The Blackhawk Museum (founded 1988) is a museum in Blackhawk, California, best known for its significant collection of classic cars.
The museum houses about ninety classic cars. It also houses a display showcasing the work of the Wheelchair Foundation. The facility is located within the Blackhawk Plaza outdoor shopping mall. The museum is an affiliate through the Smithsonian Affiliations program.
The museum was founded by local real estate developer Ken Behring; it was originally known as the Behring Auto Museum, and later, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum.
One of the museum's most unusual features is a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C made entirely of tulipwood. It also houses a 1962 John F. Kennedy limousine and a Chinese Hongqi, as well as two vehicles designed to suit the Maharajah.
The cars are shunted back and forth between the Blackhawk/Behring Auto Museum, and the private Blackhawk Collection. By allying with the University of California, the business is able to realize considerable tax breaks, while tax-paying adult viewers of the Museum must pay $10 per person admission price.
First Floor[]
The first floor usually features classic European sports and touring cars such as those from Ferrari or Aston Martin, but has also featured conventional American classic cars such as the Chevrolet Bel Air and classic race cars like the Ford GT40 or cars from the IMSA GT Championship.
Second Floor[]
The second floor merely provides a lounge area with cushoned couches and chairs.
Third Floor[]
The third floor usually features priceless antique automobiles from before World War II. The aforementioned Hispano Suiza is on this floor.
Other Locations[]
- The courtyard in front of the entryway will occasionally have vehicles exhibited.
- Two automobiles are often featured before the check-in booth.
Rotation[]
The vehicles are often rotated to make the showcase more attractive and to reflect new exhibitions. Some vehicles are removed from the first floor to make room for banquets and meetings.