Toyota Automobile Museum – picture tour

The Toyota Automobile Museum is just one of the two museums we'll be presenting over the coming weeks as we wrap up our coverage from Japan.

TAM is located in Nagakute - just outside of Nagoya, Japan - and features a wide variety of cars not just from Toyota, but from a significant mix of other manufacturers from all over the world including such names as Alfa Romeo, the DeLorean Motor Company, Packard and Rolls Royce.

Art work and other automobile paraphernalia is also on display with my flying three-hour visit barely enough time to take it all in.

Upon arrival we were treated to an unexpected yet special display of an 1885 Benz Patent Motorwagon, a replica car built to the exact specifications of the genuine article from its original blueprints.

The Benz featured a 954 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that was started by hand from its large external fly wheel. Producing 0.5kW, the Benz engine featured an open crankcase with oil-dripping lubrication system (note the drip trays), evaporative carburettor and poppet valve exhaust.

The top speed of this example was said to be 15km/h, which judging from a distance, appeared conservative.

If you're a car true enthusiast, and just so happen to find yourself in Nagoya, set aside a day and take a wander around. It's a grand collection well worth the time of any motoring buff.

But just in case you can't make it over, a gallery of just some of the many highlights is featured below. Enjoy!