Florida’s Most Hidden Classic Car Collection At Don Garlits Drag Racing Roadside Attraction & Museum

[@TampaJay]

Happy New Year, Everyone! I appreciate you being so good to me. I tried to upload this video earlier today and somehow only 18 minutes / 59 decided to unfold! Thanks for clicking again ❤

[@lisapratt166]

Happy new 🎆 year to you and Cris. 🎉🎉🎉🎉 imcexcited that you get to branch out in your travels this year

[@subcoolHVAC]

I was hoping it would come back up, Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!

[@jayweiss4378]

Classic Car alert 😊

[@annanicole8580]

Now this was a good one. I loved it. Happy New Years

[@Sam-02024]

Cheers to the New Year! 🎉🎉

[@zillacon1]

I work for Don. Glad you enjoyed the museum. Don will be 93 this month and still comes into work daily. We also have an overflow building jamb packed with cars.

[@ralph100pct]

Thank you. Onehundreadpersent Appreciate your Work. '°°% Ralph 0'25

[@charlielaudico3523]

God bless him

[@annanicole8580]

@zillacon1 can't wait to come see the museum soon. Jay's video has even made me want to visit more.

[@pietropetralia7600]

I was at Detwiler’s Farmers Market in Venice, FL about a week ago and could swear that I saw “Big Daddy” shopping. Either that or it was his doppelgänger! I didn’t want to disturb him, famous folks very rarely get to live normally. 👍🏼

[@BillStoliker]

Ok, a new Bucket List item. And, you really DO need to see movie Tucker.

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

Big daddy is a living legend and the museum is awesome.

[@robinlee6295]

I've passed that museum hundreds of times, but never stopped. I've been a drag racing fan since I was a teen. Big Daddy Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, Connie Kalitta and so many others back in the day! Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@annanicole8580]

Now this is a good Tampa Jay video. I love the back backroad and the car's ❤

[@stuartmarkman769]

Big Daddy Don Garlet is a treasure of drag racing. The greatest inovator and builder of top fuel dragsters.

[@TurnipGreen]

That museum was awesome! It's crazy to think that if he hadn't held onto those cars, they probably wouldn't even exist today. What an amazing collection ❤

[@Ezzz-of3gr]

Great job on videos Jay Glad to see your doing a variety of different subjects. Your numbers are growing ! 👍

[@johnroot4886]

I used to live about ten minutes from the museum but I have never been there. My daughter used to take piano lessons from Don’s daughter, great video Jay, keep the great work.

[@michaelcupp3125]

Thanks for sharing the car and drag. Museum. Enjoy your travels and day

[@kennethkay1144]

For what it’s worth, I drive on weekends, a 1970 Pontiac Le mans convertible that is powered by a motor built by Joe Abene who was first a competitor of Big Daddy Don Garlits, and later an engine builder for him. I just love the connection!

[@TampaJay]

That's a really cool

[@charlescorey184]

Thanks for posting. I am really impressed. I pass by the museum often going up and down I 75. I need to stop one day. Really impressive. Great video.

[@jimburig7064]

I have been curious about that place for more than forty years. Thanks for bringing us in for a look at this amazing place.

[@CoolBlue87GT]

Oh yes, A great place to visit. My dad, who has passed, was a drag racer in the MD area in the mid-sixties. He had a rail and some other great cars. He and I visited Don's museum back in the early 90's. I have a photo album full of photos from that visit. Glad to see it's still going strong. Good to hear Don is still with us. What a treasure. I just watched a video of Don giving a tour of the museum workshop, loved hearing the firsthand memories he shared. He was a young 91 then. lol

[@follkiej]

You have a like from me before seeing this. Garlits is my boyhood hero and I've been to his museum twice! Thank you Jay! Great job Jay! Those were my youth! Just starting the antiques! Say Hi to me as I am one! :) Pat was Don's wife!

[@rogertemple7193]

Great to see you back with more of the great classic car collection of drag racing legend"Big Daddy " Don Garlit and his antique car museum in Belleview FL. have a great first weekend in the new year Thanks Jay. 🇺🇲🏎🏎🇺🇲

[@debintrieri9131]

I've lived in Florida for 45 years and passed this place hundreds of times never been in there...Now I may make a special trip and go😁

[@TripReviews]

A,axing! Blows me away how much money must be invested in these collectables. Great legacy to leave behind wishing Don many more years with his collection.

[@daniellang6112]

Nice video! Was just there within the last year or so. Lots to look at,take your time & enjoy it!

