Museum Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday – Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Collection Research

Did you know that the National Automobile Museum conducts research for scholars, journalists, restorers, enthusiasts and the interested public?
photo of a research binder

Our Research Library

The Museum has the original files and restoration binders produced by HAC. Files contain purchase and restoration memos and correspondence (both internal and external), documents about the vehicle (such as verification of year/model, etc), photographs (general and restoration) and ownership histories. The restoration binders are priceless and invaluable, as they document all aspects of authentic restorations performed by the renowned HAC shops under the watchful eye of Mr. Harrah. Binders include research materials; restoration documentation; paint, upholstery and wiring samples; photographs; and more.

The final product is a match of all original materials from Harrah’s Automobile Collection on the particular vehicle. We are proud to offer this exclusive service, as materials from the former Harrah’s Automobile Collection are not available from any other source.

photo of a research binder

What we offer

Our world renowned library contains more than 350,000 items and its comprehensive automotive resources date from 1895 to present.

Holdings Include:

• Automotive manufacturer’s sales literature
• Automotive manufacturer’s owners’ operation manuals
• Automotive shop manuals
• Parts and accessories catalogues
• Automotive service bulletins
• Automotive paint color chips and formulas
• Automotive upholstery samples
• Vehicle wiring diagrams
• Vehicle electrical specifications
• Automotive blue prints
• Comprehensive files of each vehicle in the museum’s collection, including provenance

• Books
• Periodicals
• Photographs (prints, slides)
• Glass plate negatives
• 35 and 16 mm films
• Reel to reel audio tapes
• Newspaper clippings (historic automotive events)
• Comprehensive files of each vehicle in the museum’s collection, including provenance

Ask a question or Request a Research Initiative
While the library is not open to the public, research is actively conducted for scholars, journalists, authors, restorers and the interested public.

If you want to ask a question or request a research initiative, please contact us through the form or directly:

Email Address
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