Horn’s Cars of Yesterday, Sarasota, Florida 1950s

This authentic 1950s color photograph, captured in 1958, documents the miniature steam locomotive attraction at Horn’s Cars of Yesterday in Sarasota, Florida. The archival image features the “Horn’s Car Express,” a meticulously maintained small-scale train that transported visitors around the museum grounds. The background showcases the museum’s primary exhibition building, located on North Tamiami Trail near the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, which opened during the 1953-54 season. Founded by brothers Herbert and Bob Horn, the venue was a premier transportation museum of the era, famously housing over 70 rare and early automobile models along with unique mechanical curiosities like the world’s oldest steam motorcycle. Today, while the original Horn’s name has transitioned through various identities—including Bellm’s Cars and Music of Yesterday—the site continues to operate as the Sarasota Sarasota Sarasota Sarasota Car Museum, one of the oldest car museums in the United States. This factual record captures the whimsical roadside charm that defined Florida’s mid-century tourist golden age. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.