MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Active-duty car enthusiasts seeking sleek metal, sparkling paint, thin black tires or old-fashioned cars can view more than 80 vehicles for a discounted price at the San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park.
The museum has a team in National City that restores and maintains the cars. It showcases different eras of vehicles, which are separated into several sections.
“The museum is awesome,” said Ben Rodriguez, an El Cajon native. “The variety of cars here is great. The way some of them look makes me think of vehicles my grandparents’ and parents’ generations would have driven.”
The museum displays dozens of motorcycles from the early 1900s through the present. Each slim black wheel, handle bar and headlight looks almost brand new. The vehicles range the entire color spectrum. Each bike has a description posted near it that describes its origin.
In addition, the museum also has 1930s Pathfinder vehicles made by the Motor Car Manufacturing Company. Each open-roofed car has bright-colored seats and shiny metal parts. The cars have old fashioned lantern lights and slim wheels.
The museum maintains the vehicles well and the paint of each car is very detailed, explained Susan Jones, an Oceanside native.
The museum also has several individual cars and vehicles that stand out from the sections.
First is a 1909 International Harvester “Model A Auto-Wagon,” which takes people back with its wagon appearance. The floorboards, wheels and other parts of the open-roofed vehicle are wood. The vehicle has lantern lights that complete the early 20th century appearance. The manufacturer only produced 4,500 of the models between 1907 and 1911.
Traveling further into the future is the 1960 Bizzarrini, a sporty-red car with round eyes and a sleek body. The steering wheel sits on the right side of the two-seater. Sitting behind the speed-demon is a 1990 Ferrari, which is also red. The boxy frame contrasts with the round figure of the Bizzarrini.
Another vehicle of interest is a Volkswagen van decorated in multiple colors and paintings. The blue background is contrasted with the bright yellow flowers that rise from the bottom of the van. The shiny van also has a matching blue and white surf board on top to complete the hippy-themed ensemble.
Aside from the vehicles, the museum also has a library for people to research automobiles.
“It’s a great place for anyone to visit,” said Jones. “Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, this place will still leave you in awe. The cars almost let you see into the past. It’s really a great thing.”
Whether searching for a dream car with a sleek body and trimmed wheels or just looking for a good time out in town, the San Diego Automobile Museum offers something for everyone.
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