Petersen Museum Debuts GM Motorama Dream Cars From Joe Bortz Collection

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has unveiled its latest exhibit, "GM's Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars from the Joe Bortz Collection," now open to the public in the Audrey and Martin Gruss Foundation Gallery. This unique exhibition, running until March 2026, brings together six extremely rare GM concept cars for the first time, offering a glimpse into the innovative spirit of the 1950s GM Motorama shows.

Among the featured vehicles are the 1955 LaSalle II Roadster, 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne, 1955 LaSalle Sedan, 1953 Buick Wildcat, 1953 Pontiac Parisienne, and a completely original and unrestored 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special. These cars represent a significant era in automotive history, where General Motors explored futuristic design and technology through its traveling Motorama shows. Led by legendary GM stylist Harley Earl, these exhibitions showcased experimental non-production vehicles, some of which, like the Corvette, eventually made it into production.

Most of these "Dream Cars" were destined for scrap yards after their debut. However, four vehicles were saved from near destruction at Warhoops Auto and Truck Parts in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Joe Bortz, a passionate collector, rescued these cars and undertook the restoration of the 1955 LaSalle II Roadster and 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne after discovering them cut in half. The 1955 LaSalle Sedan remains in its original "junkyard fresh" condition.

Joe Bortz expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibit, stating, "These cars are the Picassos and Rembrandts of this automotive generation. To see six of them together, all from the ‘50s, and all the real deal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Terry L. Karges, executive director of Petersen Automotive Museum, also shared his excitement about showcasing these iconic vehicles and highlighting the significant impact of Motoramas on automotive history.

For those interested in witnessing this rare assembly of automotive history, "GM's Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars from the Joe Bortz Collection" promises an unparalleled journey back to a time when cars were not just modes of transportation but symbols of innovation and style. For ticket purchases or more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visitors are encouraged to explore Petersen.org/exhibits.