The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum,showcases nearly 200 antique, vintage, and classic automobiles and aircraft ranging from an 1897 Panhard et Levassor (the first enclosed automobile) to Bobby Rahal's 1982 March Indy Car (the first winner of the Cleveland 500). The collection documents the technological and stylistic development of the transportation industry, with a focus on early automobiles created in Cleveland. Between 1898 and 1931, more than 80 automotive models originated in the Cleveland area.

The Crawford collection is one of the top ten in the nation, according to Car Collector magazine. We're the only place you won't mind bumper to bumper traffic! Northeastern Ohio's contribution to aviation is also showcased in the Crawford Museum. The cornerstone of the aviation collection is a circa 1912-14 Curtiss Hydroaeroplane flown by Cleveland's most prominent aviator, Al Engel.

Although every vehicle is a rolling work of art, some automobiles and their manufacturers deserve particular mention, and Winton is certainly one of them. Cleveland's pioneer automobile builder, Alexander Winton, sold his first car in 1898. Winton was said, in 1903, to have had the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. On display in the Crawford Museum are the first Winton to be sold and a former (1902) land speed record holder, the Winton Bullet.

The Crawford Collection of historic vehicles was donated to the Western Reserve Historical Society in 1963.  Prior to that, the collection was privately owned by TRW, Inc. and was housed in the Thompson Products Auto Album.

NEW! Check out the Automotive Marque Files

Read about museum founder, Frederick C. Crawford.

Now Available! Sounds of the Western Reserve CD