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Visiting Los Angeles had always been a dream of mine. From the palm tree-lined streets to the sprawling cityscapes seen in so many iconic films, LA felt like a place of endless possibilities and excitement. So, when I finally had the chance to go this summer, I made sure to make the most of it—starting with one of the city’s most incredible attractions: the Petersen Automotive Museum.
A Film Buff’s Paradise
If you’re a fan of movies like I am, you know that LA is essentially a giant film set. Some of my favourite films were shot or set here, from “Beverly Hills Cop” (especially with the fourth instalment being released earlier this year), to the high-octane action of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, and the car-stealing thrills of “Gone in 60 Seconds.” It’s not just about the movies, though—LA has a long history of car culture, particularly with its iconic lowriders. Whether it’s cruising down Venice Beach or Hollywood Boulevard, lowriders are as much a part of LA as the Hollywood sign itself.
So, when I heard about the lowrider exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum, I knew it was a must-see. I was excited to get a firsthand look at the cars that have shaped LA’s history and pop culture.
First Impressions of the Museum
The Petersen Museum itself is an architectural marvel. Before you even step foot inside, you’re greeted by a building that’s a piece of art in its own right, with its sweeping red-and-silver facade, designed to mimic the movement and flow of a car. It’s hard not to stop and take a moment just to admire the exterior.
Inside, the museum is spread over three floors, each with its own unique theme. From the second you walk through the doors, you’re immersed in a world of car culture, engineering brilliance, and stunning design. And for someone who lives and breathes car history, it felt like stepping into heaven.
The Lowrider Exhibit
As expected, the lowrider exhibit was breathtaking. Beautifully restored and presented, these cars were more than just vehicles; they were pieces of art. The intricate designs, custom paintwork, and hydraulics showcased how lowriders are an essential part of LA’s culture—mixing artistry with automotive expertise.
Seeing these cars up close made me realise just how deeply they’re intertwined with the city’s identity.
A Collection of Film Legends
Beyond the lowriders, the museum also boasts an impressive collection of film cars. It’s one thing to watch these cars on the big screen, but seeing them up close is a different experience altogether. Here are some of my favourite movie cars that I had the pleasure of seeing:
- 1963 Ford Falcon Futura – Driven in “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001).
- 1976 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 “Bumblebee” – The iconic Autobot from “Transformers” (2007).
- 1968 Fiat 500L – Raced across the cobblestone streets of Rome by Tom Cruise in “Mission: Impossible” (2023).
- 1979 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter – The memorable yellow van from “Little Miss Sunshine” (2006).
- 1967 Ford Mustang “Eleanor” – The sleek and powerful car from “Gone in 60 Seconds” (2000).
- 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am “K.I.T.T.” – The talking car from “Knight Rider” (1982-1986).
- 1976 Ford Gran Torino – The iconic red and white ride from “Starsky and Hutch” (1975-1979).
- 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 “Time Machine” – The legendary time-travelling car from the “Back to the Future” trilogy (1985, 1989, 1990).
It was a surreal experience seeing these legendary film cars in person. They’re more than just machines—they’re stars in their own right, each holding a special place in film history. And all in one place as well, how can you beat that?
Finishing the Day in LA Style
After an afternoon spent dragging my wife and daughter through the exhibits (with much patience on their part), we decided to soak up some Californian sun and headed down to Santa Monica Pier. It felt like stepping into a scene from a movie, with people skateboarding, street performers playing music, and the classic ferris wheel spinning in the background.
From Santa Monica, we took a leisurely walk along the coast to Venice Beach. And that’s where I got the cherry on top of the day—a classic Chevrolet Impala lowrider spotted in the wild. Don’t get me wrong; the lowriders at the Petersen Museum were immaculate, but there’s something raw and authentic about seeing one out on the streets, cruising along as it should be.
A Must-Do for Next Time
If I ever make it back to LA (and I sincerely hope I do), there’s one thing I need to tick off my list: a tour of the city in a classic lowrider. Experiencing LA from behind the wheel of one of these cars would be the perfect way to truly immerse myself in the city’s car culture. Until then, I’ll treasure my memories of the Petersen Museum and the unforgettable experience of finally visiting Los Angeles.
If you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a bit of history and culture, I can’t recommend the Petersen Automotive Museum enough. It’s not just a museum; it’s an experience that celebrates cars, films, and the city of LA in a way that’s truly unique.
