A new series of exhibits awaits visitors at Țiriac Collection

Starting April 4th, the Țiriac Collection, the first private car gallery open to the public in Romania, will welcome visitors with new models produced between 1908 and 1976. The collection will be expanded with 14 new models and 7 additional brands – Renault, Cretors, BMW, Bugatti, Allard, Saab, and Porsche – along with new exhibits from brands already present in the gallery, such as Citroën, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini.

The Bugatti Type 57 Coach Ventoux (1938) on display is one of the last ten units ever produced of this model. With 135 horsepower, the car was showcased during demonstrations at the 1938 Paris Motor Show at the Grand Palais.

Only 83 units of the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A were produced, and one of them is featured at the Țiriac Collection. Boasting 115 horsepower, this particular unit was previously acquired at an auction by representatives of the Ecclestone Collection. Notably, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Jack Warner, co-founder of Warner Brothers Studios, also drove similar models.

Joining the Mercedes-Benz lineup is the 130 (W23) 2-Door Saloon (1934), previously owned by the Mercedes-Benz Museum. This model reflects the design influences of Ferdinand Porsche, who oversaw design and production during that period. Porsche’s name is also linked to another new exhibit at the Țiriac Collection – a Porsche Diesel Super S308 Tractor, produced in 1958. This model features a three-cylinder engine delivering 38 horsepower.

The gallery also includes the first model ever launched by BMW. The BMW Dixi (1928), on display at the Țiriac Collection, has 15 horsepower, a top speed of 76 km/h, and a body designed by brothers Rudolf and Fritz Ihle.

The Cretors Model D Popcorn Wagon, produced in 1926, was created by Charles Cretors. This steam-powered machine could roast peanuts and coffee, as well as prepare popcorn and roasted chestnuts. As a fully mechanized unit, it provided high-quality products while also serving as a form of entertainment for customers. The unit displayed at the Țiriac Collection was originally purchased by Robert Holmes from Wisconsin for $2,200.

Renault is represented by two models in the gallery. The Renault AX Phaeton, produced in 1908, was first showcased at the 1908 London Motor Show. Also known as the "deux-pattes," this car gained popularity at the time as Renault’s first economic model. The second exhibit, the Renault Viva Grand Cabriolet BCX3 (1938), comes from the collection of Jean Rédélé, the creator of Renault Alpine.

The Ford lineup is enhanced by the Ford F-100, with 170 horsepower, which achieved significant sales success in the United States and Canada. A similar model appeared in the 1966 film The Chase, starring Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, and Robert Redford.

Two Citroën models are included in the collection. The Citroën SM is a high-performance coupé produced between 1970 and 1975. It placed third in the 1971 European Car of the Year competition, following the Citroën GS, and won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 1972 in the United States. The Citroën 15 Six D (1952), with 75 horsepower, was featured in a scene from the 2007 film Savage Grace, starring Julianne Moore.

The final model added to the gallery, the Lamborghini Urraco P300, with 265 horsepower, is a perfect addition to any collection and represents the production year of 1976. Fans of the Top Gear TV show may recognize this model as James May’s choice in a 2005 episode, where the three hosts were given £10,000 each to purchase a high-speed car.

The Țiriac Collection gallery was inaugurated in November of the previous year and currently features over 70 impressive vehicle and motorcycle models, dating back to 1899. Visitors will find more than 30 renowned automotive and motorcycle brands, including Jaguar, Bentley, Jensen, Lancia, Pontiac, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Maserati, Aston Martin, Harley Davidson, and Indian Scout.

As of March, the gallery is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Admission is 15 lei. Children aged 6 and under have free access, while students visiting individually, as well as university students and retirees, receive a 50% discount on tickets upon presentation of valid identification. Funds raised from ticket sales are used to support charitable projects.