Our Story
Motorheads is located along Route 66 in a building originally owned by the Stuckey's Corporation. The original building was built in 1970 during the same time that Route 66 was being rebuilt as Interstate 55. In 2016, after many years of falling into disrepair, Ron and Pat Metzger purchased the building and the 4 acres adjoining the property. The building that was scheduled to be demolished. Ron, a "collector" with a love for car memorabilia along with Springfield, IL nostalgia, had a vision. He made it his mission to save the building to create a place for others who shared his passion. He wanted to display his rare collections while patrons enjoyed great food, drinks, service, live entertainment and car/bike shows. After 2 years of major renovations, Motorheads opened the doors in June 2018. Stepping inside the 15,000 square foot building you will see the 18 beer taps beautifully mounted on the rear ends of vintage cars that once drove the route. Parked in the rafters on the east side of the building is Ron's personalized 1969 Chevy Camaro. Through out the buildings you will find pictures, signs, artifacts, and a 100 foot long bar, topped with pictures of Springfield, IL landmarks. A few examples of the nostalgic signs are from Bandy Chevrolet, Tops Big Boy and the original Den Chili Store signs. Local racing celebrities including NHRA funny car driver Tim Wilkerson, NASCAR driver Justin Allgaier, and Indy Car driver Donnie Beechler have their driving uniforms on display. Adjacent to the main restaurant is the Texaco faced museum that houses Bill Shea's Museum collection that includes a 1915 Ford Race Car, and it is still in full running condition. This car once ruled the dirt tracks of central Illinois from the 1910's to 1930's. As seen from miles away on Interstate 55, is the Worlds Largest Route 66 Emblem held in place by BIG RON himself! A custom road sign Ron dreamed up to stand on top of the original Stucky sign poles. Then there is the Motordome. A 8,000 square foot Four Season Entertainment Complex, complete with the largest indoor video board from Chicago to St. Louis. Whether you are enjoying a race, watching the big game or enjoying live entertainment, you will not be able to miss the floor to ceiling nostalgia. Reworked original neon signs from Sunrise Donuts, Bombay Bicycle Club and Abe Lincoln Motel cover the walls. Motorheads has been toured by over 30 different countries from around the globe. Visitors and media from Japan, Australia, China, Germany and many other European countries have taken a piece of Springfield, IL history back home. Motorheads has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post and The St. Louis Dispatch. There is one thing for certain about Motorheads, nothing ever stays the same, so stay tuned to see what is next. Thank you for visiting us today, it is a BIG DEAL that you are here!
Sincerely,
Ron and Pat Metzger