When Engineers Said Yes

A chance meeting, an unlikely collection, and a new Artomobilia experience unlike anything we’ve done before.

Some of the most interesting ideas at Artomobilia start the same way. A conversation. A shared curiosity. A quiet realization that something truly different might be possible.

That was the case when we first met Jeff Lane, founder of the Lane Motor Museum. Jeff has spent decades assembling one of the most extraordinary automotive collections in the world. Cars that are rare to the point of improbability. Vehicles that are electric, experimental, unconventional, and often baffling at first glance. Machines that exist because, at some point, an engineering team ignored convention and simply said yes.

The Lane Motor Museum is filled with cars that defy logic and reward curiosity. They are quirky, lovable, and unforgettable. Many were built not to win races or dominate markets, but to explore an idea. A better way. A different solution. A belief that progress comes from experimentation, not consensus.

Rather than simply display a selection of these remarkable cars at Artomobilia, we decided to try something new. Early in the morning, before the streets fill and before the show begins, these cars will come to life. A quiet parade through Midtown Carmel and the Arts & Design District. Moving sculptures. Rolling engineering thought experiments. A spectacle defined not by speed or sound, but by originality and intent.

This experience is only possible because of an introduction by Joe Molina, whose long-standing relationship with Jeff helped open the door to what comes next. It is also made possible by partners who believe that supporting culture, creativity, and curiosity matters.

We are currently crafting an entirely new Artomobilia experience built around this idea. One that celebrates the cars, the thinking behind them, and the rare individuals willing to back something truly different. More details will be shared soon, but the direction is clear. This is about honoring the art of saying yes.

Learn more about this new experience and how we’re working to make it possible by contacting John Leonard.