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{{Infobox Museum
| name = Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
| type = Automotive museum
| address = 6825 Norwitch Drive
| neighborhood = Southwest Philadelphia
| phone = (215) 365-7233
| website = https://simeonemuseum.org
| established = 2008
| founder = Dr. Frederick Simeone
| collection_size = 75+ historic racing cars
| admission = $15 adults, $10 students
| hours = Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
| public_transit = Limited; car recommended
}}

The '''Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum''' is an automotive museum in [[Southwest Philadelphia]] housing one of the world's greatest collections of racing sports cars. The collection, assembled by Dr. Frederick Simeone over 50 years, includes rare and significant vehicles from the golden age of motorsport, many of which still run in "Demo Days" events.<ref name="simeone">{{cite web |url=https://simeonemuseum.org |title=Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum |publisher=Simeone Museum |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== The Collection ==

=== Focus ===

The museum specializes in racing sports cars from the 1920s through the 1970s—the era when automakers competed directly at Le Mans, Sebring, and other endurance races. These are not concours trailer queens; many are race-worn with original patina.

=== Highlights ===

* '''1963 Ferrari 250 GTO''' — One of the most valuable cars in the world
* '''1937 Bugatti Type 57G "Tank"''' — Le Mans winner
* '''Alfa Romeo 8C 2900*** — Pre-war masterpiece
* '''Ford GT40*** — Le Mans dominator
* '''Jaguar D-Type''' — Triple Le Mans winner
* '''Porsche 917*** — Legendary endurance racer
* '''Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing'''

=== Organization ===

Cars are displayed thematically:

* "The Spirit of Competition" — Racing evolution
* Manufacturer sections (Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc.)
* Le Mans winners
* American racing

== Demo Days ==

What makes Simeone unique: the cars run.

* Monthly Demo Day events
* Selected cars started and driven
* Experience the sights, sounds, and smells
* Rare opportunity to see historic racers in motion
* Check calendar for specific cars

== Dr. Frederick Simeone ==

Dr. Frederick Simeone is a neurosurgeon who spent 50 years assembling this collection. Unlike many collectors, he prioritized originality and racing provenance over cosmetic restoration. His book ''The Spirit of Competition'' documents the collection's philosophy.

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || $15 adults, $10 students
|-
| '''Address''' || 6825 Norwitch Drive
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 2 hours
|-
| '''Demo Days''' || Monthly; check calendar
|}

=== Tips ===

* Demo Days are special—check the schedule
* Car enthusiasts will want extensive time
* The 250 GTO alone is worth the visit
* Location requires driving—not transit accessible

== Getting There ==

* '''Car''' — Near I-95 in Southwest Philadelphia
* '''Address''' — 6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153
* '''Transit''' — Limited; car strongly recommended
* '''Parking''' — Free on-site

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Is the Simeone Museum worth visiting?
|a1=For car enthusiasts, especially those interested in racing history, it's a world-class destination. The collection rivals any in the world, including a Ferrari 250 GTO. Non-enthusiasts may find it more specialized. Demo Days add a unique dimension.

|q2=What is Demo Day at the Simeone Museum?
|a2=Demo Days are monthly events where selected cars from the collection are started and driven. Visitors can experience legendary racing cars in motion—the sounds, smells, and excitement. It's a rare opportunity since these cars are too valuable to race but designed to run.

|q3=How much is a Ferrari 250 GTO worth?
|a3=Ferrari 250 GTOs have sold for $48-70+ million at auction, making them among the most valuable cars in the world. Only 36 were built. The Simeone Museum's GTO is one of the few you can see in person.

|q4=Who is Dr. Simeone?
|a4=Dr. Frederick Simeone is a Philadelphia neurosurgeon who spent 50 years assembling this collection. He prioritized originality and racing history over perfect restoration, resulting in authentic cars with racing patina. His philosophy is documented in his book ''The Spirit of Competition.''
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Southwest Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Auto Show]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://simeonemuseum.org Official Website]
* [https://simeonemuseum.org/demo-days Demo Days Calendar]

{{#seo:
|title=Simeone Automotive Museum - World-Class Racing Car Collection in Philadelphia
|description=The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of racing sports cars, including a Ferrari 250 GTO. Demo Days let you see them run.
|keywords=Simeone Museum, racing cars, Ferrari 250 GTO, automotive museum, car museum Philadelphia, vintage racing, Le Mans cars
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Automotive Museums]]
[[Category:Southwest Philadelphia]]

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum - Revision history

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