Origins and Foundation

The collection was founded by Salvador Claret i Naspleda and Pilar Sargatal i Esgleies. It all began in the late 1950s with the acquisition and restoration of a 1923 Ford Model T. The success in participating in the first Barcelona-Sitges Rally (1959) prompted the purchase of emblematic vehicles such as Hispano Suiza, Rolls Royce and Fiat.

In 2024, the Claret Sargatal Foundation was established to guarantee the continuity of the collection.

Particularities of the Museum

On display in Sils since 1965, it is considered the first automobile museum in Spain. It is a family-friendly collection and the only one of this theme open to the public daily throughout the country.

It is part of the museum system of the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalunya (MNACTEC), acting as its automotive branch.

Collection Content

It has more than 350 vehicles on display, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aviation equipment and stationary engines. It has unique pieces in the world and vehicles that belonged to personalities such as Pablo Picasso and paintings by artists such as Salvador Dalí.

The collection includes a specialized library with more than 4,000 volumes and an archive of 20,000 catalogs and original documentation from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Museum spaces

The exhibition is divided into five main rooms:

• Room 1 (Welcome): Exhibition of diversity with bicycles, velocities and rally and raid vehicles.
• Room 2 (Motorcycles): Dedicated to competition, with brands such as Bultaco, Montesa and OSSA.
• Room 3 (Bodyworks): Focused on the exclusive design of body builders such as Bugatti or Bertone.
• Room 4 (Technical): Review of the origins (steam, electric, gasoline) and prestigious brands such as Rolls Royce.
• Spanish Automotive Hall: The most important exponent, with vehicles manufactured in Spain such as Hispano Suiza, Pegaso Z102 or Biscuter.

Every year, the foundation celebrates the Sils Car and Antique Motorcycle Fair , the most important collectible automotive event in southern Europe.