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Chapter 1 Meet Pete—A Star Is Born

Pete was a leggy young man. He’s seen here with his trademark Speed Graphic view camera, the shooter’s weapon of choice long before 35mm roll film cameras became prevalent or popular. The large 4x5 negative gave unmatched sharpness, but these cameras were heavy and cumbersome to use. Note the heavy-duty tripod in lower right of frame. Petersen Foundation collection

Chapter 2 Petersen Publishing Company Goes from 0 to 60

Petersen and Lindsay worked hard to fill their first Hot Rod Exposition with some of Southern California’s better rod and race cars, and this photo proves that they did. The car front left became the cover subject of Hot Rod issue 1-1, and the rest of the photo shows an interesting combination of the different hot rod and race car styles that were already setting the trends in 1948. Wonder where they all are today?

Chapter 3 The Swinging ’60s and the Hot Rod King Finds a Queen

'TV Tommy' Ivo and his Buick Nailhead V-8 x 4 powered show dragster not only made a frightfully loud noise ripping through the quarter miles, but due to its all-wheel drive, could burn rubber for 1,000 feet with no problem, yet tons of smoke. Eric Rickman bagged this December 1961 cover shot, and the headlines (see cover on page 78) covering tech stories, photo features, a new engine from Buick, and Bonneville were typical of the era. Petersen Photo Archive/TEN: The Enthusiast Network

Chapter 4 Into the ’70s, ’80s, and Beyond— Petersen People, Places, and Things

The absolute zenith of midcentury muscle came in 1970, as the engines were bigger, the compression ratios and horsepower ratings were higher, and the cars were faster than ever before. Just as the original Detroit muscle car era reached its peak, though, it began a precipitous slide down the same mountain. Every car on this September 1969 Hot Rod cover is now a highly sought-after model. Petersen Photo Archive/TEN: The Enthusiast Network

Chapter 5 Planes, (No Trains), Automobiles, and Other Personal Pursuits

Mr. and Mrs. Petersen on the driveway of their elegant Beverly Hills home with some of their cars, bikes, and other motorized toys. We’re not sure of their connection to the Gary Gabelich racing car at left, but you’ll note Mr. P.’s prized Lamborghini Espada, a dune buggy, several motorcycles, and a customized camper van conversion (never forgetting what outdoorsy types the Petersens were), with Mrs. Petersen’s Mercedes-Benz 450SL roadster in the background. Judging from the model years of some of the cars, and Mr. and Mrs. P.’s clothing and hairstyles, we estimate this photo was taken in 1973 or 1974. Petersen Photo Archive/TEN: The Enthusiast Network

Chapter 6 The Petersen Automotive Museum— The Final Gem in the Petersen Crown

Another famous Petersen driveway photo of Mr. P. with some of his cars. The Ghia 450SS still belongs to the museum, but the Mercedes-Benz 600 was sold off. We’re not sure of the current ownership status of the Shelby GT350, Charger, Jeep, or Pontiac also seen in this photo. Petersen Automotive Museum photo, courtesy Kahn Media