by Geets Vincent

any women don't relish accompanying the men in their lives to automobile showrooms just for the sake of sizing up new models or to kick a few tires. Some wives and girl friends are dedicated fans and enjoy the noise, dust and sunburn found at a race car meet, but that's not usually rated highly for a romantic outing. On the other hand, most men aren't eager to stroll through musty museums or antique stores in search of a passionate mutual interest with their loved ones.

Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce — the names themselves are full of glamour and history.

Ah, but automotive art is another matter! It can be a subject to entrance men, women and also children. A trip 45 minutes southeast of San Francisco, San Jose and environs to Danville, California, home of the Blackhawk Auto Museum, will please nearly everyone. Now celebrating its first decade as a major destination, this institution attracts aficionados of the many historically and technically best among the world's famous motorized vehicles. Others interested in design, craftsmanship and mechanical detail are lured by the outstanding exhibits. Historians are entranced by society's changes these kings of the road reflect and they cherish the aesthetic beauty these marvelous machines reveal. Still others get a thrill seeing automobiles once owned by famous folks such as Clark Gable, Howard Hughes, and Jay Leno.

The museum building that houses four exhibition galleries itself offers an impressive entrance and welcoming sight. The Blackhawk Auto Museum features a 69 foot tall atrium lobby and polished Italian granite dazzles as does the German skylights and glass. In the elegant galleries that occupy nearly 70,000 square feet, some 90 cars - many of which are one-of-a-kind - are grandly displayed, earning the reputation that this is a world-class museum. It is also affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. The changing exhibits present works of art in the form of some of the world's finest automobiles. Also appealing to a host of interests, a reference library, gift shop and catering kitchen are all on view. Yearly, more than 250 special events are held in these elegant surrounding

Many names and designs are familiar; others are new to some visitors: Lamborghini, Bugatis, Ferrari, Bentley, Delahaye, Bristol, Daimier, Rolls Royce - the names themselves are full of glamor and history. Interested in a car's creation date? Want to learn racing pedigrees? Does the whole concept of "streamlined" thrill you?

Blackhawk's director of marketing and communications, Lawrence Magnus, says: "These rolling sculptures are the Picassos and Rembrandts of the times; they are original documented works of art exhibited for public enjoyment and educational enrichment."

Blackhawk Auto Museum: tel. 925-736-2277; www.blackhawkmuseum.org.

Geets vincent is a freelance travel writer based in Santa Rosa, California.

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