Simon Major recently spent time in Los Angeles, exploring the city’s vibrant car culture with his sister. Their car-centric journey led them to iconic locations like Galpin Speed Shop, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Lions Drag Strip Museum. Among the many impressive vehicles they encountered, Simon shares his top eight favorites from the trip.
One standout was the custom Mercury built for Bob Hirohata by George and Sam Barris, a car that had captured Simon’s imagination since childhood. Thanks to a personal tour arranged by a friend and the custom car curator at Galpin Speed Shop, Simon finally had the chance to experience this legendary vehicle in person, fulfilling a dream decades in the making.
Another remarkable find was the ‘Uncertain T,’ a Steve Scott creation that resurfaced after a half-century hiatus. This innovative build, now on display at Galpin Speed Shop, showcases not only its unique design but also its groundbreaking drivetrain and suspension technology for its time.
While cruising along Hollywood Boulevard, Simon was captivated by the diverse array of cars on display, from hot rods and muscle cars to lowriders and import tuners. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of vehicles cruising the streets left a lasting impression on him.
Galpin Speed Shop proved to be a treasure trove of iconic customs, with owner Beau Boeckmann and master builder Dave Shuten preserving and showcasing legendary vehicles like Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth’s ‘Orbitron.’ The rich history behind these cars added an extra layer of fascination to the viewing experience.
At the Petersen Automotive Museum, Simon was awestruck by a powerful Corvette built by John Greenwood for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, boasting a massive 900hp engine and striking bodywork. He also marveled at the ‘XR-6,’ a historic hot rod with a Chrysler slant-six powerplant that had won prestigious awards in its heyday.
The museum’s vault held even more surprises, including the iconic Doane Spencer ’32 roadster, a pioneer in hot rod design, and a fantasy version of ‘Greased Lightning’ from the movie Grease. Each vehicle in the collection held a unique story, captivating visitors with their historical significance and craftsmanship.
During a visit to the Lions Drag Strip Museum, Simon had the privilege of meeting ‘The Camfather’ Ed Iskenderian on his 103rd birthday. Engaging in a memorable conversation, Ed shared anecdotes from his time stationed in Australia during World War II, highlighting the deep connections between car culture and personal experiences.
Simon’s exploration of LA’s car culture heartland provided a glimpse into the rich tapestry of automotive history and innovation that defines the city’s unique car scene. Each custom vehicle and museum exhibit offered a window into the passion and creativity driving the automotive enthusiasts who call Los Angeles home.
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- My freshly build hot rod 33 Ford from Factory Five.
- Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis as Herman and Grampa Munster, unleashing the DRAG-U-LA in a 1965 episode of “The Munsters”. The hot rod was stylised by Tom Daniel, one of then most popular designers of custom model kit vehicles (his designs also became HOT WHEELS diecasts).
- The Ankle Buster – A Custom Chopped VW Hot Rod Lowrider