Description:

The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection is located on the crossroads in Ypsilanti’s Historic Depot Town, at River Street and Cross Street. Today you can see fully restored vintage automobiles, posters and other auto related memorabilia.

It is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Closed on Monday.

The admission for adults is $5, but children under 12 are free with an adult.

It all began in 1995 when  Jack Miller, Peter Fletcher and Skip Ungrodt had lunch together which led to the creation of the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection. In 1999 they  funded the construction of an addition which connected the Hudson dealership with the parcel post building into a unified museum. However the history of this location began a century earlier. This location was originally deeded to Hiram Johns in April of 1824. Over the next 100 years it was a residence, a cooper shop, the Ypsilanti Electric company, the Comstock Sash and lock Company and then the Michigan Pressed Steel Company.

It’s automotive history began in 1921 when a large addition to the building was added and  Joseph Thompson opened the first Dodge dealership outside of Detroit. Just 5 years later, he moved to Michigan Avenue.  Then in 1927 Scott Sturtevant opened his Willys Overland dealership  stayed until 1929 when the Great Depression affected all businesses. Alex Longnecker and Carl Miller moved their Hudson dealership into the building in1933 where  remained until 1958 when the production of Hudson ended after 49 years. Carl Miller became the sole proprietor in 1945 and  transitioned it to his son Jack who bought up old Hudsons from closed dealerships and sold used parts. He became the source for parts for Hudson enthusiasts from all over the world.