“I’ve been in the car business 40 years and these are the cars [like] I used to drive when I was a kid in the early ’60s,” said Boarman, 65.

Ten of the 12 antique cars he owns are displayed in the special showroom called Boarman’s Bel Air Showroom, 224 W. Main Street, in Shelbyville.

These vintage collectibles are polished and in perfect condition and are mostly used for viewing only, but each is driven occasionally.

The value of these cars is higher than many of today’s vehicles. But for Boarman, the thrill comes from the cars’ beauty and performance.

Boarman said he and his wife, Pam, take the cars out on a Sunday afternoon drive or an occasional trip.

“They’re a lot of fun to drive. People see you in these cars and they might not in a new Cadillac,” he said.

The collectibles showroom built in 2005 is on the property with one of the two Boarman auto dealerships in Shelbyville and is open during regular business hours. There is no admission fee. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

It features 7,200 square feet of showroom with a total glass front, with a black-and-white checkered floor and a 1960s replica jukebox. Three overhead glass doors allow for the cars to be taken out on an occasional drive. A service door allows visitors inside.

The showroom’s walls are lined with metal diecast antique model cars as well as clocks and lighted signs of the era.

All of the cars on display have low mileage, are completely restored to their original state or are in their original paint, and most were one-owner cars when Boarman found them.

“Body shop guys who come in here drool over these cars,” he said.

Many of the vehicles still have the original license plates that came on the car when he made the deal, which Boarman keeps for nostalgic purposes.

Duane Askins, a Shelbyville classic car enthusiast, said Boarman’s display is special.

“It’s pretty unique to have all those old Chevrolets in such good condition. Bob is a rare guy to be able to do that,” said Askins. “It takes a lot of time and effort and he has a great love for cars — especially Chevrolets,” he said.