Car dealer working since 1960 paid $1 million to put steam train in his home so he’d never have to drive to work
- A car dealer paid $1 million for a replica steam train
- The train was added to his museum and dealership
- It is a replica of the famous Jupiter locomotive built in the 1860s
Published on May 01, 2025 at 1:54 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on May 01, 2025 at 9:25 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
A car dealer working since the 1960s paid $1 million to have a steam train put into his home, and he never drove to work.
Greg Grams – the current patriarch of the Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois – began selling cars in the 1960s after a local man made an offer for one of their own and started his journey as a dealer.
That led to a six-decade career in wheeling and dealing, creating a successful family business that has also become a museum.
It eventually led to an entire replica steam train being shipped to Illinois and put on permanent display at what is now a 94-acre theme park.
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The replica steam train has historic significance
The steam train at the car museum isn’t just any old steam train, it’s one of the most important in American history.
It is a replica of Jupiter, a Central Pacific Railroad steam engine.
It was originally built in 1868 by the Schenectady Locomotive Works of New York.
Jupiter was one of the locomotives that unified the Wild West and the East Coast at the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory Summit, Utah.
This ceremony marked the occasion of the first transcontinental railroad.
Grams paid $1 million to get the replica train to where it is at the Volo Museum.
It certainly ensures the museum stands out.
Grams has never had to drive to work
Grams has never had to drive to work in his life, thanks to his business being right on his doorstep.
What began as just a few cars sitting outside on the gravel expanded into the massive site we see today.
Along with his brother Williams, the pair turned it into a theme park and museum.
Now, three generations of the family run the business.
Grams showed off the business to YouTuber Lou Costabile, giving him a tour of their incredible location.
There is still an element of selling cars to the Velo museum.
But Grams and his family are focusing on displaying America’s automotive heritage.
The sight of old Cadillacs, Buicks, and Fords parked next to a replica steam train is an interesting one.
But it is one of the reasons why this is such a great place to visit.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
