NORWICH – A new exhibit at the Northeast Classic Car Museum entitled “Back to the 80s” will open to the public on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM. The new exhibit will be on display through April 2025. The museum changes out part of the more than 200 vehicles on display every year in celebration of the first exhibit opening twenty-seven (27) years ago, in 1997.

The new exhibit “Back to the 80s” features 24 vehicles from 1980 to 1989, including a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12. When you think back to the 80s cars, you think of the stainless-steel gull-winged sports car DeLorean, that became an instant symbol of the decade with its futuristic design. The roughly 6,500 remaining DeLoreans look as modern today as they did in 1981. The 1980s were a decade where the automobile makers had to make a significant shift from the 1970’s marketing to address the public’s demand for automobiles that addressed rising fuel prices, vehicle emissions and stricter safety regulations. Fuel efficiency, conservation and vehicle safety became critical considerations in the 80s for car buyers. In 1984 the minivan was introduced by Chrysler and it forever changed how the American family traveled.

Robert M. Jeffrey, Executive Director of the Northeast Classic Car Museum, stated “The 1980s were an era of major changes and innovation for the American automotive industry. Pop culture and advances in technology were major influences in the 1980s and it played a significant role in shaping how people viewed automobiles. Iconic movies like "Back to the Future" (1985) featured the DeLorean DMC-12 and television shows like "Knight Rider" (1982-1986) visually displayed to the viewing audience what cars could do with technological advancements.” Jeffrey stated “As the economy gained strength in the 80s, so did luxury cars, as automobile makers incorporated technological manufacturing advances that improved vehicle styling, safety, and technological features that added enhanced driving comfort in an effort to attract high end car buyers.”

The Northeast Classic Car Museum Exhibit Committee has been busy working hard the past year selecting cars for the new “Back to the 80s” exhibit and they have added cars in our Pre War and Post War Exhibits, which features some of the rarest cars and motorcycles in American History. Jeffrey added “There is a tremendous amount of thought and work required to present new exhibits and I want to thank all of our exhibitors, volunteers, supporters, staff and members of the NECCM Board of Trustees that have dedicated their time to make the Northeast Classic Car Museum the world class Museum it is today.”

The Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days per week. The Museum is on one level, wheelchair accessible and scooters are available. The museum is closed three days per year on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Easter Sunday. Admission is $15.00 for adults, $8.00 for children ages 6-18 years old, children under 6 years old are free.

For more information please visit our website at www.classiccarmuseum.org or call the Northeast Classic Car Museum at 607-334-2886.

– From the Northeast Classic Car Museum