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Jerry Smith has been collecting cars most of his life. Now he simply wants to share his passion with as many people as possible.
Smith and his wife, June, own Memory Lane Classic Car Museum, located beside the VIP Fieldstone 6 movie theater, midway between Young Harris and Hiawassee, Ga. The facility boasts 185 classic cars, as well as motorcycles and even a small plane.
Memory Lane will host a Class Car Show on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 at both the museum and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The event will include a variety of autographed memorabilia that will be raffled and auctioned off.
"Old cars are something I grew up with," Jerry said. "I love them. They bring back so many memories of good times in my life."
The museum features everything from a 1969 Torino GT "Richard Petty" Edition — one of only five ever produced — to a 1927 Moreland RR6 gas tanker truck. A concept car on the floor features a steering wheel located in the center of the dash. According to Smith, the vehicle was used in two of the Fast & Furious franchise movies.
When it comes to his own personal favorites, Smith is a bit more traditional.
"I like '57 Chevrolets, especially convertibles," he said. "I have more '57 Chevrolets than I probably need, but it's something I like."
The Smiths are local philanthropists who moved from Eatonton, Ga., where Jerry had another car museum. He eventually sold all but six of the 265 cars he had in that facility in favor of relocating to the North Georgia mountains.
Jerry couldn't shake his love of cars and in the summer of 2020 opened Memory Lane in its current location. In addition to its nearly 200 cars, the museum also offers a toy section filled with Matchbox cars, model car kits and more, as well as a diner that is expected to open in the future.
Adult admission to the museum is only $5 and children 12 and under get in free.
"I kept the price low because I want everybody to enjoy it," Smith said. "Most places charge fifteen to twenty dollars."
Smith said 100 percent of his admissions earnings are donated to local charities.
He purchases his cars from a variety of sources, including auctions and private individuals. These days, he spends much of his time fielding offers as opposed to pursuing vehicles himself.
"Once you get a name for yourself, people call you," he said. "I get five to 10 calls per day about cars."
The museum is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. Smith said those hours will likely expand during the summer.
Memory Lane is located at 1195 Jack Dayton Circle, Young Harris, Ga. 30582.