a car was restored or cloned it was clearly stated, I like that for the historic record. Don NEVER threw anything away!
Cool pics...just curious. How did he get power to the rear wheels ? I always respected the man's innovation. This one makes total sense..torque not twisting the car....
Yes it is a great place to see really blows you away,what history and how about that engine collection.It is a must see, put it on every bucket list!
We aren't too far from Garlits place and have been there many times. Great museum!!! The race car building is full of cars I remember seeing in Hot Rod Magazine and some at Indy. The antique/hot rod building is really neat too. You can spend all day looking at the cars and parts and reading the info! Once we went there and Don was in his shop working on one of his Swamp Rats, I think he was getting it ready to take to the SEMA show. (that's what we were told) There were burnout marks up and down his long driveway from the car---wish we could of been there a few minutes earlier to see him doing it!!! If you're ever anywhere near Ocala you HAVE to go there, the place is fantastic!!! (Do I get a free p*** now Don?)
I've always thought that it someone could come up with a good drive system that this would really help in TF.
theres a member of this site that does all Dons pin striping,and he hand paints all the decals on the cars,he left some of those burnout marks in the parking lot,yep,he even drives some of Dons cars,hes over there all the time. lucky ****er!
I agree it is an absolute must see. I took a day out from a family vacation in Orlando this year to go and have a look. Dragged the girlfriend with me. (she actually enjoyed it!) She couldn't understand why I nearly fell over when I saw the Mooneyham & Sharpe fuel coupe though God I love that car. It totally blew me away! Couldn't believe the amount of cars squashed in there. I took as many pictures as I could until the memory on my camera ran out! My dad was there when Don came over to the UK years ago. Would love to take him to the museum one day.
"How did he get power to the rear wheels ? " It was run through a series of gears. Ran straight and evened out the torque on both rear tires. One problem, he could get the gears to hold up to the power. I agree, one of the best designs since moving the engine behind the driver. r
"It was run through a series of gears. Ran straight and evened out the torque on both rear tires." Thanks...I could see how it would be tricky, I can't believe anything holds up under that much power. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Ok I'm done thrashing engines for the day. It's time for more pics >>>>. Check out the T-V Tommy Ivo car. That thing gave me the hump in the back!!!! >>>>.
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