Classic Cars and Automobilia
Donate a Car to Audrain Automobile Museum
Donate your car to the Audrain Automobile Museum! Car donation is an easy way to preserve automotive history for car enthusiasts. Learn more about the process!
Audrain Automobile Museum’s Car Donation Program
The Audrain Automobile Museum’s mission is to Preserve, Celebrate and Share Automotive History. You are invited to help support this mission by donating your vehicle to the Audrain! Whether your donation is an important piece of automotive history, a classic car with the potential to become part of our collection, of an old car that is just on its last lap, your donation can help us preserve local history and help fund educational initiatives. There is special interest in developing exhibitions and programing that are connected to local Newport, Rhode Island, and Southern New England. At the Audrain, we know that a car is not just something to have in your life, it is something that becomes a part of your life, a part of your history. Consider giving your vehicle a new page in its history by donating it to the Audrain Museum today.
How to Donate a Car
Fill out the donation form online or by calling (401) 222-0332.
Please provide detailed condition information, history of the vehicle, and mention any documents that you may have related to the origin or ownership.
If your car is considered ‘classic’, ‘exotic’, or is of interest, one of our specialists or Museum staff will review your classic car donation and build a donation plan with you. Have no fear, if your car is not a Museum piece, we will still happily accept your donation in furtherance of our mission. We will still need some information about your car and where it will be picked up.
A towing agent will contact you within 2-3 business days to schedule a pick up time. Once your car is collected by the Audrain, further evaluation will be done.
After your car is sold or accepted into a collection, you will be emailed a tax receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What vehicles can be donated?
Answer: In addition to classic and antique cars, the Audrain accepts almost all running and non-running cars. Vehicles such as vans, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, RVs, trailers, planes, and heavy machinery are accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about a vehicle you’d like to donate, call us at (401) 222-0332.
Question: Can I donate my car to a non-profit museum?
Answer: YES! The car that has been in your family for generations, been recently purchased or maybe found in a barn may have an important story to tell about the manufacturer, the previous owner, or just inform the American Automobile Experience. We love helping donors understand the significance of their vehicle. If you have a vehicle that you are considering donating to a car museum, we can help.
Question: Are car donations displayed in the Audrain Automobile Museum?
Answer: YES! Over the years, the Audrain has been proud to display vehicles that have been borrowed from other collections or donated from private owners. Classic car donations to the Museum are evaluated on a case by case basis. If the vehicle is a missing piece of the museum or contributes to the automotive storytelling, it will be preserved and may undergo significant restoration. In some cases, classic, antique, and exotic car donations to the Museum may be sold to further Audrain’s mission and educational programs.
Question: What paperwork is needed to donate my car?
Answer: In most cases, a title or some proof of ownership is needed to donate your car to the museum. However, if you don’t have a title or it’s been lost over the years, we can help. Instructions on how to sign your Rhode Island title over to our vehicle processing agent, Advanced Remarketing Services, can be found here or you can call us at (401) 222-0332.
Question: How long will it take for my car to be picked up?
Answer: We will coordinate pickup with you depending on the special needs of the donor and the car. Once you submit the donation form, we will review the car for historical significance and transportation requirements. In most cases, our towing agent will call you within 2-3 business days to schedule a pick up time that works best for you.
Question: Will I receive a tax receipt?
Answer: YES! Within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle, you'll be emailed a tax receipt for your car donation. The type of tax documentation you receive will depend on how the car is used. If the vehicle is accepted into the collection, the tax deduction will be based on the fair market value of the vehicle. In many cases, this is the maximum tax deduction you can get for your vehicle. If the vehicle is being sold by or on behalf of the Museum, you’ll receive a tax deduction related to the sale value of the vehicle. Please consult with your tax advisor on the best way to claim your Audrain Automobile Museum car donation tax deduction.