Moriarty, NM

Today we decided to take a day off from driving and rest and pencil in the balance of our stops for Route 66. We know where Route 66 is but we weren't sure where we wanted to stop for the balance of our nights. We did drive a short distance to the Lewis Antique Car and Toy Museum, which, believe it or not, is famous around the world. As we signed his guest book, the previous 2 pages indicated visitors from Germany, Australia, Japan, China and many more.

We had the privilege of visiting with Archie Lewis, who says he is 81 years old. He was an absolute treat to visit with. He is a Cherokee Indian and is full of life, memories and stories. He told us that he bought his first vehicle at the age of 9. It was a Ford Model T Roadster pick-up that had a saw connected to the drive train somehow. He paid $40 for the truck and while driving the truck home some 40 miles, someone offered him $20 for the saw. He sold the saw so amounted to a $20 vehicle purchase. He still owns the Model T Roadster truck. He earned money for the truck selling newspapers.

He told story after story about the many vehicles he has owned. He used to restore cars in Albuquerque for 45 years and the City began giving him a rough time regarding the condition of some of his vehicles; someone (Jerry Unser) came along and offered him a fair price for his property. Jerry Unser along with his sons are racing legends. The old shop was demolished and new buildings constructed. That site now serves as the Unser Racing Car Museum. Archie says it took him 9 months to relocate to his new location in Moriarty, NM. I can't see how he completed the move in that short of time. Archie tells of the many cars he has built, some of which were raced in the Indianapolis 500. He told of cars he once owned and traded, one of which was a triple window Lincoln. He traded it for three 1939 Cadillacs and regrets that he did. He still has the three 1939 Cadillacs and says that those are the only items in his collection that he would think of selling. Meet Archie, cowboy hat, piercing eyes, braided pony tail and all:

We just had the best time listening to him. He starts his indoor cars occasionally and rides a few in local parades from time to time. Now meet some of his cars:

Many of his vehicles have been used in movies, however, he has stopped renting his cars to Hollywood because they didn't take care of them. 

I asked Archie if he ever sells any of his vehicles and he emphatically stated that he does not, except for the 1939 Cadillacs. As we were visiting, someone walked up and asked if Archie had any car parts he would sell, Archie let the man know that he does not sell anything. Archie retains a memory and a passion for every vehicle he owns. When I told him we wanted to take a look at his outside collection he readily consented and told us there were 700 of them. I thought he was kidding as we didn't know he had so much land behind the museum. Meet some of the other cars and trucks:

Though the 700 vehicles are in varying condition, Archie states that he will not sell because how would he ever find another one to buy. A truly passionate collector.

We have now completed the end of our second week. We have met so many fascinating people and found such interesting places. This wonderful road has led us to them all. Yes, The long and winding road...We look  forward with great anticipation to that which lies ahead!