Donations Sought To Save Sarasota Classic Car Museum

SARASOTA, FL — After being given notice by its landlord, New College of Florida, that its month-to-month lease at 5500 N. Tamiami Trail was being canceled, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is appealing to donors to help save the destination.

The second-oldest continuously running car museum in the world was given notice by the college, which owns the property, that it must move by the end of June, according to a Facebook post from the museum.

“To maintain the museum in its present state, we urgently request your donations to help secure the museum’s survival for future generations,” SCCM wrote.

The land will be used for New College’s new athletics department, ABC 7 reported.

Founded in 1953, the not-for-profit museum houses 150 classic cars and about 3,000 historic items and memorabilia. Among items in its collection are John Ringling’s 1922 Rolls Royce Ghost and his wife Mable’s 1923 Pierce Arrow.

“We are protecting automotive lore of bygone years, recalling people and a way of life that have gone forever while preserving our Sarasota heritage with this vital link with the past,” the museum wrote.

Donations can be made online.