“Yep ... Shiny.”

Have you ever actually had to wipe drool from your mouth after admiring the curves or fins of old cars? Then The Golden Era of American Auto Design is the summer event for you. The private collection of Dunn County agribusiness leader Russell Doane features cars that would make anyone’s mouth water. A 1942 Buick Roadmaster convertible is one of only two believed remaining in the world. The 1949 Buick Roadmaster is one of only about 2,500 models manufactured. Entering the hardtop era, the 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Capri is a “pseudo hardtop.” The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II was designed to draw attention. The two 1960 cars, the Electra 225 and Cadillac Fleetwood, are in their original conditions. Lastly, a black 1952 Buick Super, representing romance rather than glamour, is a duplicate of Mr. Doane and his wife Nancy’s car when they were married. “The cars I’ve collected, with one exception, are cars that I would have done anything if I could have had them new,” Doane wrote in an e-mail. Mr. Doane’s passion for beautiful cars throughout automobile design eras has created one of the most glamorous exhibits around. “It’s raised a lot of interest, because he’s locally known. It’s been going great,” says Shelley Stewart of the Rassbach Heritage Museum. Oh, and don’t forget a rag; there’s no drooling on the cars.

    Golden Age of American Auto Design • every day through Oct. 4 • Russel J Rassbach Heritage Museum, 1820 Wakanda St., Menomonie • $2 • 232-8685