Michael Spezia

Michael Spezia, Former Exec. Dir. of Gilmore Car Museum

Michael Spezia is a respected leader in the classic automotive world, known for guiding one of America’s premier automobile museums through its most expansive chapter. From 2001 until his retirement in 2017, Michael served as Executive Director of the Gilmore Car Museum, where he oversaw transformative growth and helped shape its identity as North America’s largest auto museum.

Under his leadership, the museum became a 90-acre historic campus celebrating automotive heritage—not only through an extraordinary collection of over 400 vehicles, but also through immersive settings such as vintage car dealerships, a 1930s gas station, and a 1940s diner.

Michael’s career is defined by his passion for storytelling, his commitment to preserving history, and his belief that cars are as much about people as they are about machines. His influence can be seen in the way enthusiasts connect with the past and in how museums today approach the preservation of automotive culture.

We are honored to welcome Michael Spezia as a special guest at the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance, where his presence reflects the spirit of legacy, craftsmanship, and timeless design that the event celebrates.