Freedom of the open road drives back-to-back ‘Boys’ Toys’ shows

While the womenfolk are busy in the kitchen with the dinner dishes tonight, the History Channel takes its “Boys’ Toys” week of programming on the road for back-to-back episodes aimed at pleasing the household’s more testosterone-laden inhabitants.

“Convertibles,” airing at 9, and “Limousines,” following at 10, fit snugly amid a week of carefully stereotyped “male” areas of interest such as motorcycles, James Bond gadgets and high-tech equipment. Perhaps the hunting and fishing episodes are being readied for the next “Boys’ Toys” week.

The key word in tonight’s new episodes is freedom -- the freedom one feels when driving a car with nothing but sky above you, as well as the freedom of just letting someone else do the driving. Both shows explore the origins of the vehicles before moving on through the trends that have shaped their development.

“Limousines” gets the edge because of the interesting historical tidbits tossed in along the way. From the tricked-out horse carriage owned by Napoleon to the high-security Caddy built for President Bush, which boasts features so exotic that they remain classified information, it’s a fun ride. And a look inside the largest limo-conversion company in the world, Krystal Enterprises in Brea, is a worthwhile detour.

The charm of “Convertibles” lies more in the visuals, so much so that you could almost watch the procession of classic Duesenbergs, Packards and Thunderbirds with the sound off and still enjoy the show.

“Boys’ Toys” week continues Thursday with premieres of “More Gadgets” at 9 p.m. and “Digi-Tech” at 10 p.m., capped by an encore airing of “Private Jets” on Friday at 9 p.m.

The History Channel does its usual solid job with all of them. You might even invite any females in your house to take a peek.