The Royal Automobile Museum showcases an eclectic array of cars and motorbikes, ranging from vintage vehicles to shiny modern racers. See them displayed alongside photographs and multimedia exhibits about the beloved king’s life and legacy. The museum will impress car experts and amateurs alike. The current king of Jordan, King Abdullah II, opened the museum in 2003 to honor his father, who passed away in 1999.
Stroll through the showrooms and take note of the replica of the Rolls Royce Model 40/50, one of the most fascinating pieces in the collection. Dating back to 1915, this boxy model was among the first cars ever driven in the Middle East. Soldiers drove these cars into the Great Arab Revolt. As there were no roads in the desert, soldiers had to build them as they went along.
Take a moment to appreciate the very special 1946 Humber Super Snipe. This beautiful model was used by King Abdullah I, King Hussein I’s grandfather, on his weekly trips to Jerusalem. This is the only car in the collection from the lifetime of King Abdullah I, who was assassinated in 1951 in Jerusalem.
Look for another very special piece, a unique Gullwing 300SL, one of the most coveted cars in the world. King Hussein I used the vehicle to win both the Rumman Hill Climb in 1955 and the Lebanese Hill Climb race in 1958. The car remained one of the king’s favorites throughout his life.
Not everything in the collections has four wheels. Find over 50 motorbikes on display, including a rare Harley-Davidson that dates back to 1916. One of the best-known pieces in the museum is a motorcycle that featured in the now-famous photograph of the king driving through the desert with his wife, Queen Noor, on the back.
Make your way to the final exhibit, which features a series of rally cars. The highlight of this section is the Martian rover used by Matt Damon in The Martian, a movie that was shot in the Wadi Rum desert.
The Royal Automobile Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Buy a ticket on site. The museum is free for children under 12 year of age.
