TACOMA - Imagine the most impressive three-point-turn you've ever made, then multiply it by a thousand.
That's what it takes to move display cars into position at LeMay America's Car Museum.
Collections Manager Renee Crist and her team of volunteers have it down to a science.
"One slip off a clutch and you're in trouble, so we do take our time but we know what we're doing," she said.
This morning, they installed the latest exhibition: American Muscle – Modified Madness.
It showcases cars from 1964 to 1972 that have been contemporized in appearance and performance. Each of them boasts a one-of-a-kind look and backstory.
"The owner of this car (a Chevy Impala) purchased the automobile when he was in high school for $50," said Chief Curator Scot Keller. "He bought it for $50 because believe it or not, this beauty was probably not as well loved back in the day, but I guarantee our guests will love this one."
Sleek and powerful, many of the muscle cars on display were actually the "mini vans" of yester-year.
"When I was a little girl, these were the cars that my friend's mothers drove," Crist said.
For the next year, they'll remain in park - on display, as the pieces of art they became by the patient hands that restored them.
"The unique part about the modified vehicles is there's no two alike," Keller said.
The exhibit opens to the public on Dec. 11 and will remain open for a year.
