Human ‘hood ornaments’ a must-see exhibit

"Sirens of Chrome" will be on exhibit at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento through Sept. 25. The focus of this exhibit isn't simply sheet metal; it's on the distinctly human presence that makes the auto show unique; the models.

These human hood ornaments are descendants of the Sirens of ancient Greek lore. They seek not to dash ships upon rocks, but to entice the purchase of land-worthy ships to sail the highways and byways of America. "Sirens of Chrome" is a traveling exhibit put together by the Detroit Public Library's National Automotive History Collection along with Margery Krevsky, owner and CEO of Productions Plus Talent Management Agency and the author of a book of the same title.

This exhibit will include dozens of photographs capturing decades of hot vehicles and models, as well as vintage fashions worn by the models, and some of the unique vehicles they promoted. Discover whose body inspired the famous Rolls-Royce hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy, or sit in a rumble seat with 1930s silver-screen goddess Joan Blondell. Seek out the over-the-top opulence of the Somali leopard pelt-upholstered 1950 Cadillac Debutante, sing along with Dinah Shore while you "See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet," or shake your head in wonder at the fur bikini-clad model atop a Soviet-built Lada.

From turn-of-the-century goddesses and 1950s sex symbols to the sleek sophistication of today's highly trained product specialists, "Sirens of Chrome" will take visitors back in time and drive them forward combining the fashion, models and automobiles in this unique display.

For more information, call 916-442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.

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