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Planning a dream trip through the world’s best car collections can feel overwhelming. Many of the most valuable collections are locked behind private gates. Others are spread across continents, each with different access rules and expectations.
This guide solves that problem. It shows you where you can go, what you can realistically visit, and how to avoid the frustration of chasing experiences that aren’t open to the public.
It gives you a clear path through the world’s finest museums and rarest private collections, so you can build a trip that feels exciting rather than confusing.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer:
How can you tell which collections are open to visitors and which are not?
Which private collectors own the most valuable cars in the world today?
What are the top public automotive museums worth adding to a global travel plan?
Overview
How This Guide Works
It's essential to understand the difference between the automotive experiences available to the public.
Public Automotive Museums: These are purpose-built facilities like the Petersen or the Louwman that are open daily or regularly to ticketed visitors. They often feature curated exhibits, gift shops, and accessibility features.
Famous Private Car Collections Not Open to the Public: These are personal storage facilities belonging to wealthy collectors. You will mostly only see them through media features, occasional auctions, or rare charity events.
The Most Valuable And Exclusive Private Car Collections
These collections feature some of the most valuable car collections in the world and are typically not included in a typical tourist itinerary.
Sultan of Brunei’s Collection: The Largest Private Car Collection on Earth
The Sultan of Brunei owns a car collection that many people consider the largest private collection in the world. The collection is vast, valuable, and filled with extremely rare cars. Experts estimate that it includes more than 7,000 vehicles.
Many of the cars were custom-built by specialists, and there are several versions of unique concept models. The collection is not open to the public, and it remains one of the most exclusive car collections on earth.
Ralph Lauren Car Collection: Fashion Icon with Museum-Level Cars
Fashion icon Ralph Lauren’s collection is less about quantity and more about impeccable quality and design significance. This is a private collection, but unlike others, it has been featured frequently in major art museums worldwide.
Ralph Lauren Car Collection List (Key Examples):
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: One of the most beautiful and valuable vehicles ever created.
1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower: A legendary pre-war race machine.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO: Considered one of the most valuable car collections in the world today.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM: A significant Le Mans race car.
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic: One of the most beautiful and valuable vehicles ever created.
1929 Bentley 4.5 Litre Blower: A legendary pre-war race machine.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO: Considered one of the most valuable car collections in the world today.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM: A significant Le Mans race car.
Jay Leno’s Garage: A Collector Who Drives His Cars
Jay Leno’s Garage is one of the most well-known private car collections. People often see him driving his car on the road. The former late-night host is a true car fan. His collection includes more than 180 cars and about 160 motorcycles. He stores most of them in several large aircraft hangars.
How to Visit Jay Leno’s Car Collection
It is essential to know that this is not a public museum with regular operating hours. Realistic access paths include:
Media: Watching Jay Leno’s Garage TV show or YouTube channel.
Special Events: Occasional charity events or exclusive industry gatherings.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s “Rainbow Sheikh” Collection
Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, also known as the “Rainbow Sheikh,” is known for his bold, colorful custom vehicles. His collection includes huge and unusual creations, including a giant working replica of a Willys Jeep.
Part of this collection is connected to the Emirates National Auto Museum, which is open to the public. It offers a bright, unusual look at heavy equipment and massive, custom-built vehicles.
Other Famous Private Collections You Will Mostly See Through the Media
Many other high-value collections are not normal tourist stops and are rarely accessible.
Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche-Heavy Collection: A notable group of meticulously curated Porsches, including many rare and historically significant models.
World’s Greatest Automotive Museums 2026 (Public Collections You Can Visit)
This section highlights the top automotive museums you can visit in 2026. These places belong on any car lover’s global bucket list.
Museo Ferrari, Maranello: Temple of Ferrari History
No car lover’s world tour is complete without a visit to the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. It celebrates the full history of Ferrari. The museum features championship-winning race cars and the brand’s newest hypercars. It is the heart of Ferrari heritage.
Revs Institute and the Collier Collection, Naples, Florida
The Revs Institute is a major destination for car fans in the United States. It is home to the famous Collier Collection. The museum focuses on research and the preservation of historically important race cars. The quality and depth of the cars on display are unmatched. It is a key part of the American automotive museum scene.
Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles: Modern, Interactive, Family Friendly
The Petersen Automotive Museum stands out with its bright red steel ribbon exterior. Inside, you will see a wide range of exhibits, including well-known movie cars.
