GreatGarages
The collection assembled by Nicola Bulgari runs like no other.
Nicola Bulgari, the retired vice-chairman of the Italian luxury jewelry, watches and accessories brand, assembled a collection of 250–300 cars that are cared for in the United States and Italy. Approximately 180-plus cars are owned by and housed at The NB Center for American Automotive Heritage in Allentown, Pennsylvania, about an hour north of Philadelphia.
Approximately 40 percent of the collection are Buicks, Bulgari’s marque of choice. Sub-collections include limousines from 1930 to the start of World War II, American cars from the Vatican garage and survivor cars that have never been restored.
“We are an international operation dedicated to the preservation of American cars with a focus on the mid-market cars of the industry hey-day between the 1920s and early 1960s,” says Jed Rapoport, ambassador for The NB Center. Keith Flickinger is the curator and manager.
Stewardship, craftsmanship and education are the focuses of the collection. The NB Center, for example, has restoration shops where students work with professionals to learn the craft. The NB Center is also key in supporting students of
