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    4 December 2017

    Why the Petersen museum should be on your must-do list in LA

    By Malcolm FlynnMalcolm Flynn
    • L.A has one of the biggest and most diverse car cultures in the world - and it's all here at the Petersen Museum. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) L.A has one of the biggest and most diverse car cultures in the world - and it's all here at the Petersen Museum. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Think it looks good? This '58 Impala won the "Lowrider of the Year" three years [2015-2017] in a row. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Think it looks good? This '58 Impala won the "Lowrider of the Year" three years [2015-2017] in a row. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)

    Los Angeles is easily one of the most exciting cities in the world, but once you’ve done the celeb tour, seen the big sights and picked your jaw off the ground at the sheer poverty and filth of most of Hollywood, any self-respecting car head has to visit the Petersen Automotive Museum in central LA.

    Founded by magazine publisher Robert E. Petersen and his wife Margie in 1994, it’s grown to be one of the biggest car museums in the world.

    You probably know the Petersen Publishing Company’s work from the world-leading YouTube shows like Roadkill and Dirt Every Day, but the Petersen museum forms an epic celebration of motoring from around the world and the USA, with some of the biggest two and four-wheel starts of the screen thrown in for good measure.

    • Unveiled at the 1935 Paris Motor Show, the Type 57SC Atlantic features design motifs that pay homage to the aviation industry. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Unveiled at the 1935 Paris Motor Show, the Type 57SC Atlantic features design motifs that pay homage to the aviation industry. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • ...though you probably know it best from Grand Theft Auto V. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) ...though you probably know it best from Grand Theft Auto V. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • There may be many special Ferraris, but the 1947 Ferrari 125 S was the very first to feature the iconic name and logo. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) There may be many special Ferraris, but the 1947 Ferrari 125 S was the very first to feature the iconic name and logo. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Back in '49, this 166 MM was the first Ferrari-badged race car to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It also won the Mille Miglia too. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Back in '49, this 166 MM was the first Ferrari-badged race car to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It also won the Mille Miglia too. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The American Bosley GT not only mixed a Chrysler HEMI, a stylish and aerodynamic body, and a 208 litre fuel tank into one car. But a top speed of 257km/h as well. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The American Bosley GT not only mixed a Chrysler HEMI, a stylish and aerodynamic body, and a 208 litre fuel tank into one car. But a top speed of 257km/h as well. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Even though it was built in '53, the Dodge Storm concept car featured a rigid, steel-frame chassis. Due to manufacturing costs, however, it never made it into production. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Even though it was built in '53, the Dodge Storm concept car featured a rigid, steel-frame chassis. Due to manufacturing costs, however, it never made it into production. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1954 Plymouth Explorer concept might be American, but its body was made by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1954 Plymouth Explorer concept might be American, but its body was made by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Due to its relatively modest power output of 82kW, the top speed of the 1954 Plymouth Explorer concept was 160km/h. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Due to its relatively modest power output of 82kW, the top speed of the 1954 Plymouth Explorer concept was 160km/h. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Not only was the 1956 Jaguar XKSS one of the fastest cars in its day, but this particular model was owned by Steve McQueen himself. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Not only was the 1956 Jaguar XKSS one of the fastest cars in its day, but this particular model was owned by Steve McQueen himself. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Jaguar XKSS was the road-going version of the Jaguar D-Type racer. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Jaguar XKSS was the road-going version of the Jaguar D-Type racer. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The 1958 Ferrari 250 TR Spyder - also referred to as the Testa Rossa, or "red head", due to the red valve covers - was one of the most successful racing cars built by Ferrari. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The 1958 Ferrari 250 TR Spyder - also referred to as the Testa Rossa, or "red head", due to the red valve covers - was one of the most successful racing cars built by Ferrari. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The concept of the Ferrari 250 Califonia as a chic, expensive convertible for the United States market was pitched to Enzo Ferrari in 1957. He agreed, and the 250 California was born into two wheelbases: long (LWB) and short (SWB). (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The concept of the Ferrari 250 Califonia as a chic, expensive convertible for the United States market was pitched to Enzo Ferrari in 1957. He agreed, and the 250 California was born into two wheelbases: long (LWB) and short (SWB). (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Built for the four-litre production class at Le Mans, the 1963 Ferrari 330 LMB blended the bodywork of the production 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso with the elements from the competition 250 GTO. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Built for the four-litre production class at Le Mans, the 1963 Ferrari 330 LMB blended the bodywork of the production 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso with the elements from the competition 250 GTO. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • No it's not a custom Ford Bronco, but a 1961 International Scout 80. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) No it's not a custom Ford Bronco, but a 1961 International Scout 80. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • It was designed to be a more of a "civilised competitor" to the Jeep CJ. Around 100,000 were sold. