Prized Vehicles From the Petersen Automotive Museum

Hot rod enthusiasts are gearing up for an unforgettable event on the 20th of March, as five highly significant vehicles from the Petersen Automotive Museum prepare to cross the Mecum auction block. Seeing just one of these historic hot rods in person is a rare treat. Watching an entire collection of award-winning metal go up for sale at the Glendale 2026 event provides a legendary opportunity for serious automotive collectors. Four of these magnificent machines hold the prestigious title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR), making this a truly historic lineup.

1933 Ford Model 40 Roadster Possessed

The crown jewel of this group is the maroon 1933 Ford Model 40 Roadster, famously known as Possessed. This breathtaking masterpiece captured the AMBR title in 2010, featuring a striking coachbuilt design with an elongated, hand-built nose. Gary Ragle originally designed the car, and Scott’s Hot Rods and Customs handled the complex fabrication. Under the hood, a highly modified 392-cubic-inch fuel-injected V-8, donated by Ford Racing, powers the beast. Inside, Ron Mangus crafted a bespoke tan interior, complete with custom instrumentation built to imitate Breitling watches.

1932 Ford Roadster Orange Twist

Master builder Ermie Immerso constructed the legendary Orange Twist to absolute perfection. This authentic, all-steel 1932 Ford Roadster secured the AMBR award back in 1988. The bright orange body surrounds a classic black interior, and the chassis houses a potent 284-cubic-inch Mercury flathead V-8 engine. Immerso equipped this powerplant with highly desirable Ardun overhead-valve cylinder heads, along with a massive bank of six Stromberg carburetors. A traditional three-speed manual transmission handles the shifting duties, giving the driver complete control over this historic machine.

1933 Ford Roadster Impact

Automotive legend Chip Foose penned the initial design for the sleek 1933 Ford Roadster known as Impact. Barry White, operating out of the Street Rod Repair Company, brought the ambitious vision to life and secured the AMBR trophy in 2001. The team covered the custom all-steel body in a vibrant PPG Yellow Chrome paint. Underneath the beautifully shaped skin sits a Corvette-derived 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 engine, perfectly paired with a modern automatic overdrive transmission. The build also utilizes custom independent suspension on both the front and rear.

1932 Ford Roadster Passion

History buffs immediately recognize Passion as the first all-aluminum roadster ever built by the late Boyd Coddington. Thom Taylor designed the sweeping lines, while Coddington and Craig Naff carefully shaped the custom metal in 1989. This incredible replica won the AMBR award in 1990 for owner Butch Martino. While the car originally wore a deep DuPont Plum finish, it now features a bold orange and yellow flame livery. A dependable 5.7-liter LT1 V-8 engine, mated to an automatic transmission, provides plenty of smooth cruising power.

1932 Ford Model B Hi-Boy Roadster

The renowned So-Cal Speed Shop constructed this beautiful, red 1932 Ford Model B Hi-Boy Roadster. The talented builders installed a reliable 350-cubic-inch Chevrolet crate engine, topping it off with a Weber carburetor and a Holley Performer intake manifold. The classic tan leather interior includes a traditional rumble seat, providing extra room for passengers. Modern touches, including a Kenwood audio system and front disc brakes, make this stunning roadster a fantastic weekend driver.

Bidding on Vehicles From the Petersen Automotive Museum

Owning a classic car is special, but acquiring one of these legendary vehicles from the Petersen Automotive Museum elevates any private collection instantly. These roadsters represent the absolute pinnacle of American hot rod culture, showcasing decades of custom fabrication. Bidders will battle for the keys when these historic machines officially cross the block on Friday, March 20. Anyone serious about preserving automotive history needs to be ready when the gavel drops at the Glendale auction.