Car enthusiasts have long marveled at muscle cars—those powerful, loud, and styled vehicles bursting with Americana nostalgia. Now, picture one of the largest and most awe-inspiring muscle car collections on the planet, where the shiny facades of legendary automobiles steal the spotlight. Welcome to The Brothers Collection, located quietly behind the scenes in Salem, Oregon, where every corner reveals automotive masterpieces.
Imagine stepping inside a colossal warehouse, transformed from just storage to something resembling a museum, and being greeted by rows of dazzling Camaros, Chevelles, Corvettes, and Mustangs. This is no ordinary car collection; it’s the stuff of dreams for gearheads—355 cars arranged impeccably, showcasing not only American muscle but also several Ferraris and Shelby Cobras. The cars are paraded on mirrored turntables and elegantly tilted platforms, each standing not just as machinery, but as pieces of history.
The story behind The Brothers Collection is just as intriguing as the cars it houses. Behind this treasure trove are two brothers who respect their vehicles' legacy above their own. Doug Dwyer, who has worked with them for over 13 years, gives us insight. “It’s not about them; it’s about the cars,” he explains. Their humility is reflected as they shun publicity, preferring to let their collection do the talking.
This impressive warehouse covers 117,000 square feet, crammed with stunning and rare vehicles. The quality of these cars is unmatched, with some being prototypes or exceedingly rare models known to fetch multi-million-dollar price tags. Doug Nelson, the board chairman of the Northwest Vintage Car & Motorcycle Museum, expressed sheer awe at the findings. “It boggles my mind what’s here,” he said after experiencing the facility firsthand.
The Brothers Collection is anything but standard. While the sculpture-like precision of muscle cars takes center stage, the interior vibe is equally captivating. An array of neon car signs adorns the walls, creating a luminous backdrop complementing the polished paint jobs of the vehicles. One can’t help but feel the essence of American car culture pulsate through the vast space.
But what exactly qualifies this collection as one of the best? Well, it's regarded by many as perhaps the most comprehensive muscle car collection not just nationally, but globally. Dwyer emphasizes this achievement. "Their collection is evolving—better, best, more unique, more rare, more historical." The cache features cars from the golden age of American muscle—from 1964 to 1971—when power and performance were king.
The muscle car scene exploded following Pontiac's revolutionary GTO, which kickstarted everyone's fascination with high-powered, American-styled vehicles. The Brothers Collection holds treasures like the highly coveted ZL1 Camaro, including the first convertible released by Chevrolet. Not one, but four of the exceptionally rare '69 Pontiac Trans Am convertibles have found their home here, each embodying the peak of craftsmanship and racing spirit.
Yet, it’s not just about muscle cars. The collection also spotlights exotic sports cars and classical beauties. One heart-stopping highlight is the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder, of which only 50 were produced. Today, such exclusivity elevates its worth to around $8 million, making it one of the crown jewels among this automotive all-star cast. Oddly enough, this masterpiece was once sold to the Prince of Bologna, immediately finding its way to the racing scene.
Instead of being open to the public, The Brothers Collection has opted for charity-driven private tours. Visitors are ushered through, wide-eyed with excitement yet promised confidentiality about the owners’ identities. This exclusivity adds to the allure—only those who have reserved their tours can bask amid these automotive wonders. Dwyer notes, “Many people have walked through these doors—an estimated 2,170 people have seen the collection.” Such limited access amplifies the mystique surrounding the cars housed within.
Nevertheless, the collection isn’t static; with more than 600 cars total, there are plans for expansions to house more vehicles, including some currently held off-site. “We ran out of room,” explains Dwyer, pointing toward the increasing popularity and demand for tours to view these automotive gems.
With several vehicles worth well over one million dollars, the collection encapsulates not only the history of muscle cars but their cultural significance. Some of the cars have remarkable stories, including the 1969 Ford Torino, driven by racing legend Bobby Unser to set the famed Pikes Peak hill climb record. Others, like the rare 1948 Tucker, showcase innovative engineering with unique safety features for its time.
Every inch of The Brothers Collection is steeped in history and nostalgia, from the original paint jobs of preserved vehicles to the wondrous tales narrated on placards beside each car. One car, for example, is the Iris-colored 1967 Ford Mustang, with less than five miles logged since its initial release—essentially preserved from the pavement after sitting patiently for decades.
For the dedicated fans and collectors, The Brothers Collection is not merely about cars; it embodies the spirit of American automotive passion. By hosting private tours, these brothers offer car lovers unprecedented access to this luxurious world, simultaneously supporting local charities.
Visiting this slice of Oregon’s hidden treasure is like stepping through the annals of automotive excellence, where history is as vibrant and engaging as the flashy bodywork and gleaming finishes of the cars themselves. It’s there, under the glow of neon signs, history-making moments transport you to the glory days of muscle cars, and dare you to become part of their continuing legacy.