[@bob4364]

Happy New Year Tampa Jay along with your lovely Cris the Girl, pet dog Bella and the rest of your great family..Great video, classic cars and more at the Antique Car Museum-FL..Keep on your very best..Enjoy your weekend

[@HonestOtter]

This brings back some memories! My dad is big into drag racing and we used to stop at Don Gartlits' museum during our trips to Walt Disney World in the early 90s. Cool to see it's still around.

[@mikelanzalotti7120]

I’m so glad, I was really afraid I had offended you, I can’t wait to watch the whole thing. My Dad was a Chevy/Buick dealer and I had the world’s biggest toy box. Big Daddy pioneered the rear engine dragster, he did that after he lost part of a foot in an engine explosion in a front engined car, driver is safer in front of the engine. I hope you, Cris and your families have a very Happy New Year, there is indeed much ahead and we are all in this together.

[@mermer3168]

Thank you for this video on the museum! My father was the crew chief for Don back in the 60's and 70's. He is actually laid to rest in front of the Swamp Rat 11 which took them 72 hours to build. It went on to win the '67 nationals. My child is actually the one who wrote the other posts by the way. 😂 Don actually does come in quite often, you just have to catch him. We actually watch your videos often, so I was excited to see you cover the museum!

[@Steve_6251]

I LOVE the creative names these all have. And man, the sound of those engines in person must be something!

[@exinilda]

This is amazing! I love seeing the classic cars. Thank you so much for sharing! Loved it!!!

[@kahalak8171]

I always enjoy all your Videos Tampa Jay - keep up the great work, love them all - Happy New Year!!

[@casonbrown9678]

Happy Birthday Don Garlis. I saw Don race 60 years ago.

[@lorrainejones1071]

Thank you, Tampa Jay, we have been by this place many times, so very interesting. Love your channel.

[@WernerPortmann]

WE have been this place.last year.😂

[@stuartwalker3131]

Oh great, I do get to watch your video, not getting to see a Tampa Jay vlog would have been awful, I look forward to and enjoy all your content it’s one of my highlights, happy new year

[@Elephant2024]

Happy New Year and deepest condolences for the loss of your grandfather. Great way to start out the year with an awesome car collection and Drag Race roadside attraction.

[@jayweiss4378]

Classic car alert 😊

[@christines4880]

You totally have to watch that movie!!! It's amazing. A man way before his time! What he went through. Dang I'm going to have to find it on DVD now lol Muc Luv ❤

[@frankieknows1]

Hey, the film Tucker is on Tubi for free. It was a good film. 🎥

[@Yawndave]

Thanks for the virtual tour, it brings back memories my visit in 2022. One non-automobile thing on display I thought was really cool was the Chrysler Air Raid Siren. I will say that I was a little disappointed at the lack of any mention of Lefty Mudersbach (bonus points if you get the Steve Miller reference 🙂)

[@brittanymyrick3321]

Great video, Jay. I LOVE Classic Cars. I used to own a white black interior 65 Mustang when I lived in Cali. Even had the dice hanging from the mirror. Sold it when I moved to Utah. Needed more practical winter car. One day, I'll have another one. My dream classic is 55,56,57 Ford Thunderbird ✨️🩵💛💗🩷💞✨️

[@lisapratt166]

That's ann impressive building by the way. Loaded. 🎉 lots of racing history there for sure.

[@maxsmodels]

I have got to get down there. I live is JAX and work at MCO so it really isn't all that far.

[@loriminard6460]

Great show thanks 🎉

[@1966-Charger]

Thanks for the tour of Big Daddy's Museum. The '66 to '67 Dodge Coronet was considered a mid-sized car back then. I grew up in one!

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Really awesome video Jay..I am wondering if it is one of your most views...-John

[@Sam-02024]

Beautiful cars -- and love that jukebox!

[@DocHolliday68-bu2sv]

Sorry for your loss Jay. Sounds like your Grandfather was an amazing guy. He will always be with you in your heart. Keep your chin up my friend.

[@MichelleMartin-ld6zg]

Happy New year Tampa Jay that was a lot of awesome and amazing cars 🚗 thanks for taking us round with you your so awesome 😊😅😂❤❤❤❤

[@largent9]

Love the blog. Well done, Tampa J

[@stevemergy6087]

Happy New Year! I stopped there 30 or more years ago! Thanks for the video! ❤

[@maxsmodels]

I remember the MPC and AMT kit models of Don's cars. I think Atlantis still makes them. Revell did some too.

[@tatepugh7645]

Thanks for sharing! I'm a huge race fan myself and this video was great! You should definitely check out the NHRA Gator nationals in Gainsville FL to see those bad boys in action.

