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native power (from steam to solar) cars, as well as a recre- ation of a modern car design studio (most major manu- facturers have operations in Southern California): For the youngsters, they’ll find the Hot Wheels Hall of Fame, complete with “vroooooooooom!” race sound ef- fects and a copy of virtually every Hot Wheels ever made. ““Most people’s first experience with cars was with Hot Wheels, and the kids just love this – even the 50 year old kids! And few people know that Hot Wheels were initially built and designed in Los Angeles.” e great weather and miles of wide open West Coast freeways – and the potential to really put the pedal to the metal – led to the drag racing culture, even if it was just from stop light to stop light. e first racer to hit 300 mph is here, and countless tricked-out and stunning-looking drag and customized cars. en there’s the Hollywood section, which is “more about looks than sub- stance, as it just has to look good on the screen,” notes Kendall. Unsurprisingly the most popular section in the museum, you’ll recognize every car here – the Michael Keaton-era Batmobile, a “Dukes of Hazzard” Dodge Charger, the 1965 Chrysler Imperial “Black Beauty” from e Green Hornet and others. “People relate to these cars, and Robert and Margie Petersen sometimes they can’t believe that they’re real. People even complain if the Batmobile, the Speed Racer or Herbie the Love Bug aren’t here.” continues on page 52 The speed shop was a big part of the post war automotive scene, especially in Southern California. Dean Jeffries’ 1963 “Mantaray” custom is parked in front of a recreated shop. Petersen has a great motorcycle collection too. This restored 1912 Indian single cylinder is another former Steve McQueen machine. SUMMER 2011 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 19