Shanghai confers award to U.S. car connoisseur
Don Williams, owner of Blackhaw Collection, is honored as museum partner.
Named after Shanghai’s official flower, the Magnolia Award was established in 1989 with the aim to honor non-Chinese citizens who contribute significantly to the development of Shanghai culture, society, economy and international relations. Williams was among 60 recipients to receive the award this year, and since its inception is the first to be recognized from the international classic car world.
Williams has been a key factor in the design, construction and contents of the Shanghai Auto Museum. The second floor of this four story eclectic masterpiece is named Blackhawk Pavilion and dedicated to Don Williams with the mission of providing cars to educate the public.
"I've been working for several years to bring significant cars to China so they can learn about history, and see what they have only been able to enjoy on television and in books," says Williams “We have provided cars for both the Pavilion level and the first-floor which houses the historical vehicles.
"People everywhere should be able to enjoy classic cars and learn about their history, and I am privileged to be a part of making this happen with our Shanghai Museum partnership,” continues Williams.
Shanghai Auto Museum, the first dedicated auto museum in China, is located in the Auto Expo Park of Shanghai International Automobile City. The museum displays around 70 vehicles from the Blackhawk Collection that showcase the evolution of the automobile. These cars cover 22 different brands.
Shanghai Auto Museum, completed on October 24, 2006 and opened to the public on Jan. 17th, 2007, has five pavilions: History Pavilion, Technology Pavilion, Brand Pavilion, Antique Car Pavilion and Temporary Exhibition Pavilion. There are still two floors to furnish before what Williams hopes will be a "global open house".
Williams has been a noted authority and car connoisseur for four decades. He specializes in the acquisition and sale of one-of-a-kind classic automobiles and sports & race cars. His California-based company, Blackhawk Collection, is one of the world’s leading classic car companies that provides services in the buying and selling of entire collections, and in assembling collections for enthusiasts, investors, corporate heads, celebrities, and royalty - and indulging in Williams’ particular passion, seeking out the rarest of all classics, one-of-a-kind or limited-production models from the pre-World War II “golden era” of cars. Over the years, more than 5,000 of the world’s rarest and most desirable classic automobiles have passed through the doors of the Blackhawk Collection.
For more information about Blackhawk Collection go to www.blackhawkcollection.com.
For more information on the Shanghai Auto Museum go to www.shautomuseum.gov.cn.
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