Frequently Asked Questions

  • The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage is both a world-class collection and an active business serving the broader restoration community. Through our specialized services—engine rebuilding, custom machining, gauge restoration, and a classic car service and repair facility—we work with third-party clients while also maintaining nearly 300 vehicles of our own.

    Our collection focuses on the cars of everyday Americans—middle-market vehicles from the 1920s through the 1960s—ranging from untouched originals to fully restored drivers. Unlike a traditional museum, our cars aren’t static displays. We believe cars are meant to be driven, heard, and experienced, and every vehicle is kept in running condition, regularly exercised, and often displayed at events worldwide.

    With campuses in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and in Italy, The NB Center combines people, facilities, and philosophy on a scale unmatched in the automotive world—preserving history while building a future for young people pursuing careers in automotive restoration.

  • “NB” stands for Nicola Bulgari. Mr. Bulgari is our founder and visionary whose goal is to preserve and celebrate the technical and design achievements of the American automotive industry. His passion for American cars is the driving force behind the creation of The NB Center.

  • Our operations exist on both sides of the Atlantic. Our US location is in Allentown, Pennsylvania and our Italy locations are in Rome and Sarteano.

  • No. While many people casually refer to The NB Center as a museum, we proudly identify as an Automotive Heritage Center. The distinction matters—our collection is not static, but living.

    • A museum typically displays artifacts in a fixed setting, preserved primarily for observation and study. Visitors see history, but usually don’t experience it in motion.

    • An Automotive Heritage Center goes further. At The NB Center, every car is insured, registered, and maintained in driving condition. Vehicles are exercised regularly, ensuring they remain roadworthy and that their history can be experienced as it was originally intended—on the open road.

  • The 27-acre Allentown campus was initially completed in 2016. We celebrated this milestone by hosting the 50th anniversary meet of the Buick Club of America, where over 700 cars and their owners enjoyed the center’s facilities for the first time.

  • No, The NB Center is not staffed for open public hours. Limited tours for car clubs and other charitable groups are considered on an individual basis with advance notice. To learn more, click here.

  • We regularly exhibit our cars at events throughout the United States and Europe to share them with as many enthusiasts as possible. Follow our social media channels to learn about upcoming events. We also offer limited onsite tours to car clubs and other charitable groups. Have your group’s president or activities coordinator submit their information.

  • Beginning in late 2024, The NB Center announced the addition of “The NB Center Services” at the Allentown, PA location. The two primary services offered  are full machining and engine rebuilding services, and starting in 2025,  vintage gauge restoration through our acquisition of the John Wolf & Co, gauge restorations. We also offer a full whitebox photo cyclorama available for rent with or without a professional photographer suitable for taking studio photos of cars and trucks.

  • The majority of The NB Center collection includes American automobiles from the 1920’s to 1950’s. This was the period when the  American Automobile industry dominated the world market by producing technically advanced and well-designed cars for the average person. Examples include familiar manufacturers such as Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, and Ford. There are also several lesser-known American brands such as DeSoto, Nash, Hudson, Packard, Studebaker, etc.

  • The NB Center doesn’t actively solicit for vehicle donations or loans. However, if you have a unique vehicle that fits the theme of our vehicle collection you may reach out to us.

  • Currently, The NB Center does not offer public educational programs or workshops. However, we are exploring opportunities to develop educational programs in the future.

  • The NB Center does not have a membership program. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our social media channels for updates on future programs.