The Spectacular Showcase of 1950s Dream Cars at Petersen Automotive Museum

The latest exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum, titled “GM’s Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars From the Joe Bortz Collection,” is scheduled to debut on March 16. This highly anticipated showcase will highlight six concept cars that were introduced at GM Motorama shows during the 1950s.

The exhibit, located in the Audrey and Martin Gruss Foundation Gallery, will provide a comprehensive exploration of General Motors’ renowned Motorama shows, which were instrumental in introducing experimental non-production cars under the guidance of the legendary GM stylist Harley Earl. Many of the innovative design and technological concepts introduced at these shows eventually transitioned into production automobiles, with models such as the Corvette becoming enduring symbols of automotive history.

Among the six cars featured in the exhibit, three were rescued from near destruction at Warhoops Auto and Truck Parts in Michigan. After the Motorama shows, the majority of these “Dream Cars” were slated for scrapping and crushing. However, four fortunate cars were salvaged by Warhoops employees and concealed among discarded car bodies. Upon learning of the saved “Dream Cars” in the mid-1980s, collector Joe Bortz acquired the four cars from the scrapyard.

Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to admire the painstakingly restored 1955 LaSalle II Roadster and 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne, both of which had been severed in preparation for disposal. Additionally, they will have the chance to view a 1955 LaSalle Sedan in its original “junkyard fresh” condition. Other remarkable cars in the exhibit include the 1953 Pontiac Parisienne, 1953 Buick Wildcat, and a meticulously preserved, unrestored 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special.

Collector Joe Bortz conveyed his excitement, referring to the cars as “the Picassos and Rembrandts of this automotive generation,” and emphasizing the rare opportunity to see all six together, all from the 1950s and in their original splendor.

Executive Director Terry L. Karges of the Petersen Automotive Museum also expressed enthusiasm, underscoring the unique nature of Joe Bortz’s historic car collection, which is being displayed at the museum for the first time. Karges emphasized the significance of the Motoramas in automotive history, emphasizing the museum’s eagerness to share these “Dream Cars” with enthusiasts from around the world.

“GM’s Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars From the Joe Bortz Collection” will be open for public viewing until March 2026. For those interested in purchasing tickets or seeking more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit Petersen.org/exhibits.