The number of car-related attractions in Southern California is staggering, but the Petersen Automotive Museum, founded by Hot Rod magazine’s Robert and Margie Petersen, is definitely toward the top of the list. Located on Wilshire Blvd. near Hollywood, a stone’s throw from Rodeo drive, so the wife can window shop while you look at cars, the Petersen houses over 300,000 square feet of cars, motorcycles, and displays. For a gearhead, this place is bitchin’. And it’s always changing. Right now the museum is preparing to open its newest exhibit, “What were they thinking? The Misfits of Motordom.” The poster shows an Edsel. I’m quite certain there are a few things in that exhibit that would be Lohnes approved.

Don’t think the Petersen Automotive Museum is just a bunch of cars parked in a building. There are numerous fullsize dioramas and streetscapes full of automobilia you would die to have in your garage. Car art is also a big part of the Petersen, and can be seen on the second floor where they change out the exhibition every six months. And since it’s so close to Hollywood, it’s only fitting that the Petersen has a permanent display of cars from movies and TV. Who knows, maybe someday they’ll want the F-Bomb since it’s starring in the new Fast and Furious movie. And finally, for those of you feeling star like, the Petersen is available for rent. Yep, you can get married, have a party, or just throw an intimate get together right there in the museum. The cost. $100-$2500 per hour, depending on whether you want a conference room or the 17,280 square foot Museum Pavilion.

For those of us with a little less scratch, the Petersen Automotive Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, and is worth every penny of the $10 admittance. Discounts are available, as well as group and club tours. Check it out on the web at www.petersenmuseum.com for more information.