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) It was designed to be a more of a "civilised competitor" to the Jeep CJ. Around 100,000 were sold. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Meet the 1965 Ferrari 250 LM - the first ever mid-engined Ferrari GT with a V12. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Meet the 1965 Ferrari 250 LM - the first ever mid-engined Ferrari GT with a V12. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Mk.III was the road-going version of the GT40. It was still quick though; 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Mk.III was the road-going version of the GT40. It was still quick though; 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • It might look ordinary by today's standards, but the 2000GT was built by hand, and in secret too, in Yamaha's Shuzuoka factory. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) It might look ordinary by today's standards, but the 2000GT was built by hand, and in secret too, in Yamaha's Shuzuoka factory. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Ring Brothers AMC Javelin was an amazing standout at SEMA 2017. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Ring Brothers AMC Javelin was an amazing standout at SEMA 2017. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This was the second time we bumped into the Ring Brothers Javelin last week. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This was the second time we bumped into the Ring Brothers Javelin last week. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • While this 1972 Ferrari 312 T2 lost to James Hunt's McLaren in the 1976 Formula One season, it came back in 1977 and took the Constructor's Champion. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) While this 1972 Ferrari 312 T2 lost to James Hunt's McLaren in the 1976 Formula One season, it came back in 1977 and took the Constructor's Champion. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Powered by a twin-turbo V8 making 298kW, only 272 units of the Ferrari 288 GTO were built. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Powered by a twin-turbo V8 making 298kW, only 272 units of the Ferrari 288 GTO were built. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Porsche 962 C Thierry Boutsen and Frank Jelinski won the 1986 Spa 1000km with. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Porsche 962 C Thierry Boutsen and Frank Jelinski won the 1986 Spa 1000km with. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The C in 962 C referred to its Group C homologation. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The C in 962 C referred to its Group C homologation. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Before Dodge put the Viper into production, they made 93 pilot production vehicles. While this one survived, most were destroyed. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Before Dodge put the Viper into production, they made 93 pilot production vehicles. While this one survived, most were destroyed. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This pilot production car was donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum to help illustrate one of the many steps required to make a production vehicle. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This pilot production car was donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum to help illustrate one of the many steps required to make a production vehicle. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The XJ220, while initially supposed to be equipped with a DOHC Jaguar V12, ended up being powered by a twin-turbo Rover V6. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The XJ220, while initially supposed to be equipped with a DOHC Jaguar V12, ended up being powered by a twin-turbo Rover V6. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • 404kW was the final power figure, pushing the car up to its top speed of 350km/h. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) 404kW was the final power figure, pushing the car up to its top speed of 350km/h. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Much like the Bugatti Veyron and Chiron models, the 1994 Bugatti EB110 has FOUR turbochargers. This Super Sport example has a higher output over the 'regular' car, making 455kW at 8250rpm. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Much like the Bugatti Veyron and Chiron models, the 1994 Bugatti EB110 has FOUR turbochargers. This Super Sport example has a higher output over the 'regular' car, making 455kW at 8250rpm. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • It might be from the early '90s, but the EB 110 featured a lot of carbon fibre. We see it everywhere today, but back then that was pretty unicorn stuff. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) It might be from the early '90s, but the EB 110 featured a lot of carbon fibre. We see it everywhere today, but back then that was pretty unicorn stuff. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • When the GM EV1 was released in 1996 it became the very first mass-produced electric car from a major manufacturer. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) When the GM EV1 was released in 1996 it became the very first mass-produced electric car from a major manufacturer. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • You couldn't buy an EV1 back in the day. Instead, customers had to lease the cars from a number of select dealers. After four years of production, the costly EV1 was discontinued and all but 40 were dismantled. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) You couldn't buy an EV1 back in the day. Instead, customers had to lease the cars from a number of select dealers. After four years of production, the costly EV1 was discontinued and all but 40 were dismantled. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • With over 480kW and a six-speed sequential gearbox, Ken Block's Ford Fiesta is one of the most mental cars in the museum. This one was featured in Gymkhana Three, where upon it drifted up a 51-degree incline at a French Autodrome. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) With over 480kW and a six-speed sequential gearbox, Ken Block's Ford Fiesta is one of the most mental cars in the museum. This one was featured in Gymkhana Three, where upon it drifted up a 51-degree incline at a French Autodrome. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • To date, Ken Block's "Gymkhana Three" video has racked up a view count of 64.2 million. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) To date, Ken Block's "Gymkhana Three" video has racked up a view count of 64.2 million. