Florida's Hidden Gems: Auto museum in Naples tops in state, among best in U.S., world
Many car museums will focus on a certain era or type of vehicle.
What makes the Revs Institute in Naples so special is its collection that covers the gamut on the history of the automobile. Sure, there's gorgeous and rare cars but this almost hidden museum is a must-see for anyone who loves and appreciates four-wheeled vehicles' long and fascinating history.
The collection is so unique that Auto Trader ― an automotive online marketplace ― in 2024 rated Revs the No. 5 best auto museum in the world and No. 1 in Florida.
The Revs Institute houses more than 100 cars — built between 1896 and 1995 — that show the evolution of the automobile. There's the French 1896 Panhard et Levassor Wagonette; the 1934 Chrysler Airflow Imperial CV‑8 Coupe, the first full-size U.S. production car to incorporate streamlining in its design to minimize air resistance; and the 1974 powder blue Jorgensen Eagle 7400 USAC that won the 1975 Indianapolis 500.
Revs in 2008 was the creation of Miles Collier, whose grandfather was Barron Collier, a national advertising mogul and real estate developer who founded Collier County 100 years ago.
The museum ― a low, gray, fire-proof structure that looks like a military building ― also houses one of the largest specialized automotive libraries in the world and recently acquired the Van Bever Photography Archive. André Van Bever was a photographer who chronicled motor racing history after World War II, and his archive comprises nearly 29,000 photographs.
What some may not know if that Revs allows its autos to travel so others can enjoy them. Anyone who's visited the Amelia Concours d'Elegance on Amelia Island probably saw up close Revs vehicles in recent years. A few also showed up in 2024 at Monterey Car Week on the California coast.
Mercedes-Benz 1929 Sport Model SSK: Some have described the sound of this car's aptly named 'elephant blower' as a 'Valkyrie's cry' or a 'banshee's wail.' Only 31 SSKs were built over three years.
Delahaye, 1937 Type 135 MS Special Roadster: Parisian automaker Delahaye entered the luxury-car field with this glamorous vehicle. Delahaye made the chassis, but Parisian coachbuilders Figoni et Falaschi designed and built its distinctive body. The car resembles a ghost, especially when it's gliding along the highway.
Mors, 1902 Type Z: European company Mors was known for its electrical products before it started building cars and winning races at the turn of the 20th century. The 60-horsepower Type Z features pneumatic shock absorbers for better handling and a spidery, ultra-light chassis. Drivers wore goggles while racing in the open-air car.
Ferrari, 1948 166 Spyder Corsa: This was the first Ferrari to win a major race and also the first racing Ferrari to arrive in the United States. "History is littered with significant Ferraris," the Revs website says. "None as more import than the car before you."
Fast cars: Fast cars: Pony Pedigree is exhibit at Rev Institute in Naples
Location: 2500 Horseshoe Drive S., Naples, FL 34104. The museum is about a 15-minute drive from Interstate 75, tucked away and adjacent to Naples Airport.
Cost: General admission $20 for adults, $15 for students, military and educators; docent-led tours $30 adults, $20 students, military and educators; children 4 and younger are free.
Good to know: All visitors must purchase tickets online for specific dates and times in advance, with admission available every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hours: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday and Thursday
Information: (239) 687-7387 and revsinstitute.org
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Have any news tips? Questions? Contact him at dosborn@gannett.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Revs Institute a hidden gem, among world's best auto museums
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