Classic Cars: The Peterson Auto Museum

Journey through the history of the motor vehicle at Los Angeles‘ Peterson Auto Museum.

This private museum in heart of Hollywood celebrates the journey of four wheels from earliest vehicles to the latest.

It was founded by Robert E. Petersen, an influential figure in the automotive industry and publishing. He established the museum in 1994, aiming to showcase the history and cultural significance of automobiles. The museum features a vast collection of cars, including classic, vintage, and custom vehicles, and it has become a prominent destination for car enthusiasts and visitors interested in automotive history.

Featured the museum ’500’ car collection include classic four wheelers from the 1920s and 30s and the first motorbikes from the turn of the 20th century.

The history of cars in Los Angeles is deeply intertwined with the city’s development and culture. In the early 20th century, the automobile began to transform LA from a small agricultural town into a sprawling metropolis. The introduction of the automobile made the city more accessible and contributed to its rapid growth.

By the 1920s, LA was becoming known for its car culture, with wide boulevards and a growing network of roads. The construction of the iconic Hollywood sign in 1923 and the rise of the film industry attracted people from all over, and many sought the freedom and status that came with car ownership.

The post-World War II era saw a significant boom in car ownership, fueled by economic growth and the expansion of the freeway system. The 1950s and 60s marked the height of car culture in LA, with the city becoming synonymous with the automobile lifestyle—think drive-in theaters, cruising, and the rise of car-centric architecture.