Henri Malartre ran an automobile demolition company. His passion as a collector began in 1931 with an 1898 Rochet-Schneider. The vehicles he went on to collect form the basis of this museum, which the City of Lyon has housed in a 15C château. Of the 150 automobiles displayed, 50 models were built before 1914. Some of the exhibits, such as the Thieulin (1908), are unique. Over 50 motorcycles are also exhibited, as well as vehicles used for public transport.