Check Out Driven To Preserve At The National Corvette Museum

Gearheads often marvel at pristine classic cars sitting under bright museum lights, but few actually understand the hassle and extra time required to keep those legends alive. Opened last month, the National Corvette Museum’s new Driven to Preserve exhibition allows visitors to explore the painstaking process of automotive stewardship. Visitors get an unprecedented look at exactly how professionals protect an incredible collection of over 120 rare vehicles and 50,000 historical artifacts for future generations.

Walking through the gallery reveals the very human stories behind America’s favorite sports car. The displays pull back the curtain on everything from environmental monitoring to cataloging rare parts. Robert Maxhimer serves as the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Education at the facility. He noted that the new event helps visitors see what it takes to keep Corvette history accurate and accessible. Maxhimer explained that stewardship is active work. Guests exploring the Driven to Preserve gallery will spot some truly legendary machines along with items belonging to the original builders and racers.

The vehicle lineup includes a rugged 1967 Sting Ray nicknamed the Sweat Hog that retains most of its original racing fiberglass. Fans will also love the 1989 Snake Skinner II, which is a rare prototype built specifically to destroy the Dodge Viper on the track. Another standout is the unique 1979 Engineering Development car used to train new hires at the Bowling Green assembly plant. Perhaps the most famous ride in the room is the stunning 1962 Tuxedo Black model that famously survived the massive 2014 sinkhole disaster and required intense rehabilitation.

Seeing a raw 1958 chassis sitting completely separated from its body proves that caring for these icons involves heavy lifting and tough decisions regarding restoration versus conservation. This temporary exhibit takes up residence in the Limited Engagement Gallery while construction continues on a massive new collections facility nearby. When that 66,000-square-foot building opens next spring, it will offer guided tours and permanent storage for these automotive treasures. Until then, anyone obsessed with classic car history needs to experience the incredible Driven to Preserve exhibition before these legendary vehicles finally move into their brand-new home.