Has It Been a While Since You Visited the Automobile Driving Museum? Consider Going in May!

By Patrick Strong

“Hidden treasure” is a term used often to describe El Segundo’s own Automobile Driving Museum. Once little more than a brick warehouse filled with vintage cars, the ADM has evolved into a vibrant center of community activity. Its Sunday ride-alongs (featuring a rotating selection of museum cars) and retro ice cream parlor have become popular draws for curious car lovers from across the region, and the facility’s versatile event space is a popular choice for everything from weddings to corporate meetings. Additionally, the ADM hosts a variety of special events that offer educational and entertainment opportunities for both hardcore car freaks and casual enthusiasts alike, so if you’re ready to discover this hidden treasure for yourself, here are some highlights from the museum’s calendar of coming attractions:

Saturday, May 12: Hot Wheels Garage. See life-sized Hot Wheels cars, and enjoy Hot Wheels race tracks, art projects, balloon sculptures, face painting and train rides in the latest edition of the ADM’s recurring celebration of all things Hot Wheels! Free for kids 10 and under, with proceeds from adult tickets benefiting SPCA-LA. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday, May 13: Ladies Car Care 101 & 201. Whether you want to learn the basics about what makes your car tick or want to get hands-on with basic car repairs, the ADM’s Ladies Car Care classes have what you need to become an informed and empowered motorist. Join master mechanic Megan Abbott for Ladies Car Care 101 from 10 a.m. to noon for an overview of what’s under the hood of your car (and what to do when something goes wrong), and for Ladies Car Care 201 from 1-3 p.m. for the opportunity to practice essential roadside repairs, including tire-changing and proper jump-starting techniques. Tickets are $5 per session.

Also on Sunday, May 13: Mothers' Day Rides with Wine Tasting. Moms of all ages are welcome to visit ADM on this special day for their usual Sunday rides...with a twist! Top off your ride in an antique vehicle with some wine and chocolate for an extra-memorable experience. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission $8 to $10.

Saturday, May 26: Woodies Picnic & Car Show. What car embodies the Southern California lifestyle more than a classic Woody? The ADM brings together some of the region’s best wood-sided wagons in a festive atmosphere that will feature a live surf-rock band, as well as a selection of fantastic food trucks for your dining pleasure. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with tickets priced at $15.

To purchase event tickets or for more information about the Automobile Driving Museum, visit their website.

Patrick Strong is an El Segundo resident and owner and founder of Model Citizen, an El Segundo-based retailer of precision-built scale model cars. He is also the co-founder of Touge California, North America's only vintage car rally exclusively for pre-1980 Japanese vehicles.