Last weekend's trip to see "WUNDERCARS!" in Sacramento

Last Saturday, Little Dude and I headed to the California Auto Museum in Sacramento. We went to see the "Wundercars!" exhibit, which features German cars. The exhibit has 4 time periods (see above). It is Porsche right now. In a week or so it goes to focus on BMW (they will literally swap cars), then to Mercedes-Benz in late January. Finally, saving the best for last, Volkswagen (or Volkswagon as the above states!) is featured in March. Let's hope they fix the poster before then!

This was the first real, "Man's day out" that we had done together. I came armed with a camera, lunch snacks, a stroller, and several toys to provide distraction while driving.

Here is Little Dude in his 2010 Green Chariot:

The California Auto Museum is not big. Nor is it glamorous. But the impression it leaves is of someone that's trying really, really hard. Little Dude and I couldn't have enjoyed ourselves more.

We arrived at 9:45 - 15 minutes before open - and had some snacks (Oak did, I fed hm). And, when the doors opened, we had the place to ourselves. It was a good sign to see a bug sitting in the parking lot...

Right off the bat they have Linda Ronstadt's Porsche (there's a band name for you!). Why? Because this is the German car exhibit and we are in California. It has to start out weird!

This blue 1962 Porsche 365 Karmann Notchback was way cool. One of the best on the floor by far...



Is the car below an original? Who can tell with so many repos out there..

 

Below we have cars that need anti-freeze:

I've been overheard saying that the early 911/912 is the best designed car ever. I've said that about the 365 as well. But the above 911 is an absolute dream.

And, I must say, a 914 (below) never looked as good as it does when parked on the floor of a museum...

Again, knock-offs have ruined the Speedster (below) for me...

They had some lesser-known brands there as well. Below, a 1958 Zundapp Janus 250. Only 6900 built:

Now, this shocked me. I had always though the "Ampicar" was an American creature. I was wrong. 'Tis German.

Above, a 1966 Ghia represented the VWs very well...

That's a '65 bug. Note the Euro bumpers (US bumpers had the "towel bar")...

Okay, I was surprised to see our friend Bryan's bus in here. This bus attended Bus City 2010. And it was awesome at the time. But this bus cleaned up super well and looked fantastic under the lights. Well done, Bryan!

Above, a 1969 Opel GT from the bay area. I dig it.


Below. A 1958 Porsche 356. Please note: only paint your car like this if you actually have sponsors...

The photo below is courtesy of Little Dude. He would call it, "Fast Isetta" if he could only talk.

Here is my version. A 1958 BMW Isetta 300 from Sacramento.

I heart the BMW 2002 (below). This is a 1975 model. Wicked cool...

And, I found out I have no feelings for Mercedes at all...

The stroller didn't last long for Little Dude. He is just starting to walk. He moves between the quick pace of a wind-up toy to the slow pace of a confused snail. Here he is on the move...

We wandered into the non-exhibit side of the museum. You are supposed to go from old to new. Little Dude decided to go the opposite way...

First cool car was this awesome Celica ST. I think it was a 1977.

Below: A 1971 Star Streak Motorhome. Never heard of it? That's because one of them was made. Apparently a retired Air Force Colonel named Paul Jones decided to build this thing himself. And it is truly awesome. I wish I could have gone inside. It is built on a 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado. And it fits in the garage!

Here's Little Dude with an actually bike from the show C.H.I.P.s. Let's hope it was Erik Estrada's bike!

There was a '61 VW in the permanent collection. This was another local Sacramento car. Very nice shape (and a nice color, no?)

Below, a Studebaker Avanti. A mid-century fan's dream, I'll admit I like it...

On the way out (we saved the best for last!) is Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown's 1974 Plymouth Satellite.

In all it was a really good experience. Little Dude and I will be heading back for the BMWs. We may boycott the VW part of the show if they don't get the name correct. $8 entry ($7 with a AAA discount). Good stuff!