Although I’ve been to the Petersen Museum before, this trip wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to this world-famous place. (At left, low rider Caddilac.)
The main floor contains some nice cars, but is most valuable and unusual in its attempt to tell the story of the automobile in Los Angeles (from the demise of the streetcar), and to illustrate its impact on the culture of the region. 
LA car dealership circa 1927. You used to dress formally to shop for a new car.
Early gas station.
Car customizing shop.
Drive-in dining.I’m particularly glad to have been to the Petersen sagain because the second floor -- the upper half of the museum – has a series of exhibit halls that constantly change. In particular, in addition to the Hollywood celebrity vehicles on permanent display, there were a bunch of things I'd never seen: an exhibit of low-riders; one showcasing hybrid cars; a line-up of Shelby automobiles; and an absolutely outstanding micro-car exhibit.
Rita Hayworth’s Ghia bodied 1953 Caddy.
Steve McQueen's Jaguar XKSS.
Herbie, from the 1997 Disney Sequel, “The Love Bug.”
Customized VW Jetta low rider.
BMW Isetta Microcar, 1967. The one door opened to the front (we’re looking right at it).
1955 Messerschmitt KR200 Cabriolet. This car gets 80 m.p.g.
Check out the plaid interior on this KR200 Kabineroller!
The Playboy. An American entry from 1948; Buffalo-built with a retractable hard-top.
Perhaps the world’s first hybrid, both gas and electric, the 1917 Woods!
One of my favorites, the original minivan – but a mini version. The Fiat Multipla, this one from 1957.
And a small installation on the history of car seats.
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