L.A., Part 3: Petersen Automotive Museum

 

4/13/25 Petersen Automotive Museum

As you know from my many posts about the Greenwood and Edmonds car shows, I enjoy sketching classic cars. Since my nephew has an interest in all cars, the Petersen Automotive Museum was an ideal choice for us to visit together. Although it’s within walking distance of his house, he had never taken the opportunity to visit before, so it was new to both of us.

DeLorean used in the film "Back to the Future"

Perhaps most popularly known as the home of many vehicles made famous by Hollywood movies and TV shows, the Petersen houses a collection of rare, unique cars as well as well-maintained examples of historical beauties. A special exhibit while we were there featured Waymo, Google’s self-driving car (more on this later!), which was especially interesting to learn about.

Instead of making portraits of individual cars, it was more fun (and expeditious) to make a series of small vignettes to capture the car museum feeling. We both really enjoyed the Petersen, and I suggested to Jason that he take his father and uncle sometime. (Yes, the Koyamas all seem to share a car affinity gene.)

My favorite T-bird convertible!

The Green Hornet's 1966 Chrysler LeBaron Imperial (with chauffeur Kato strangely in the backseat)