Tom Davison Does The Pete

So Tom Davison was out in So-Cal for the Grand National Roadster Show and while there, he decided to check out the newly renovated Peterson Museum. He came away so impressed that he wrote a little number with his thoughts and sent it to me hoping I’d feature it. And given Tom’s chops with a camera, how could I refuse? So, here’s Tom:

It’s a controversial subject throughout the traditional hot rod world to be sure; The euro-gentrification of The Petersen Museum. Peter Mullin had his way, and his namesake first floor Gallery is filled with 20 prime examples of world-class French coach built sculpture. A well-informed guard assured me that there were enough streamlines in the vault to completely change the exhibit semi-annually. While these are not traditional California hot rod/customs, they certainly are Hot Rods and Cool Customs. These examples surely inspired many young SoCal rodders and customizers in in the 1940’s.

Someone spent 90 million bucks on this overhaul and I believe they got their money’s worth. The wanna-be Gehry wrap on the outside is a bit tacky, to be sure; but it certainly brings visual attention to “that new car place�? that resides in the middle of Museum Row on Wilshire Blvd. While hot rods and customs do play a lesser role in this incarnation, they are still well represented with definitive examples, demonstrating them to be an important part of the overall car culture. The new museum combines history, design, technology, education, beauty and whimsy to create a definitive world-class destination automobile museum experience. It is well-positioned to raise automotive-culture awareness with the masses, while presenting the hot rod/custom aspect as an important element in this picture.

And the displays are so photographer-friendly!

• Tom Davison