In the first auction staged at the Petersen since its grand remodel, the museum will host a selection of historically significant American hot rods and customs, including the 1932 Ford 'Lloyd Bakan' Coupe and the 'Stengel Merc' custom built by Coachcraft in the early 1940s just blocks from where the Petersen now stands

Headlining this selection is the 1932 Ford 'Lloyd Bakan' Coupe. The car's long list of accomplishments includes a feature in the November 1956 issue of 'Rod & Custom,' the October 1957 cover of 'Hot Rod Magazine' and the 2007 Historic Hot Rod 'Best in Class' title at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. With a low estimate of $400,000, the iconic hot rod will draw serious attention as it falls under the hammer.

Among other customs and hot rods on offer will be a recreation of the 1962 Ed Roth 'Mysterion,' a fully-documented, functional and drivable version of the Kustom Kulture original. 'Mysterion' is part art, part machine and entirely wild—powered by two 390-cubic-inch Ford big block engines. The car will be the first offered at the auction after the sale of a unique selection of art and memorabilia, which ties in with the museum's 'Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School' exhibit currently open in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery.

Lot 171, a 1927 Ford Model T Track-Nose Roadster, is an exceptional period-built Southern California hot rod by builder Jack Thompson. It is a quintessential early American hot rod in both style and performance, benefitting from the craftsmanship and creativity of early hot rod pioneers like Claude Hampson, Tony Nancy and Art Summers. The car has been featured in several early magazines and has a long, rich provenance.

The 1941 Mercury 'Stengel' Custom by Coachcraft, which was a design and engineering marvel among custom cars of its era, captures early California custom car culture better than almost any other. Modifications were completed in 1941—the same year the car rolled off the factory floor. Nearly every panel on the body was altered from original including its unique three-piece roof which made the car a coupe, roadster or convertible depending on the driver's mood. It is also a rare example of a pre-war custom, crafted by a Southern California coachbuilder known for its work on custom-bodied touring cars fashioned for the Hollywood stars of that era.

'Southern California has always been synonymous with hot rods and custom car culture,' said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. 'Our Founder Robert E. Petersen played a significant role in fostering Los Angeles' love affair with hot rods and customs through his specialty-interest publishing empire. As the gatekeepers of his legacy, we're thrilled to continue his passion for these cars by hosting a world-renowned auction house such as RM Sotheby's for its December sale. While the cars on offer have been assembled from collections across the country, we are excited to host these vehicles and welcome visitors to both the auction and our latest exhibits that highlight Southern California's place as the birthplace of hot rod and custom culture in America.'

For full event details, the complete digital catalog and bidder registration, please visit rmsothebys.com. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org.

Photo credit: The Petersen Automotive Museum
posted on conceptcarz.com

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