Arguably the coolest auto museum in Los Angeles just got even cooler
Los Angeles is one of the greatest places on Earth to be if you’re a car enthusiast. Sure, there’s the weather, wealth, and winding canyons, but there’s also places like the Petersen Automotive Museum. Throughout its thirty-year history, it has been no stranger to hosting themed events and exhibits. But this one is special, particularly if you happen to be between the ages of, say, 35 and 45 or a connoisseur of the decades that practically invented the term “retro.” In just a few short weeks, the Petersen will play host to a curated collection of super rad 1980s and 1990s supercars, SUVs, and more.
Kahn Media/Petersen Automotive Museum
Totally Awesome! brings some of the most poster-worthy cars ever to a museum setting
It’s undeniable that the 1980s and 1990s brought some real heartbreakers to the street. Swoopy spoilers, sharp, angular designs, “futuristic” digital dashboards, and rudimentary head-up displays were all the rage. Pop-up headlights were positively in vogue, and in-car CD players were the next big thing. The Petersen Automotive Museum’s latest exhibit is making a toast to the era, and it isn’t just limited to cars. The organization says there will be everything from motorcycles to video games — something for everyone, really.
Of course, since you’re reading Autoblog, there’s a less than zero chance that you’re interested in what cars, exactly, will be hanging around. Brace yourselves, because the guest list reads like a Radwood attendee’s fever dream. The McLaren F1, Lamborghini Countach (and, even quirkier, an LM 002), and, naturally, the DeLorean DMC-12 are all scheduled to be on display. The latter, in fact, is the DeLorean DMC-12; yes, the one from Back to the Future. Even more notable guests include a genuine Audi Sport Quattro Group B rally car, a Corvette Indy concept, and the first Buick GNX built. In the parlance of our (bygone) times: tubular. Opening day is June 7th, 2025, and the exhibit is scheduled to run until April of 2026.
McLaren F1 McLaren
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Cars from the ‘80s and ‘90s are bigger than ever — just check your local auction listings
As vintage American muscle started getting tremendous auction attention in the early 2000s, cars from the 1980s and 1990s have begun to similarly rise to popularity and downright collectability. A quick peek at any of the popular online auction sites will reveal an entire economy of ostensibly overpriced sheet metal. Who knew a 1991 GMC Syclone would one day be worth $130,000? Even less niche cars command exorbitant prices; how does an $81,000 1998 Suburban sound? Turns out, there’s a lot of love for this extremely unique era in automotive history, and, funny enough, it turns out that nostalgia never gets old. Arguably, one of the best ways to enjoy it is the exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Final thoughts
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a fantastic visit no matter what exhibits are featured, but we’re certain this one will have many enthusiasts taking that trip to Los Angeles that they’ve been putting off. As a two-time visitor, I can personally attest to the level of thoughtfulness and detail that the Petersen Automotive Museum puts into every aspect of its experiences. It’s going to be worth the visit, especially if you’re already in Southern California or adjacent regions. Tickets start at $21, and I submit that there’s little else you could do in LA that’s a better bang for your buck.
