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Saturday, 5 November, 2011 9:45 PM
The
Toyota USA Automobile Museum offers free guided tours in Torrance,
CA
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
A
row of historic Toyota cars inside the automaker's museum
in Torrance, Calif.
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TORRANCE, Calif.
-- Visit
the Toyota USA Automobile Museum now to get your motors running
about the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens to the public
on Nov. 18. The museum serves as a way to tell the history of the
Japanese automaker's 50 plus years selling cars and trucks in the
United States. The $12 million collection consists of more than
100 Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. The oldest car in the collection
is from 1958 and the newest is from 2007, however it will continue
to grow with more vehicles in the future.
"All of
the cars here have been sold in America," said Debbie Hays,
assistant curator at the museum. "Toyota first opened its doors
in Hollywood, Calif. on Halloween 1957. This museum tells the history
of Toyota from its roots in Japan when it first started all the
way to being one of the best-selling cars in America today. It just
highlights what Toyota has done for the car industry in America."
It is divided
into seven special exhibits: Futuristic, Hollywood, Racing, New
brand, Environmental, Design and One of a kind. Some of the vehicles
include a Lexus driven by Tom Cruise in the movie The Minority
Report, three Toyota 2000 GT's used in the production of the
James Bond film, You Only Live Twice, and Ivan "Ironman"
Stewart's famous off-road stadium truck.
"I would
probably say the most famous vehicle here is the 2000 GT, which
once belonged to Twiggy, the famous model," Hays explained.
"She is the one that Toyota hired back when they introduced
the GT back in 1967. The race cars behind us have been owned and
driven by all sorts of race car celebrities."
The Toyota Prius,
the world's first gas/electric hybrid car and several serial No.
1 vehicles from U.S. and Canadian manufacturing plants make up other
vehicles on display. The Scion xA, xB and tC automobiles are also
being shown.
"Cars go
in and out of here all of the time going to different trade shows
and that," she added. "They are permanent here, but we
do loan them out for other museums. In fact, we've got one in Texas
right now. The collection is always changing when you come in."
The 1958 Toyopet
luxury car is the oldest vehicle within the collection while the
2nd generation Tundra pickup serves as the newest vehicle in the
museum. The museum is looking to add 60 new vehicles to its collection,
according to a press release.
Toyota is set
to release its Prius plug-in electric car later this year. "I
think we can find room for that new car," the assistant curator
said. "Plus, we have a brand new charging station right out
front of the museum."
The Japanese
automaker reached a milestone of producing its 10 millionth vehicle
manufactured in North America. That car was a Camry and it is on
display inside this museum along with a photo from that historic
day in November 2005.
With the proximity
to Hollywood, I wondered if any movies or television shows have
been filmed inside the museum. "None to date, but we're available
if anyone is interested," Hays explained.
The museum opened
its doors in January 2000. Over the first nine years, it hosted
62,000 visitors, 1,425 events, 857 tours and 170 photo sessions.
Automobiles from the museum's collection have been used in 490 vehicle
shows and exhibitions across America.
"The museum
is open to the public," she added. "Our doors are open
for everyone. It can be from one to 300. We have a big meeting hall
that is available to the public. We may have an event going on,
so that's why we always ask our people to call first, schedule an
appointment and we can provide you a guided tour."
Free guided
tours are offered by appointment only. To schedule a tour, call
the museum at (310) 468-8726. The Toyota USA Automobile Museum also
offers meeting room space for associate and dealer groups, trade
associations, civic organizations, car clubs, and community organizations.
It is located at 19600 Van Ness Ave., Torrance, CA, 90501.
For more
information on the Toyota USA Automobile Museum, visit www.toyotausaautomobilemuseum.com.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
museum is located just footsteps from Toyota's USA headquarters.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
This
Toyota Camry LE is the first vehicle that was produced at Toyota's
manufacturing plant in Kentucky.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
production numbers are the last six digits. This is model No. 1.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
This
1991 Tacoma truck that was the first truck to roll off the line
at Toyota's manufacturing plant in northern California.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
This
1958 Toyota Toyopet is the oldest car within the museum.
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