Summer Race Car Exhibit Features Historic Indy 500 Programs, Signed Models and Rare Memorabilia

    DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TX, July 12, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The DFW Elite Toy Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas, is a treasure trove of rare, unusual, exquisite, and historically significant objects spanning the entire era of modern transportation. Indy 500 fans will take special delight in this summer's special exhibition of items that celebrate America's greatest race. The exhibit features an impressive collection of Indy race programs from 1935 to the present.

The gem of the program collection is one from the 1958 race signed by many of drivers, the track owner and actress Shirley McClain, who presented the trophy to the winning driver. Indy fans will recall that year's race had a 15-car crash in its first lap. Several of the drivers whose signatures appear on the program were involved in the crash, including Pat O'Connor who died in the wreck. The accident and fatality resulted in roll bars being added to Indy cars.

The exhibit also contains a series of historic signed numbered Indy models made by artisan John Snowberger. Among these models is a Mario Andretti signed model of STP Oil Treatment Car #1, an A.J. Watson signed model of Indy Car #5 and a beautiful model of Agajanian Special #98 signed by Troy Ruttman, the driver who drove it to victory in the 1952 Indy 500.

In addition to the Indy memorabilia, the exhibit includes several one-off working large-scale models including several Jeron Quarter classic race cars and the world's only Jeron V-12 Ferrari model. "The Jeron models have been out of circulation since the company's bankruptcy in the 1990s. Those on display are among the world's most finely crafted working scale models," says Toy Museum Curator Rodney Ross, adding that the museum is interested in acquiring more rare Jeron models.

Small business marketing consultant, noted toy collector, and museum owner Ron Sturgeon, expects a large turnout for the summer exhibit. "Indy fans and fans of unique models will want to see the Indy models and programs," he observes. "The programs are a fun way to relive the most exciting parts of the last fifty years at Indy," said Sturgeon.

To see portions of the Fort Worth toy museum's collection online, visit http://www.dfwelitetoymuseum.com. The museum is open from 9 to 5 on weekdays and most Saturdays and by appointment. Admission is free and group tours are welcome. The museum accepts donations of rare and antique toys from those who wish to preserve toys and leave a legacy.

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