I’ve never considered myself a car enthusiast, but I have to admit—I thoroughly enjoyed the visit that only took me down the road a bit. Whether you love engines, history, or simply exploring something new, the Lane Motor Museum is well worth the drive.
In the mood for a day trip? Hop in the car and head west on I-40 from Crossville. Just before you reach Nashville International Airport — and long before you hit Music City’s infamous traffic (you can thank me later)—take Exit 213 for Spence Lane toward Hwy. 41/Hwy. 70 South. A couple of quick turns later, you’ll find yourself at 702 Murfreesboro Pike, home of the Lane Motor Museum.
Once you park, get ready for a treat. Inside, a friendly receptionist greets you, and after a modest entry fee, you’re invited to watch a short 6-minute film about how the museum began. It’s worth a look — especially to appreciate how one man’s passion became a place for everyone to enjoy.
It’s worth the few minutes, especially when you realize this museum is more than a collection of vehicles—it is the result of one man daring to turn a lifelong passion into something extraordinary. What began as Jeff Lane’s love for unique automobiles grew into a vision he chose to share with the public.
I was fortunate to receive a brief personal tour from Marketing Director Rebecca Evans before setting off on my own to explore.
The museum occupies a 42,000-square-foot building that housed Sunbeam Bakery until 1994. Lane purchased the property and opened the Lane Motor Museum to share museum to showcase his personal collection of cars—automobiles that originally about numbered around 70-80. vehicles.
Today, that number has more than doubled, with roughly 150 vehicles on display at any given time.
The collection features an eclectic mix of European, American, and Asian automobiles, as well as motorcycles, airplanes, and vintage memorabilia.
I found myself drawn to a gleaming Jaguar that looked like it had just rolled off the showroom floor. If only I could afford it!
Each day at 11 a.m., the museum hosts a demonstration featuring one of its vehicles. The day I visited, the spotlight was on a one-of-a-kind 1932 propeller-powered Helicron—rescued from a barn in France and lovingly restored. After its rebuild, it even passed a French safety inspection in 2000 and was cleared for road use.
Because the collection is so extensive, only part of it is displayed at one time, while the remaining vehicles rotate in and out from a vault filled with other fascinating finds. There is also a children’s area perfect for families, though I passed it by in favor of exploring outdoors.
Out back, I discovered the enormous Amphibious LARK featured in the museum film. Standing on my tiptoes, I still could not reach the top of its tire—it was that massive.
As I made my way through the parking lot, a gentleman stepped out of a nearby car. I recognized him instantly: Jeff Lane himself. Talk about perfect timing. He was every bit as personable as one might expect and graciously allowed me to take a photo with him.
Turns out, you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate what happens when passion, history, and imagination are parked under one roof.