bruce a. elder antique and classic automobiles museum

As frequent visitors to Stanton and regulars at the nearby Mill Street Grille, we have walked by Bruce Elder’s “dealership” many times. It always appears closed, but I guess that’s more about the time we walk by and the limited hours it is open. We always vowed to visit, but it never happened until the last time we were in town and decided to join one of the regularly scheduled Saturday tours.First, let me say that you should make sure the tour will be held at the appointed time and day by calling FIRST and/or emailing Bruce, (his email and more information can be obtained at the nearby Staunton Visitor’s Center or his Facebook page). Once the tour begins, you are treated to some great automotive & local history in a building that once housed the largest or one of the largest Ford dealerships in the South. The building is amazing and the cars are awesome including racecars, one-of-a-kind creations, first off the assembly line vehicles, a few trucks and a historic limo or two.Did I mention that some are for even for sale?Beside the building and the automobiles, our visit was extra special because our initial guide was excellent, and was joined by Bruce who finished up our tour. Bruce couldn’t have been any nicer and more knowledgeable about the cars in his collection. He even offered a tour of his office to look at historic photographs and other goodies. What was already a great visit was made even better because of Bruce’s hospitality & generosity.We know we’ll be back because the collection changes from time to time and the host makes it worth it just to stop by and say hello!