The Nicolini Museum: a fascinating journey through Peru's automotive history.

The story of the Nicolini Museum, directed by Jorge Nicolini, is a fascinating tale that intertwines a passion for automobiles with the collective memory of a country. From his earliest memories, Nicolini has been surrounded by vehicles. His childhood, shaped by the influence of his father and uncle, who represented iconic brands like Packard and Mack, laid the foundation for a love of racing and engines that endures to this day. In 1962, his life took a turn when, after spotting a 1925 Lincoln on Av. Argentina, he decided to embark on a financial adventure. With a loan from his mother, he purchased the car for nearly S/. 2,000. This was just the beginning of his journey into the world of antique cars. With dedication and hard work, Nicolini restored his first Ford Model T, an effort that was rewarded when he won a contest organized by Ford itself, allowing him to sell his Taunus and Mustang Shelby to expand his collection. The creation of the Nicolini Museum was not an easy path. During the years of military government and terrorism in Peru, the idea of opening a museum seemed distant. However, his love for automotive history drove him to continue with his collection. Finally, in 2002, Nicolini was able to bring his project to life, inaugurating a museum that houses 64 classic vehicles, each with its own story. The museum is not only a refuge for antique cars but also a tribute to a time and a lifestyle. Among the standout models, the 1901 Boyer and a presidential Cadillac used by Peruvian presidents such as Odría and Belaunde stand as witnesses to the evolution of the automotive industry in the country. Some of his unique cars, like the 1915 Wanderer and the 1936 Pierce Arrow, are almost irreplaceable pieces that delight visitors. One of the most intriguing sections of the museum is the mini cars from the 1960s. Models like the Mazda R360 and the Fiat 500, with their unconventional door-opening systems, showcase the innovation and creativity that characterized the automotive industry of the time. The story of the Fiat 500, which features doors that open in reverse, serves as a reminder of how necessity drives innovation. Cars from the 1940s, such as the Ford Super Deluxe and the Woody, also find their place in the collection. Manufactured during a period when iron shortages led manufacturers to use wood, these vehicles are a clear example of how circumstances can shape the industry. Each of these models tells its own story, and their preservation is a tribute to human ingenuity. The museum also houses military vehicles such as the 1946 Willys Jeep, which recalls wartime. Although its power may seem low compared to modern standards, its historical relevance and robustness are undeniable. The history of the automobile is also a story of resilience and adaptation, and Nicolini has managed to capture that in his collection. Another fascinating aspect of the museum is the inclusion of high-powered vehicles, such as the 1963 Cadillac Sedan de Ville and the 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe. Both, with V8 engines exceeding 300 hp, are representatives of an era where design and power were in perfect harmony. These cars were not only popular in their time but continue to be icons in contemporary popular culture, appearing in movies and series. The tour culminates with the K-2 Sport from the British company Allard, a rare specimen that underscores the uniqueness of Nicolini's collection. With only 21 units produced, of which three made it to South America, the K-2 represents not just a vehicle but a piece of history that has traveled through time and space. In summary, the Nicolini Museum is much more than a simple exhibition of antique cars; it is a journey through the automotive history of Peru and the world. With over 130 models, each vehicle has a narrative to tell, and the invitation to citizens is clear: visit the museum to explore, learn, and connect with the legacy of an era that, although distant, remains alive in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts.