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The Royal Automobile Museum
A Jordanian Treat
by Robert Painter
The vehicles are displayed in a chronological order that allows you to walk
through the museum and walk through Jordan’s history at the same time. The
displays are embellished with photos from the times that the autos were used by
the King. You see the cars in pristine condition, you view the
photographic history surrounding each one and gain a feeling for the time and
events surrounding each one.
Can I tell you about my favorite car in the museum? Ever since I was a little
kid in a small town in Florida I have been crazy about sports cars – foreign
ones. I never developed a taste for Thunderbirds (were they really sports
cars?) or Corvettes. When I was in about the 8th grade we lived in a house right
alongside the main street in town – East Broadway – that also happened to be one
of the main highways on the way to Sebring, Florida. Beginning a few weeks
before the main event there would be a steady stream of exotic cars passing my
front door every day. These were cars that were seen only once a year and then
only in passing. Fortunately, I lived in a school zone so they passed by fairly
slowly and I got a really good look. Never before had I seen Jaguars, Mercedes,
Ferraris, MG’s, Morgans, Bugattis, and . . . you name it – they passed my
house only feet from by stupefied stare. I fell in love with these autos.
I was too young to own one. I had learned to drive when I was about 10,
but didn’t get my first car till I was almost 20. The 12 Hours of Sebring
was the start of a life-long passion.
Just a couple of facts about the Bugatti . How about 0-60 in 2.6
seconds? Would you believe 16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders? The top
speed is over 250 mph, but could go faster. It has a speed limiter to keep from
damaging the tires. You guessed it – it’s a gas hog. But for somewhere between
1.5 and 2 million dollars you could have one in your garage – don’t leave it in
the driveway. I got so excited about the Bugatti I forgot to ask why it was even in the
museum. But, that’s alright. It can be your first question when you get
there.
If you want to plan a really special event, the museum is ready to
accommodate you with meeting space, catering, dining outside on the terrace or
inside among the auto collection. But, classical music only, please. One last thought. Yesterday I heard on the radio that a recent study
showed that women were more likely to find a man attractive if he was seen
driving a really nice car. Of course, men don’t think like that at all.
I wonder - would women really be impressed if they saw me driving the 1.7
million dollar Bugatti? Guess I’ll never know.
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In the city
of Amman, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, there is a spectacular automobile
museum. The museum stems from King Hussein’s passion for and collection of
cars and motorcycles.
In reality
the museum is as much one of Jordan’s history as it is a museum of King
Hussein’s automobiles. His Majesty had a great love of these vehicles and
they are presented in the museum as a timeline of historical facts in the life
of the king and the modern history of Jordan beginning in the twenties. 
The first
car you see is a stunning 1916 Cadillac. King Hussein’s coronation car was
a beautiful Lincoln Capri Convertible, a 1952 model. He frequently used a 1949
Buick Roadmaster Convertible Coupe for travel to remote regions of the Kingdom.
Have you
ever heard of a Ford Pilot? The collection includes the 1950 model that the King
used for his driving lessons at the age of 15. You’ll also find a 1961
Lincoln Continental Convertible that King Abdullah II used for his wedding, and
later for his coronation. And wait till you see the fabulous 1940 Packard
Super 8 Convertible Coupe – a giant size two door classic. 
Are you
starting to think that all the cars here are large, clunky American models?
Don’t worry, there are plenty more. The official function car of the early
1960’s was a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300d Cabriolet and there is an enormous MB 600
LWB “Pullman” with over the rear wheels mounted steel platforms for guards to
stand while driving through crowds. And what Mercedes collection would be
complete without a 300 SL Gullwing. This 1955 model might just be the car of
your dreams. Or, maybe you’d prefer the 1975 Aston Martin. 
I looked for
a Jaguar XK150S hoping to relive a dream from my earlier years. Unfortunately,
it wasn’t to be found. Mine was totaled in the Arizona desert many years ago.
In talking
with Mr. Raja Gargour, the director of the Royal Automobile Museum, I discovered
his passion for the autos as well. We spoke of King Hussein’s love of racing and
his abilities as a driver. At a time when “carting” was popular the King
excelled at the sport. It seems he loved speed, whether it be go-carts,
sports cars or motorcycles. The 1989 Porsche 959 was a favorite racer.
And, he held records in hill-climbs as well. He was not just a dilettante with a
taste for expensive autos. He even raced the MB Gullwing in the first Rumman
Hill-Climb in Jordan – and won. 
You may
recognize the names Panther, Zimmer and Excalibur. You’ll find one of each
of these limited production cars in the museum. And look for a Range Rover, a
flock of BMW’s and even an Amphicar. Of course Lotus, Ferrari and AC are here.
Did I mention Rolls Royce?
No, I
haven’t forgotten what I was going to tell you. My favorite car in the
museum was a car that was not owned by King Hussein. I saw this fantastic
automobile and had the same kind of feeling that I
had the first time I saw a Bugatti up close in Sebring. The feeling – How
about “I want it and I’ll give you anything I have for it?” This was not one of
the absolutely beautiful, pristine classic cars of the museum collection. The
car of my now current dreams is a Bugatti alright, but not a venerable classic.
The car is a Bugatti Veyron – look at the photo!
There are a
lot more autos here that I’ll let you discover for yourself. And
motorcycles, too. The museum’s website does not include all the vehicles
so you’ll just have to check out this spectacular collection for yourself. 
When You Go: