Orphan Cars: Vehicles from Discontinued Marques & Brands

Exhibit Sponsors

Beginning in mid-May, the galleries of the Museum will be filled with “automotive orphans.” Known as “Orphan Cars,” this collection of cars, buses, and motorcycles represent discontinued marques and brands from across the motoring landscape. From the early days of motorized transportation to recent decades, several examples include Packard, Hudson, Studebaker, Twin Coach, Cushman, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Mercury.

What is an Orphan Car?

An Orphan Car is any vehicle produced by a company marque or brand that has discontinued business entirely. “According to Old Cars Weekly, “Figures differ, but most historians agree that about 2,000 or more makes of cars and trucks flashed onto the scene, only to eclipse and fade into memory.”

Check out one story of “Orphan Cars” from the Museum’s collection: The Post-War Studebaker Story and Cars of the Collection

Thanks to our sponsors of this exhibit – American Motors Owners Assn., Gish’s Furniture & Amish Heirlooms, Plymouth Owner’s Club Inc., and Studebaker Driver’s Club Inc.