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 2012 Ford Fiesta was featured in Ken Block's Gymkhana Five: Ultimate Urban Playground, where Block drifts around the streets of San Francisco. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 2012 Ford Fiesta was featured in Ken Block's Gymkhana Five: Ultimate Urban Playground, where Block drifts around the streets of San Francisco. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Never before has one mismatched wheel been so cool. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Never before has one mismatched wheel been so cool. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 2015 McLaren P1 - chassis number 168 - was ordered with naked carbon fibre body panels. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 2015 McLaren P1 - chassis number 168 - was ordered with naked carbon fibre body panels. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Have you ever wondered where the charging port is on a P1? Well, now you know. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Have you ever wondered where the charging port is on a P1? Well, now you know. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Because this particular McLaren was built by McLaren Special Operations - High Sport, it means that it was built to meet the arranged specifications of its owner. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Because this particular McLaren was built by McLaren Special Operations - High Sport, it means that it was built to meet the arranged specifications of its owner. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Designed by Gilbert "Magu" Luján, this 1950 Chevrolet Sedan is a "lighthearted kind of folk art narrative" that is said to blur the arbitrary distinctions between hot rods and lowriders. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Designed by Gilbert "Magu" Luján, this 1950 Chevrolet Sedan is a "lighthearted kind of folk art narrative" that is said to blur the arbitrary distinctions between hot rods and lowriders. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1963 Impala, dubbed "El Rey", has been referred to as the "pinnacle of lowrider culture". Probably explains how it won the Lowrider of the Year three years in a row [2011-2013]. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1963 Impala, dubbed "El Rey", has been referred to as the "pinnacle of lowrider culture". Probably explains how it won the Lowrider of the Year three years in a row [2011-2013]. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • "El Rey" has won awards at both SEMA and the Grand National Roadster Show, as well as being exhibited in Germany and Japan. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) "El Rey" has won awards at both SEMA and the Grand National Roadster Show, as well as being exhibited in Germany and Japan. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1964 Chevrolet Impala is called "Gypsy Rose", and first received attention when it was shown in the opening credits of the "Chico and the Man" sitcom in 1974. It is regarded by some as one of the most significant lowriders to date. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1964 Chevrolet Impala is called "Gypsy Rose", and first received attention when it was shown in the opening credits of the "Chico and the Man" sitcom in 1974. It is regarded by some as one of the most significant lowriders to date. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • "Gypsy Rose" was restored after a severe accident. It now features around 150 roses on the exterior - all hand painted - and one of the plushest interiors I've ever seen. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) "Gypsy Rose" was restored after a severe accident. It now features around 150 roses on the exterior - all hand painted - and one of the plushest interiors I've ever seen. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • In April 2017, "Gypsy Rose" was inducted into the Historic Vehicle Association's National Vehicle Register. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) In April 2017, "Gypsy Rose" was inducted into the Historic Vehicle Association's National Vehicle Register. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1968 Impala might look a bit grim, but the Day of the Dead theme is supposed to "address complex themes related to the culture of lowriding". (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1968 Impala might look a bit grim, but the Day of the Dead theme is supposed to "address complex themes related to the culture of lowriding". (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • While the exterior references death, war, and policing, El Muertorider's radio is tuned to ¡Radio Meurto!, a program that imagines a bright future where culture is allowed to flourish. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) While the exterior references death, war, and policing, El Muertorider's radio is tuned to ¡Radio Meurto!, a program that imagines a bright future where culture is allowed to flourish. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The paint scheme of "Sinful Sin", a 1964 Chevrolet Impala, extends throughout the entire car; from the chassis, wheel wells, and the custom interior. It won the "Outstanding Use of Colour Design" at the 2011 Grand National Roadster Show. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The paint scheme of "Sinful Sin", a 1964 Chevrolet Impala, extends throughout the entire car; from the chassis, wheel wells, and the custom interior. It won the "Outstanding Use of Colour Design" at the 2011 Grand National Roadster Show. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Jose Alvarez, Jr.'s "Fatal Attraction" 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Jose Alvarez, Jr.'s "Fatal Attraction" 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Not only did this 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass win "Best in Class" at its debut in the 2011 Lowrider Super Show, but after more modifications it won... (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Not only did this 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass win "Best in Class" at its debut in the 2011 Lowrider Super Show, but after more modifications it won... (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • ..."Best Flake, "Best Display", "Outstanding Engine", Best Engraving", and "Best Hydraulics" later in 2014. And the "Lowrider of the Year" award too. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) ..."Best Flake, "Best Display", "Outstanding Engine", Best Engraving", and "Best Hydraulics" later in 2014. And the "Lowrider of the Year" award too. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Originally, the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass was marketed as a mid-sized luxury vehicle. I don't think Oldsmobile was thinking of the lowrider culture when they made this. