Right in the center of Athens, the Hellenic Motor Museum houses an extraordinarily rare collection of classic cars, making it a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
A Unique Experience from the Moment You Step In
Describing the feeling upon entering the Hellenic Motor Museum is no easy task. One thing is certain—there is nothing else quite like it in Greece. Located in a modern building at 74-78 3rd September Street, the museum immediately sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through automotive history.
The tour follows a chronological order, beginning on the third floor and working its way down to the ground level, where the most recent models are displayed. The first striking exhibit is a meticulously recreated 1930s automobile workshop, featuring authentic tools and equipment that allow visitors to compare early car repair methods with modern techniques.
But that’s just the beginning. A few steps away, a remarkable collection of classic cars dating back to 1900 awaits. One of the first exhibits to catch the eye is none other than the famous Flintstones’ car, a fun nod to the beloved animated series.
A Walk Through Automotive History
The third floor houses technological marvels of their time, including the Ford Model “N”, Daimler TT 20hp Doctor’s Coupe, Hudson Super Six, Avion Voisin C4 Roadster, and Packard Model 433.
Moving on to the second floor, visitors are greeted by a true icon: the Adler Trumpf Junior Sport 30ps, a beautifully designed two-seater coupe and the first car ever produced with front-wheel drive.
This floor also features pioneering racing models such as the BMW 328 Camo Coupe and the Frazer-Nash-BMW 319/1, alongside the elegant Bristol 410 Saloon. A real treat for movie fans is the 1939 Chrysler police car, which starred in Captain America. Another fascinating exhibit is a vehicle identical to the one used by the infamous gangster Al Capone during the Prohibition era.
As the journey continues, the collection grows even richer, showcasing rare models such as the Aston Martin DB2 Fixed-Head Coupe, Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible (1959), Borgward Isabella Coupe (1969), Morgan 4/4 1600 (1974), and the legendary Jensen Interceptor FF1, the first-ever car to feature all-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes.
A Tribute to Greek Automotive Ingenuity
The museum also dedicates a special section to vehicles that were either manufactured or assembled in Greece, or designed by Greek engineers in collaboration with international brands. A standout piece is the Austin Seven Opal Tourer (1936). Although originally British, this particular model was assembled in Greece by the Tagalakis Company.
Another highlight is the futuristic Helios and Apollon prototypes, designed by Antonis Volanis and presented at the 1983 Geneva Motor Show. These cars were ahead of their time, featuring streamlined, aerodynamically efficient bodies and steering-wheel-mounted controls to keep the driver’s focus on the road.
The Greek automotive collection also includes the legendary Enfield E8000, an electric car built in Syros in 1973, capable of reaching 80 km/h with a range of 130 km. Another rare gem is the Tzen Tonako, a Greek-made three-wheeler from 1980.
The Grand Finale: A Showcase of Speed and Luxury
The museum’s top floor is undoubtedly the most thrilling, featuring some of the most luxurious and high-performance cars ever built. Among them are:
- Lamborghini Espada (1970)
- Fiat Dino 206 Coupe
- Fiat Osca 1500 S Coupe
- Dino 308 GT4 (1974)
- Ferrari 308 GTS
- Maserati Mistral & Maserati Merak S5
- Ferrari 365 Berlinetta GT4
- Iso Rivolta Lele
Beyond its incredible collection, the Hellenic Motor Museum, managed by the Theodore and Joanna Charagionis Foundation, offers additional attractions. Visitors can enjoy a state-of-the-art Formula 1 simulator, a 3D projection theater, and a gift shop featuring miniature car models.
For anyone visiting Athens, this museum is a hidden gem that promises a fascinating and enjoyable experience. We certainly loved our visit and extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Kalliopi Gampieraki for her hospitality and assistance in exploring this extraordinary collection.
This is a free translation of an article originally written by Kostas Michaleas.