[@jimd8008]

Grew up a few miles from Island Drag way. It was on the circuit up north. Don Garlits and other drivers stayed at the only motel around. Met him and TV Tommy Ivoe at that motel. Went to the races ALOT. We could hear them racing from my house. Good memories

[@draidt]

See my post above

[@adolfgibbs8759]

Best museum I've ever attended

[@charlesstaceylindseysr4354]

Happy New Year like your takes

[@philtroskey3454]

I never would pay to get in here so thank you for the tour I'm sent home alone come and see me sometime 1208 Cypress Cove Court Inverness Florida

[@santiagocabarrouy4847]

So sorry for your loss Jay.

[@wilfredbarbosa8840]

That is awesome wow 👍 Tampa Jay.

[@bernieberner1835]

I’m at Don At a car show at the Hirst Plant in Pennsylvania in the mid 80s. Such a gentleman.

[@badhabit9696]

I injoy watching,good one

[@pauline9242]

Very Sorry for the loss your Grandpa! Prayers for you all🙏He was with you at these car museums and you were even able to share a piece of your grandpa’s family history 🙏🕊️ Amazing classic car museum and collection! I Loved the ones from the 50’s so gorgeous and amazing attention to detail! Another awesome video 👍

[@TampaJay]

thank you

[@peter-n9w5j]

So THAT'S what happened! (Suspected as much). BIG fan of Big Daddy (and Don Prudhomme (also displayed). So sorry for your loss. Your grandpa and you were pretty close, obviously. You just immortalized him on film. Jay. Happy New Year to you and CrisThe!Girl (Bella too)!

[@vandystacy]

Hello Jay! Great video, but Don Garlits is in Ocala Florida.

[@billdedrick1914]

I met Don Garlits in Potsdam , New York back in the fall of 1969 when I was in college.. he was holding a drag -Chrysler/Dodge sponsored clinic then..Very humble, knowledgeable, personable energetic guy.

[@Living_EDventures]

Great video Jay

[@billmonti4022]

There is another hidden private collection of cars in Ocala, Florida, in the back of National Parts Depot. My son and I were invited to see the collection, which includes classic cars and Kodac cameras and film. I have not been to Don Garlits, but I believe I met Don Garlit when he was buying furniture for his wife in a nursing home many years ago. I will have to visit the museum sometime.

[@WendyMurray-l1d]

Hi Tampa jay

[@gordonwellman-b2b]

fun video. I have wanted to visit the museum. you have to go to the gatornationals in march 6-9th in Gainesville. the noise the smell and the atmosphere. a must see!

[@Ronaldl2350]

My heart goes out to you, hearing about your Grandpa's passing. If you want to see some Top fuel and funny car racing. The drag strip in Bradenton is having them. This February 6 to the 8th. 12,000hp dragsters!!! Happy New Year Jay!

[@Tomtabsands]

Tucker is a great movie. I saw the Tucker used in the movie in CA at Coppola winery.

[@naybur74]

i myself visited this Museum a few years ago, and i to do not keep up with this sport either, but i enjoyed the history, and your video, and that yellow drag car that you pointed out earlier in the video was called the "POCKET ROCKET".

[@MoviemaniaNick]

Great looking classic cars!

[@georgepetrillo7316]

The red 68 Coronet El Cortello with the 426 Hemi. Raced at the tracks and on the streets back in the late 60's. My friend Gene that owns a 69 Hemi Dodge Charger that he bought new in 69 did a little street competition against El Cortello back in the day.

[@maxsmodels]

Sizzler is still around. Their website says they still have 84 locations.

[@edwardaustin740]

Dang it.. You and the Whoo come to my neck of the woods and I still can't run into you guys and say thanks for the videos. I appreciate it!!

[@rollawy]

by the voice i thought it was whoo.. is the his son????

[@jparker59able]

Happy New Year. I thought I'd lose it when pronounced Mamie as Mammie. Honest mistake. Love your Florida videos Jay.

[@marcthorner8338]

Jay, you have to check out the movie "Tucker"!!!!(

[@sandman4384]

Great one when I was a kid I remember don garlics as a kid racing funny car great guy I have been to the. Museum I live in fla

[@MikeZoglio-n4g]

See Don every November for the past 38 years !!!

[@sarahmoller9716]

I love this place. You sure did a great job showing this place. Also, stop and visit BURZZY on 35-Baseline in Belleview. Gorgeous cars for you and your viewers to see. Google... Thank you for every thing you do Tampa Jay.

[@mflorida75]

We have driven past this place seeing it from I75. Never knew there was a car museum in there as well.

[@MikeRuh01]

This place is really impressive. I don't go past Ocala much. But ive always looked over at that museum. TJ. In Venice, there is a classic car museum I bet you'd love to check out.

