Founded in 1994 by Robert E. Petersen and Margie Petersen, the Petersen Automotive Museum houses one of the most diverse and world-renowned collections of important vehicles ever assembled. Aligning with the Museum’s mission to explore and present the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example, the vehicles in the Petersen collection highlight key technological developments, important styling innovations, and iconic cultural moments in automotive history. With vehicles drawn from domestic and international manufacturers alike, as well as an extensive collection of archival materials, artwork, and automotive ephemera, the Petersen’s permanent holdings offer a uniquely comprehensive portrait of the automotive world. 

This exhibition brings together a sampling of the most spectacular and evocative vehicles in the Petersen’s permanent collection. Stretching from the Brass Era to the modern day, these lovingly preserved masterpieces rank at the apex of desirability in the collector car world. A combination of outstanding craftsmanship, excellent performance, boldly attractive styling, and extreme rarity has earned these archetypes of automotive excellence high esteem among automotive aficionados and non-enthusiasts alike. Presented here as a cohesive collection, these exclusive vehicles offer a unique glimpse into the many facets of our rich automotive heritage.