CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Throttle is gearing up to open its new vintage car and motorcycle museum, a space filled with classic vehicles and decades of automotive history.
The showroom, located on a hill off Wilma Rudolph Boulevard near Trane, features rows of restored cars and bikes, many of them for sale. There will be an antique shop inside where visitors can purchase memorabilia while exploring the exhibits. The space also includes a shop where mechanical work can be done.
Owner Billy Rae’s passion for his collection and his desire to share it with the community inspired the museum, according to General Manager David Gordon. “He wanted to share it with the community,” Gordon said. “He wanted to create a destination in Clarksville for the classic car community, where everybody can come together. And not just classic cars – for the motorcycle community as well.”
He added that the museum’s collection extends far beyond what is on display, with more than 150 vehicles stored offsite and new additions still being sought out.
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Once the museum opens, visitors will be able to schedule “self-guided tours” to explore at their own pace. Gordon said most of the cars and some of the motorcycles will be available for purchase, and people can schedule test rides for the vehicles that are for sale.
Clarksville Throttle also offers a consignment program for people looking to sell their vehicles. The program handles marketing, showings, paperwork and secure payment, allowing sellers to avoid time-consuming meetups while staying in control of their price.
Community events, plans for growth
The team has already begun connecting with local car clubs, Gordon said. Riders Against Dangerous Driving’s motorcycle safety event, previously held at the Clarksville Regional Airport, will move its show to the museum. Bikers Who Care will also host events there, and the shop plans to participate in other car and bike shows throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Gordon said they plan to offer season passes for visitors who want to return throughout the year. Future additions may include a small restaurant, and they are considering an expansion on the grass area out front – a “two-story building that would house all the cars that would be for sale,” while the museum keeps the non-sale collection.
Gordon said he anticipates opening the museum in a few weeks. “I know everybody’s eager, just from the messages and phone calls I get,” he said. “There’s a lot of people ready to storm the doors on us. But just be patient, we’re getting there as fast as we can.”
Their hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with plans to expand to add weekend hours. They are at 181 Stone Container Drive, and can be reached through their website or at 931-542-2012.
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