Chalk up another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rick Treworgy, owner of Muscle Car City Museum, recently posted on Facebook that he’ll be closing the doors for good on Jan. 17 after a 14-year run in Punta Gorda, Fla., where he had displayed more than 200 GM muscle cars and trucks that comprised one of the largest such collections in the country and represented more than 80 years of American automotive history.
“It’s been a great 14 years for the business,” Treworgy posted. “I’ve loved every minute of it, but I am 72 and beginning to feel like it. I, with heavy heart, have decided it’s time to retire. Muscle Car City, this year, is going backwards because of COVID-19 and the lack of international business.”
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that about three-fourths of the collection, some 200 “very fine vehicles,” as he put it, will be offered at no reserve by Mecum Auction on-site at the museum, 10175 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. You can preview his lifetime collection from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, and the auction will follow on Friday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 23.
“If there is anything in the collection you really like, now is the entire time,” Treworgy wrote. “Entire collection in the museum will be sold no reserve as well as all memorabilia.”
Included in the collection is a 3LT Torch Red 2020 Corvette, as well as at least one Corvette from 1954 to 1975, along with a ’92, ’96, ’98, ’02, ’06, ’10, and ’16.
Also up for sale will be a large selection of vintage Camaros, Chevelles, GTOs, Trans Ams, and El Caminos from the ‘60s and ‘70s and Bel Airs and Impalas from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Two other unusual vehicles to be auctioned include a ’33 Chevy fire engine and a ’55 Chevy Coca-Cola truck.
Once the auction is over, Treworgy plans to take home about a fourth of the collection, where “it will become my private toy box again.”
He plans to leave Sting Rays Bar & Grill open “and after it all settles” will possibly hold car shows and swap meets through that business. For now, though, he says his focus will be getting the museum closed and the building leased.
“Thanks everyone for all the support over the years,” he wrote.
The museum was originally housed in a former Walmart, then moved to a former Sweetbay Supermarket in the Seminole Lakes Plaza. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $6 for children 2-12.
Be sure to check out the vehicles being auctioned by Mecum on January 22-23, 2021.
Source:
yoursun.com
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My wife and I visited the museum twice when we were vacationing in Florida. The collection is outstanding. I am sure the pristine vehicles will be appreciated and enjoyed by their many future caretakers.
Wow, that’s to bad. Damn virus. To bad we didn’t have a competent leader in DC, may have avoided this.
Dark days are ahead of you. Stay in your basement…basement
Oh Really Kevin If he hadn’t done what he did we would have had thousands more deaths. Lets put the blame where it belongs in China
People are unreal as much good as President Trump has done and even still trying to get more money out to these idiots and getting a treatment in record time and they still blame this guy for every thing get ready sleepy coming if you can get him out of the basement long enough just remember you’ll wanted this idiot. Not us.
Hey Kevin, here’s a reality check for you. We have 8x’s (per million) a higher covid death rate then India does. What’s the magical cure India found you might ask?? Here’s their protocol, you go see a doctor, you get hydroxy, antibiotic & vitamins & get sent home on a 14 day quarantine. That’s it! No overcrowded ICU, no lockdown of businesses & healthy people. As soon as Trump mentioned the drug two fake articles were written & retracted within 2 weeks stating hydroxy was dangerous. The MSM ran with it & Fauci forced Remdesivir on us & said no Hydroxy for Covid treatment. Our testing & treatment method is designed to overload hospitals & kill our economy while India’s is designed to actually help people & not kill their economy. All because politicians wanted to make Trump look bad & getmail in voting approved. You sir a fool for repeating the MSM propaganda.
Too many shit head politicians that don’t give a shit anymore about small businesses anymore especially the left wing idiots just sad I couldn’t see this place well shit I guess I’ll have to look for pictures then blah
Absolutely and quit being Sheep wearing face diapers
Biden and China are your problems
Muscle car museum commentary immediately gets political. Welcome to America 2021.
One of the finest collections muscle cars. Went once took hundreds of photos that I still enjoy. Every car was meticulously restored and cared for. It’s is a sad day for any car nuts who never got to see this collection. You missed a great opportunity to see every year of each model on exhibit.
Got to join the pack the election was stolen .ITS China fault and present Trump is the best president America has had . The muscle cars will live on Just bought a 2019 stingray with 2000 miles and sold my split window coup . Life in grage will go on .
Got to join the pack the election was stolen .ITS China fault and present Trump is the best president America has had . The muscle cars will live on Just bought a 2019 stingray with 2000 miles and sold my Split window coup . Life in garage will go on .
What a quandary:
* Dr. Fauci, highly trained and experienced MD: “Wear a mask; it protects you and others.”
* “John,” random commenter on car blog site: “…quit being sheep wearing face diapers.”
What to do? Such a tough call! Hahahahahaha 😀
Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy the articles, which is the real reason I’m here. Thank you!
I’m just happy that I was able to see and enjoy this fantastic collection in person. Stuff the politics and celebrate the glory that was this beautiful collection. Many thanks, Rick — that was a lifetime memory.
Kevin is just another troll who can’t spell.
Ned
Thanks Rick for a great car collection… I admire your ability to get such great cars. I had the opportunity to meet you in person a few years ago and think you are a great promoter.
Thanks for giving us car guys the enthusiasm to continue our collection of cars.
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