Watch CBS News

Petersen Automotive Museum To Auction Off Collectibles

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — One of the nation's most prized collection of rare and antique automobiles is offering collectors a chance to own a piece of automotive history.

KNX 1070's Bob Brill reports the Petersen Automotive Museum is choosing to quietly auction off its vehicles.

Petersen Automotive Museum To Auction Off Collectibles

Officials told the Los Angeles Times the plan is to sell up to one-third of the Petersen's 400 classic cars and trucks to finance a makeover for the 19-year-old museum.

The makeover would emphasize motorcycles and French art deco vehicles, which are the main interests of the museum's new executive director and chairman of the board, according to the Times.

Some of the more notable vehicles up for auction include a 1968 Excalibur Series 1 Phaeton, a 1984 Porsche 928, a Hyundai Elantra Pikes Peak car, and two cars used in the 2000 Jim Carrey film, "The Grinch".

Museum officials hope to bring in more French cars from an Oxnard museum, along with more motorcycles.

Diane Peterson, chairwoman of the local chapter of the Ferrari Club of America, said she thinks the plan is a great idea.

"Perhaps a private investor might be able to take it to Pebble Beach and really enjoy the car and drive it like it's meant to be," she said.

Peterson - who has no relation to the museum's founders - added that while she loves the Petersen, she also loves the French classic vehicles soon to debut at the museum.

Click here for more auction details for the Petersen Automotive Museum.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.