Interactive Exhibits. The museum offers many hands-on galleries and displays for kids. It is one of the best choices in California for families who want an interactive car museum.
The Vault. Visitors can buy a ticket upgrade to enter “The Vault,” which holds hundreds of rare and exotic cars.
Nethercutt Collection, California: A Free Classic Car Palace
The Nethercutt Collection is one of the world’s top classic car museums. It displays more than 250 cars along with historic artifacts. The building feels like a palace filled with classic and French luxury cars.
The main collection is usually free to visit. With the Mullin Automotive Museum now closed, the Nethercutt has become one of Southern California’s top classic-car destinations.
Louwman Museum, The Hague: Europe’s Premier Classic Car Museum
The Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, grew from the private collection of Evert Louwman. It is widely seen as Europe’s leading classic car museum. The focus is on the full history of the automobile. Many cars on display are rare and historically significant.
Notable Vehicles Include:
Early cars from the beginning of automotive history.
Pre-war race cars and landmark designs.
The first car ever equipped with a catalytic converter.
Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection
This public collection in Monaco displays race cars, luxury cars, and trucks belonging to the Prince of Monaco. It is a smaller collection, but of very high quality. It reflects Monaco’s strong ties to royalty and Grand Prix racing.
Cité de l’Automobile, Mulhouse: Schlumpf Collection and Bugatti Heaven
The Cité de l’Automobile houses the Schlumpf Collection, the most extensive car collection on display anywhere in the world. It is known as a paradise for Bugatti fans. The museum features dozens of pre-war Bugattis, including two of the six Bugatti Royale models ever built.
Car Museums And Experiences For Families In California
If you are looking for car museums with interactive exhibits for kids in California, the state offers great options:
Petersen Automotive Museum: Focuses on interactive galleries and rotating exhibits that engage all ages. They frequently feature cars from movies and pop culture.
Nethercutt Collection: While less interactive, its spectacular nature and grand display of classic coupler connections and travel trailers offer a palace-like setting, and the free admission to the main collection is great for a family budget.
Top Automotive Factory Tours To Pair With These Museums
To complete your ultimate car enthusiast travel guide, pair museum visits with a factory tour. These are among the top automotive factory tours worldwide:
Italian “Motor Valley” Factory Tours: Book tours near the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums for a look at modern heavy equipment manufacturing.
German Factory or Delivery Center Experiences: Near the Stuttgart museums, many German manufacturers offer tours or unique vehicle delivery center experiences.
Planning Your Global Car Lover Bucket List
Your ultimate goal is to combine the best of the automotive world:
View priceless private-collection gems through media or rare events.
Easily visit the public museums like Petersen and Louwman that are the cornerstone of the world’s most excellent automotive museums in 2026.
Add factory tours on the same tow trip to see heavy loads being built.
Final Thoughts: A Map for the True Car Enthusiast
Your journey should feel exciting and achievable. This guide helps you cut through the noise so you can focus on the places that deliver unforgettable experiences. Use it to shape a travel plan that blends rare private gems, world-class public museums, and hands-on factory tours into one unforgettable bucket list adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a car collection or automotive museum world-class?
A world-class collection has rare vehicles, strong historical importance, excellent preservation, and high overall value. Many feature cars with major racing history or unique one-off designs.
What are the most valuable car collections in the world today?
The most valuable collections are usually private. The Sultan of Brunei, Jay Leno, and Ralph Lauren own some of the highest-value collections, including cars that often set auction records.
Which famous private car collections are not open to the public?
The Sultan of Brunei’s collection and Jerry Seinfeld’s collection are mostly private. Public access is rare and usually limited to media or special charity events.
Which automotive museums are best for a first-time trip to Europe?
Start with manufacturer museums like Museo Ferrari in Italy, plus the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums in Germany. For a broader view of automotive history, visit the Louwman Museum in the Netherlands.
Which car museums in California are best for kids and families?
The Petersen Automotive Museum is great for families because of its interactive exhibits. The Nethercutt Collection is another good option, and its main display is free.
How much do tickets cost at the Petersen Automotive Museum?
Prices vary for general admission and the popular Vault tour. For the latest rates, check our ticket guide or the museum’s official website.
Can I ship my own car to drive on a car museum road trip?
Yes. Many classic and sports car owners ship their vehicles to the starting point of a road trip. AmeriFreight Auto Transport coordinates car shipping in the U.S. mainland through a vetted network of carriers that handle the transport and ensure your car arrives safely.
