The Ultimate Memorabilia Museum: A Car Collector’s Showcase of Famous Vehicles from Movies

Are you a movie buff who loves cars? Have you ever wondered what happened to iconic vehicles once filming wrapped? In some cases, they are sold to collectors who begin painstaking restorations. In other instances, they are left to rust and decay. One car collector, however, has taken the preservation of these famous cars to the extreme. Meet Michael Fux, a car enthusiast who has created a museum filled with iconic cars that starred in popular films.

The Beginning of a Passionate Collection

Michael Fux is a successful business magnate who made his fortune in the bedding industry. He always had a passion for cars, even as a child. Over time, this enthusiasm grew into a full-blown collection of rare automobiles. When he first started collecting, he acquired a car that was used in the movie “The Fast and the Furious”, a 1995 Volkswagen Jetta. This sparked his interest in movie cars, and he soon began seeking out famous vehicles from popular films.

The Cars of His Dreams

Fux’s collection contains an impressive list of iconic cars that appeared in popular movies. One of the most famous vehicles in his collection is the Batmobile from the original 1966 Batman TV series. This car, built on the chassis of a 1955 Lincoln Futura, was designed by famous car customizer George Barris. Fux’s Batmobile is just one of four known to exist.

Another car in his collection is the DeLorean Time Machine from the classic Back to the Future trilogy. This car delighted audiences with its signature features, including the gull-wing doors and white-wall tires. Fux’s DeLorean is one of seven made for the film, and it still possesses the original Flux Capacitor.

Fux also has a number of famous cars from the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. He owns a replica of the Dodge Charger that Vin Diesel drove in the first movie and the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport that Paul Walker drove in the sixth installment of the series. Other notable cars in his collection include the 1970 Dodge Charger from the movie “Blade” and the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am from “Knight Rider”.

Behind the Scenes of Car Restoration

Restoring movie cars is a meticulous process that requires a lot of attention to detail. Fux works with a team of skilled technicians to restore his cars to their movie-accurate condition. This takes a significant amount of time and money. In the case of the Batmobile, it took over a year to restore.

One of the most important aspects of the restoration process is sourcing the correct parts. Many cars in movies are customized or modified, making it difficult to find the correct pieces. Fux and his team have to scour auto salvage yards, aftermarket suppliers, and classic car dealerships to find the correct parts.

After the parts are sourced, the restoration process can begin. This includes paint work, bodywork, interior restoration, and engine restoration. Many of the cars in Fux’s collection require extensive restoration work due to age, modifications, and weathering from outdoor filming. This attention to detail and dedication to movie cars has earned Fux a reputation as one of the most skilled car collectors in the industry.

The Museum Experience

Fux houses his collection of iconic movie cars in a private museum located in Miami, Florida. The museum is not open to the public, but Fux does host private events and fundraisers. The museum’s interior is designed to showcase each car’s unique features. The Batmobile, for example, is displayed on a raised platform with an illuminated Gotham City backdrop.

Visitors to the museum can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process. Fux’s team of skilled technicians are often working on the cars at the museum, so visitors can watch as the cars are brought back to their former glory.

The Value of Preserving Movie Cars

Fux’s collection is more than just a passion for movies and cars; it’s a celebration of pop culture history. These vehicles played major roles in shaping the entertainment industry and have become cultural icons. By preserving these cars, Fux is keeping a piece of our collective memories alive.

The museum is also an opportunity to educate people about the importance of car restoration. Many people don’t realize the amount of work that goes into restoring old cars, let alone movie cars. By showcasing the restoration process, Fux is inspiring a new generation of car enthusiasts to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these vehicles.

Conclusion

Michael Fux’s collection of iconic movie cars is a testament to his dedication and passion for cars. His mission to preserve these vehicles is important not just for movie buffs and car enthusiasts, but for the preservation of pop culture history. The restoration process is a meticulous and time-consuming venture, but it’s ultimately rewarding to see these famous cars restored to their former glory. By creating a museum that showcases these cars, Fux is educating and inspiring people to appreciate the art of car restoration. It’s exciting to see what iconic movie cars will make their way into the collection in the future.