An unexpected masterclass in cars and science

After breakfast today, our group headed to the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars for what turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly engaging and educational stops of the trip so far. We were welcomed by Eddie Dauer, a humble yet discerning collector whose passion for classic automobiles—particularly Cadillacs—is matched only by the depth of knowledge behind every vehicle on display.

Eddie described himself simply as “just a teacher,” but that modest introduction quickly gave way to something far more compelling. The size, quality, and meticulous care of the collection told a much bigger story. And that’s what made the visit so memorable. The more we learned about the cars, the more we learned about the man behind them.

While he goes by Eddie, everyone on his team calls him “Doc”, and for good reason. Beyond being a world-class collector, Eddie is a leading radiologist whose work has helped design lifesaving aneurysm treatments using state-of-the-art stents, as well as innovative methods to reduce hospital-acquired infections. That blend of science, precision, and curiosity is reflected throughout the museum.

Every vehicle in the collection is extremely unique, lovingly restored to factory-original condition, and fully operational. Along the way, we encountered cars many of us had never seen and in some cases, never even heard of.

• 1956 Dodge La Femme: One of the first cars marketed specifically to women, the La Femme featured distinctive misty orchid and regal orchid styling and even came with matching accessories, including a purse, umbrella, and rain cape—an unmistakable snapshot of mid-century automotive marketing.

• 1949 Kaiser Vagabond: Ahead of its time, this three-door hatchback was designed for adventure. It came equipped with a sleeping bag and Coleman lantern, making it an early precursor to today’s recreational and overlanding vehicles.

• 1954 International R-140: A massive, rugged truck used in the Upper Midwest during the Cold War, including by crews constructing missile silos—an imposing reminder of both industrial capability and a tense moment in history.

As if the automotive history weren’t enough, the visit took an unexpected turn into science. Eddie gave us an impromptu lesson on the transmission electron microscope and even shared images of mitochondrial DNA, proof that learning at the Dauer Museum extends well beyond sheet metal and engines.

All in all, it was an extraordinary and deeply educational day made even better by the fact that it began almost by accident, sparked by Tom Kinney casually Googling something to do before our planned visit to Sergio Goldvarg’s museum. Sometimes the best experiences really do start on a whim.

(L-R Randy Rusk, Skip Johnson, museum founder Eddie Dauer, Karl Schnelle, John Kuvakas, and Tom Kinney)