The Petersen Automotive Museum Vault

Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Outlaw on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Built around a 1929 Ford Model A frame with a 1950 Cadillac engine, it was Roth’s first fiberglass show rod, an iconic creation that helped redefine custom car culture. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

Tex Smith's XR-6, named America's Most Beautiful Roadster in 1963, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Built to explore modern hot rod design, it features asymmetrical scoops, a custom aluminum nose by Gene Winfield, and sheet-metal bodywork by Barris Kustoms. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

Art Himsl's Alien, winner of the 1969 America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Built in Concord, California, its radical design and limited visibility under the top led Himsl to sell it immediately after achieving his show-winning goal. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

Lonnie Gilbertson's 1923 Ford Model-T Roadster, winner of the 1971 and 1975 America's Most Beautiful Roadster titles, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

The 1925 Ford Model-T Roadster “Golden Star,” built by Ernie Immerso and Don Thelan, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. This hot rod claimed the America's Most Beautiful Roadster title in both 1989 and 1991. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

Kevin and Karen Alstott's 1935 Ford Roadster, winner of the 2007 America's Most Beautiful Roadster award, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

The 1992 Coddington Aluma Coupe, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Designed by Larry Erickson and built by Boyd Coddington, its extensive aluminum construction and mid-engine Mitsubishi powertrain highlight a sleek, innovative approach to hot rod design. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

The 0032 1932 Ford Roadster, originally built as the Boydster II, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. This iconic hot rod won America’s Most Beautiful Roadster in 1996 and again in 2000 after Chip Foose restyled it in black, fulfilling his original vision and helping launch Foose Design. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

Richard Berg's 1933 Ford Roadster, winner of the 2001 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Its custom Marcel DeLey body, Barry White chassis, Keith Russell PPG Chrome Yellow paint, Gabe Lopez leather interior, and Chevrolet LS1 V8 exemplify modern hot rod craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

Butch Martino's 1932 Ford “Passion,” winner of the 1990 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault in March 2025. Photo courtesy of Howard Miereanu.

The Petersen Automotive Museum Vault is a hidden collection presented by Hagerty® that features over 250 of the rarest vehicles from around the world. Located beneath the museum, the Vault offers a unique retrospective on more than 120 years of automotive history.

Overview

The Vault houses an impressive assortment of automobiles, motorcycles, and trucks that span the evolution of transportation. Its collection includes turn-of-the-twentieth-century vehicles, head-of-state cars, American classics, personal rides of Hollywood legends, and award-winning hot rods, alongside innovative models that have pushed automotive boundaries.

Exhibits

Visitors to the Vault can explore a diverse range of exhibits that narrate the story of the automobile, from early legends to modern supercars. The display not only celebrates historic milestones but also offers insight into the personal and cultural significance of these rare machines.

Significance

By assembling such a rare collection, the Vault highlights pivotal moments in automotive history and celebrates the innovation and artistry behind each vehicle. Its carefully curated exhibits provide both automotive enthusiasts and the general public with a unique glimpse into the legacy and evolution of vehicle design.