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Originally, the 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass was marketed as a mid-sized luxury vehicle. I don't think Oldsmobile was thinking of the lowrider culture when they made this. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Ever seen John Carpenter's "Christine" from 1983? This is *the* car from the iconic Stephen King film adaptation. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Ever seen John Carpenter's "Christine" from 1983? This is *the* car from the iconic Stephen King film adaptation. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, featured in the 2005 movie Herbie: Fully Loaded, has been kitted out with a full roll cage, disc brakes, upgraded suspension, and slick tyres in order to make the racing scenes more realistic. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, featured in the 2005 movie Herbie: Fully Loaded, has been kitted out with a full roll cage, disc brakes, upgraded suspension, and slick tyres in order to make the racing scenes more realistic. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • While many were made for the 2005 film, this particular example was driven by Lindsay Lohan. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) While many were made for the 2005 film, this particular example was driven by Lindsay Lohan. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • While the Mercedes-Benz 600 is famous for being one of the most expensive cars when new, this particular example was driven by Jack Nicholson in the 1987 film, The Witches of Eastwick. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) While the Mercedes-Benz 600 is famous for being one of the most expensive cars when new, this particular example was driven by Jack Nicholson in the 1987 film, The Witches of Eastwick. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1966 Ford Thunderbird was the car used for most of the close-up shots in the 1991 film, Thelma & Louise. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1966 Ford Thunderbird was the car used for most of the close-up shots in the 1991 film, Thelma & Louise. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Out of the three cars built for Robert Zemeckis' 1985 film "Back to the Future", this was the Hero "A" Car that got most of the screen time. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Out of the three cars built for Robert Zemeckis' 1985 film "Back to the Future", this was the Hero "A" Car that got most of the screen time. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • After spending over 25 years on display at Universal Studios Hollywood, the movie icon underwent a painstaking restoration before being shown at the museum. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) After spending over 25 years on display at Universal Studios Hollywood, the movie icon underwent a painstaking restoration before being shown at the museum. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Despite being on display for so many years, the star car actually had a missing 'flux capacitor'. Luckily though, it ended up being replaced before being put on display. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Despite being on display for so many years, the star car actually had a missing 'flux capacitor'. Luckily though, it ended up being replaced before being put on display. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Because Magnum P.I.'s Tom Selleck was so freaking tall, this 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi's bottom seat cushion had to be removed before Selleck could drive on cue. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Because Magnum P.I.'s Tom Selleck was so freaking tall, this 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi's bottom seat cushion had to be removed before Selleck could drive on cue. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • Compared to a yellow Rolls-Royce used in The Great Gatsby book, Baz Luhrmann decided to use a Duesenberg replica for his 2015 film adaptation. Thanks to the late model Ford engine and transmission, the replica was cheaper, more reliable, and easier to maintain than the car in the book. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) Compared to a yellow Rolls-Royce used in The Great Gatsby book, Baz Luhrmann decided to use a Duesenberg replica for his 2015 film adaptation. Thanks to the late model Ford engine and transmission, the replica was cheaper, more reliable, and easier to maintain than the car in the book. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This is one of the original Batmobiles used in Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman". Not only was it used in filming, but was also built on a Chevrolet Impala's chassis. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This is one of the original Batmobiles used in Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman". Not only was it used in filming, but was also built on a Chevrolet Impala's chassis. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • This 1939 Bugatti Type 57C belonged to the Prince of Persia and future Shah of Iran, who received it as a gift from the French government as a first wedding gift. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) This 1939 Bugatti Type 57C belonged to the Prince of Persia and future Shah of Iran, who received it as a gift from the French government as a first wedding gift. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Batcycle appeared in the '60s Adam West/Burt Ward Batman TV series. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Batcycle appeared in the '60s Adam West/Burt Ward Batman TV series. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Batpod was ridden by Christian Bale's Batman in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Batpod was ridden by Christian Bale's Batman in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)
    • The Batpod's sound was based on the noise made by a Tesla's electric motor. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn) The Batpod's sound was based on the noise made by a Tesla's electric motor. (image credit: Malcolm Flynn)

    We also managed to blag access to the vault downstairs, which along with a workshop to maintain the cars, is also where most of the collection is stored when not on rotation through the three floors of displays above.

    Cameras aren’t allowed in the vault, but we got to see the famous Ghia-designed one-off Cadillac of Rita Hayworth, Troy Trepanier’s Sniper 1954 Plymouth Belvedere custom with a Viper V10 heart, and what is believed to have been Preston Tucker’s personal Tucker 48.

    What's your Petersen highlight? Tell us in the comments.

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