News

Car collector Bruce Meyer has donated his 1932 Ford hot rod, the McGee Roadster, to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Reckoned to be the world’s most famous hot rod, the McGee Roadster was built by Bob McGee and quickly became the car that many others took inspiration from.

The McGee Roadster also helped seal the success of Hot Rod Magazine in the US when it appeared on the cover. Published by Robert E Petersen, the magazine’s success helped to found the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Based on a 1932 Ford, the McGee Roadster has competed on the Bonneville Salt Flats and been used as a daily driver.

Bruce Meyer said: ‘Hot rods are vital to the entire automotive industry, and Robert Petersen is the man who really brought hot rodding to the people. This car is an important piece of automotive history, and there is no more worthy destination than the Petersen Automotive Museum.’

Accepting the car on behalf of the museum, executive director Terry L Karges said: ‘The McGee Roadster is so much more than just a car. It is the symbol of an entire era and generation of innovative hot rodders. We are honored by Bruce’s donation and proud to preserve this piece of history.’