MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (AP) For Mike Fowler, a lifelong car enthusiast and resident of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, the allure of luxury automobiles has always been a source of fascination. He was aware, though only vaguely, of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Museum located near his childhood home in the suburbs of Harrisburg. However, he never anticipated the profound experience that awaited him when he began volunteering at the museum.

Within just thirty minutes of his first volunteer shift, Fowler found his hands covered in oil, a testament to the hands-on work he would engage in. Now, over a year later, he maintains a detailed list on his phone, filled with notes about the various cars in the museums impressive collection. This tool helps him properly start each vehicle or disconnect their batteries as necessary.

Fowler is part of a dedicated team of approximately 50 volunteers who convene at the museum twice a month. Their tasks are varied and essential, ranging from cleaning and maintaining to driving the fleet of exquisite vehicles. These cars, many designed with the intention of being chauffeur-driven, provide a rare glimpse into a lifestyle that most can only dream of experiencing. You take it out on the road, and you are transported to a different time, a different mentality, Fowler explained, reflecting on the unique sensation of driving such iconic automobiles.

New volunteers are paired with seasoned members for an initial year, ensuring they receive the appropriate guidance. Additionally, all newcomers must complete the museum's driving school, which starts with the more modern vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, thus providing a gentle introduction to the collection. Were very protective of the collection. Were its caretakers, and we take it very seriously, remarked Sarah Holibaugh, the museums head librarian and archivist. So you cant just come in off the street and start driving, she added, emphasizing the careful vetting process that maintains the integrity of the museum's offerings.

The Rolls-Royce and Bentley Museum, although not widely recognized, is home to 29 antique and collectible automobiles that date back to the late 1920s. Nestled amidst sprawling farm fields and a landscape dotted with nondescript industrial buildings, the museum is easily overlooked. Owned by the Rolls-Royce Foundation, the facility includes a showroom, a maintenance area, and a third room currently under renovation to become a library and reading room.

Fowler often wonders whether the local residents are aware of the foundations presence or if they frequently question, Why do we see these vintage Rolls-Royce and Bentleys roaming around from time to time? The museum's history traces back to Harrisburg in the 1960s when an owners club was established by Rolls-Royce amid large dealerships in New York and Washington. After a catastrophic flood caused by Hurricane Agnes devastated the original location in 1972, a businessman generously donated the Mechanicsburg property for a new facility. Now, the owners club, which boasts over 6,000 members across 26 countries, operates as a separate entity but collaborates closely with the museum.

Despite its rich offerings, the museum, which opened in 2004 and charges only $5 for admission, sees a mere 1,000 visitors annually. The clientele primarily comprises members of car clubs, groups of seniors, and students on scheduled school trips, requiring advance booking to ensure a visit.

Curiously, the museums automobiles have been featured in films, showcasing their cultural relevance. The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V from the museum graced the screen in last years Timothe Chalamet biopic about Bob Dylan, titled A Complete Unknown. Additionally, a 1959 Silver Cloud I made an appearance in Season 4 of the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Volunteers at the museum also dedicate their time to preserving and digitizing a comprehensive archive of ownership and service records for North America, covering the period from 1907 until 2004. This archive is particularly valuable, especially after Rolls-Royce and Bentley were acquired by BMW and Volkswagen, respectively. North American records can be accessed for a fee and serve as a significant revenue stream for the foundation. These records have even helped verify the ownership of cars outside the museum's collection, proving that they were once owned by notable figures such as famous director Alfred Hitchcock, actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

Interestingly, the foundations records have also dispelled myths concerning alleged previous ownership. For instance, volunteer Randy Churchill, a retired marketing professional from Boiling Springs, shared how they conclusively proved that a Rolls-Royce thought to belong to country singer Hank Williams Jr. was never actually his. They just thought they had a million-dollar gold mine on their hands, he recounted, noting the amusing side of the situation.

The vehicles in the museum's collection have a wide valuation rangefrom approximately $30,000 to about $120,000. Furthermore, a whiskey delivery truck that has been appraised at $320,000 has recently been donated and will soon be on display. While many Rolls-Royce models are still operational, and older models can sometimes be surprisingly affordable, maintaining them comes with its challenges. Volunteer Ron Deguffroy, a retired psychologist from Chambersburg, cautioned, The most expensive Rolls-Royce you will buy is a cheap one, highlighting the costly upkeep associated with these luxurious automobiles.