Car lover visiting Los Angeles; is there an automotive mecca I should see while I'm here? January 4, 2011 7:28 AMSubscribe
I love cars, particularly European classics, but modern and US cars too (though not the Japanese tuning scene). I'm in Los Angeles until January 22nd; is there an event or place that is a 'must see' while I'm here? posted by wildatheart to travel & transportation around Los Angeles, LA (9 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
If you're willing to travel just a little further, you could consider heading to Phoenix for the Barrett-Jackson auto auction/show. It's about a seven hour drive or so, and a short and often inexpensive flight.
I went several years ago and saw some cars I never thought I'd see outside of movies or the occasional museum exhibit. posted by padraigin at 7:35 AM on January 4, 2011
There is a fairly comprehensive list here. I can't find any "must see" classic car event from other sources for the dates you need. January isn't a great time anywhere for car events.
The quality of the Peterson is very much dependent on what their special exhibit is. Their permanent collection is sorta meh. The Nethercutt Collection is amazing. posted by hwyengr at 9:16 AM on January 4, 2011 [2 favorites]
The Natural History Museum (which used to be affiliated with the Petersen) recently started to open up their car collection to the public on certain days - you can read about it here. Most of this collection was kept in storage, unseen, at the Petersen for many years. It's a pretty SoCal-centric collection (and when last I saw it, was in a sad state of neglect) but something you sill not likely see anywhere else.
Looks like tours are on the first Friday of each month - that would mean this Friday is your chance! posted by chez shoes at 9:25 AM on January 4, 2011
I went several years ago and saw some cars I never thought I'd see outside of movies or the occasional museum exhibit.
posted by padraigin at 7:35 AM on January 4, 2011