National Automobile Museum, Reno, NV

Reno, Nevada is home to many casinos although it isn't on the same scale as Las Vegas. Where Las Vegas is known as the "City that never sleeps'', Reno is called the "Biggest little city in the World''. This has a lot to do with the casinos, but Reno has other attributes. The weather isn't quite as hot because it is closer to the Sierras. Reno is in close proximity to Lake Tahoe where all kinds of recreation is available. Besides the casinos and natural beauty there are several attractions for families, vacationers and business travelers.

The National Automobile Museum of Reno is a great place to walk through history. Cars have changed since they were first invented and at the Museum visitors can watch this change. They have decorated the museum with streets that reflect the time period of the vehicles. Some of the cars were owned by famous people.

A Thomas Flyer, the first American made car to win the New York to Paris race in 1908 is on display. It was a 4 cylinder car with 60 H.P. and cost forty five hundred dollars. There is a Stutz Bearcat that was part of the Indianapolis 500 in the early days of the race.

Visitors can see the 1961 Roth's "Beatnik Bandit'', a sleek low slung topless two seater. The engine is exposed and the paint is customized. A 1912 Baker Electric V Special Extension Coupe owned by actor Andy Griffith resides at the museum and so does a 1914 Bugatti Type 40A Cabriolet. The familiar Jaguar hood ornament is there on a 1949 XK-120 Roadster.

A 1910 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer and 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom Cabriolet Deville are among the most desirable of cars. Little known car manufacturers have their classic and unique cars at the museum.

Celebrities like Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra and James Dean's personal autos are on display. Frank drove a 1961 Ghia L 6.4 Hardtop. Elvis Presley's 1973 Cadillac Eldorado Custom Coupe with its distinctive hood ornament makes it a very popular car at the museum. The bad boy of film James Dean drove a rather innocuous 1949 Mercury Series 9CM 6 passenger Coupe.

The National Automobile Museum is dedicated to helping students learn more about the automobile and the different eras that produced the cars. With this in mind they have school programs that can assist teachers with teaching history, science, social studies, visual arts, math and many other subjects. All of the exhibits reflect the time period of the car. There are also programs for adults and families.

There is a gift shop at the museum that is stocked with books for restoring vehicles, cookbooks and books that appeal to children. Clothing items for all ages are available. Car care products of the highest quality can also be found in the gift shop.

Even if some guests are not interested in cars they can't help but be fascinated with the various automobiles at the National Automobile Museum.