[@TedAlan-x2o]

Wow Hi Tampa Jay I'm Ted Alan from Arkansas I love your videos man you are a very nice person keep going keep Rocking

[@TampaJay]

Thank you so much Ted!

[@angelicamartinez6983]

Happy New Year Tampa j mini good wishes all this year and every year for you and Chris the girl

[@Trippingthroughadventures]

Wow you were right up the street from us, you should have called…. Wait… we don’t know eachother…. Never mind…. Nice video.

[@donaldmiller9648]

Nice looking museum...Tucker is about the creator of Tucker automobile to compete with other car makers. Had a number of innovative pieces of technology. Only made 48...beautiful cars.

[@f45125]

Yes! See Tucker the movie. The car industry was cutthroat!

[@camcutcnc]

you were sort of correct the first time , The man the myth the legend is pronounced U - nick. Smokey often entertained the president of GM at his home. As he did a lot of design work for GM. He was quite a character. Smokeys garage backed up to the intra costal waterway in Daytona and included a helipad for his jet ranger helicopter. Smokey designed the extended reach spark plug that most modern cars use among other things. Smokey is definitely worthy of research and a video of his own.

[@InMyBrz]

AM amazed DON is still alive !

[@draidt]

I have been living in the area for 28 years, I can't remember how many times the Marathon station at the beginning of the video has opened and closed under new ownership. Don "Big Daddy" Garltts is a living legend, I first met him in the mid-60s at Island Dragway in Great Meadows New Jersey on August 1, 1964, how do I remember the date because that is the day he became the first drag racer to officially break 200 mph in the quarter mile. I have seen him numerous times at the Gator Nationals in Gainesville, Florida, and at the museum, A few years ago I had him sign the book he published, I mentioned that I first met him on the day he set the record at Island Dragway, He broke out in a big grin and told me that was his favorite track for obvious reasons. If you're in the area by all means visit the Museum.

[@noahfellers1246]

Thank you my friend 😊

[@ZenithClarity]

You guys should definitely watch the movie Tucker. I haven't seen it in well over a decade. Tucker had some great innovations. He was a threat to the big 3.

[@DesleyRuthenberg-k7d]

Have a Happy Year New you and Cris the girl form Desley from Mackay Queensland in Australia

[@keithwiebe1787]

Kansas John Wiebe was always an inspiration for me in the 70s. Lived not too far from where I grew up. No relation but knew same people. Have a son Kendall so Garlits relationship with Kendall oil was interesting.

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

Belleview Florida 🇺🇸

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

Belleview Florida 🇺🇸

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

Belleview Florida 🇺🇸

[@JohnnyKennedy-sf4sf]

Belleview Florida 🇺🇸

[@DesleyRuthenberg-k7d]

Sorry to hear about your Grandfather pass away. Desley Ruthenberg from Mackay Australia

[@FlyinBrianChannel]

the pink dragster on the other side of The Snake.s cars was Shirley's actual car used in the movie Heart Like A Wheel which is a movie based off of her career and those helments above it was all of the once she used through out her career.

[@royavery6949]

Prior to shooting the movie , she also won the championship in that car.

[@jonmutanen8896]

Looks like a cool museum! Thanks for bring us along. How do you think a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 would've fared in a drag race?

[@colinwithey6792]

The white car can't remember the name that you think looks like a delorian to us looks like a lotus esprit like James bond tbh lots of lovely cars think we will hopefully visit when we come over September last time we came we visited some of your choices but storm ian had other ideas Anyway happy new year and hopefully we'll bump into you guys and say hello

[@ReyesSerna-ez7ob]

Always remember Tampa J 🙏 when the time is done here in this world we will see are love ones, once again in heaven above 🙏 and be together again in Jesus name! Keep pushing brother and God has a great plan for you ! HNY 🎉

[@Greybone62]

The Puch Scooter / Moped that You saw had it`s origin in Austria, Europe.

[@gphilipc2031]

I saw a white Honda Rebel fuel tank sitting on the floor in the Antique section. Smokie Y. was likely eaten ... by the Oil cos.

[@surfernorm6360]

I ain't going to watch all of this but If I were in Florida or anyplace close I would go to Don Garlits Museum anytime, I'm in LosAngeles so the cool auto museum here is the Peterson and its huge and there is no end to the cars. there are others here to the Nethercutt is well knowm for older vintage cars and then there are a couple drag Racing museums too

[@CosetteFelipa]

Thank you so much for this amazing video! I need some advice: My OKX wallet holds some USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). How can I transfer them to Binance?

[@markzimmerman6517]

Don Garlits raced in Tampa what are the tracks you like to the race on is now the rooms to Go Warehouse over in seffner Florida that warehouse is built directly over to race track that used to be there