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Buddy showing off two prized possessions, 1928 Star Depot Hack which transported people at train stations. There are only four left in the entire world. The other is the newest addition, the Cushman Ice Cream Scooter.
Well, that sort of started it all.
One day they began talking about putting their collection on display. Then one thing led to another and before you knew it, they created the Bennett Classics Museum. That was almost four years ago. Today, they now have in this "pride of Rutherford County", about 150 or more great creations that all are on wheels! They have their own body shop to make these "gems of the auto industry" look their best.
They look all over the U.S. of A. to get yet another awesome addition. Presently, they are looking for a Nash Metro, Studebaker and Hudson.
When you enter the museum you are greeted by a gentlemen on the left of the museum door. Buddy found him at a car show and "just had to have him". One of the gentlemen that works at the museum is named Gary Barnett, so that's the name they gave their old man official greeter. As you enter the museum you are in awe.
Whoever thought so many great designed and vintage vehicles could be displayed inside. In addition to the cars, trucks and now, a fire engine, you will be able to see an amazing collection of memorabilia. Bikes, toy cars, even a barber chair and, believe it or not, one of the newest favorites, a Cushman Scooter Ice Cream Vending vehicle. They used to go through neighborhoods and sell ice cream to the delight of all the boys and girls.
The charm of this museum is the cars that have been meticulously restored and, yes, even run! You can see a 1913 Model T Ford, a 1920 Buick, a l931 Ford Model A Roadster, a Nash Rambler, or a '34 Chevy Coupe or beautiful '35 Chevrolet. The list is endless and spans almost a century of American car makers.
In this classification you can see over 70 cars. Oh yes, there are some amazing trucks and trackers, too. Consider this. The inventory of what the museum offers you is now worth over a million and a half dollars.
People come from all over to see this magnificent collection. Guests have been from as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, Canada plus six or eight other countries from around the world. As they come and visit they all are overwhelmed of the magnificent collection the Bennett Boys offer. Not bad for a family that didn't have an automobile until Buddy was in the eighth grade. These are two of the four children of C. B. Bennett and Mary Young. Their daddy was a teacher and later principle as well as farmer. He was the first in his family to go to college. The boys will also tell you about Uncle Joe who became a Ford Dealer and their "second daddy". They came from Burnsville, the county seat of Yancy County. As Buddy will tell you, it is a blessing that they can do what they love and now give back to not only Rutherford County but also the world a wonderful keepsake of American history.
Just think! How fortunate we are. It's all right here under our nose. If you haven't been there, you're missing something special.
Bennett Classics Antique Auto Museum is located at 241 Vance St., Just off West Main St., Forest City • 828-247-1767
