Tbilisi AutoMuseum: A Soviet Automotive Time Capsule

Tbilisi AutoMuseum is a hidden gem for car enthusiasts and history buffs, offering a captivating journey back to the Soviet era. Founded by Georgian businessman Giorgi Mamulashvili, the museum boasts an impressive collection of meticulously restored vintage cars and motorcycles, primarily from the USSR. The museum's collection began with just 25 cars in 2014 and has steadily grown to feature over 50 cars and 10 motorcycles. Each vehicle has been lovingly restored using original factory parts, preserving its original appearance. Among the highlights are the GAZ-M1 (known as Emka) and the exceedingly rare GAZ-4 pickup truck, of which only around five remain worldwide. Visitors can also admire a 1978 Gaz-14 Chaika, once owned by Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgia's second president, and a 1977 Gaz-13 Chaika that belonged to the Patriarch of All Georgia. A black GAZ-M1, used by Lavrentiy Beria, Marshal of the Soviet Union, is also on display. The museum showcases a diverse range of vehicles, from the small, colorful Zaporozhets to the large ZIL models. Many of the cars were inspired by European and American designs, reflecting the Soviet Union's ambition to compete on every level. The museum provides an opportunity to learn about Soviet engineering, aerodynamics, and the history of each vehicle. Knowledgeable guides offer tours in English, Russian, and Georgian, sharing fascinating stories behind each car. For a more interactive experience, visitors can even rent one of the vintage cars and drive it through the streets of Tbilisi. Located in the Isani-Samgori district, the AutoMuseum is a short drive from East Point Shopping Mall. The museum also hosts school visits and serves as a backdrop for music videos and photoshoots.