A Flashback to the Radwood Era: Where Performance Met Pop Culture
Opening to the public on Friday, June 6, the exhibit dives deep into the automotive history of the 1980s and 1990s—a time when horsepower, style, and larger-than-life personalities ruled both the streets and the silver screen. Aptly dubbed a “Radwood-era” celebration, this collection features more than 13 legendary vehicles that capture the spirit of two decades that shaped modern car culture.
At the heart of the collection is a dazzling array of ultra-rare and historically significant automobiles. One of the main highlights is a 1992 Ford F-150 Flareside in full period-correct flair, complete with striking custom paint and a cab spoiler that screams retro cool. Alongside this American classic are Lamborghini showstoppers like the 1985 Countach 5000S and the beastly 1989 LM002—a model often referred to as the “Rambo Lambo” due to its rugged off-road performance and military-inspired styling.
Legendary Cars from the Big Screen
Hollywood memorabilia meets automotive excellence with the inclusion of the original DeLorean DMC-12—yes, the actual time machine from the Back to the Future trilogy. Also gracing the exhibit is the quirky 1998 Volkswagen Beetle from the Austin Powers series, another car with cinematic time-traveling ties.
For motorsport fans, the museum presents rally car royalty in the form of a 1985 Audi Sport Quattro Group B, one of the most powerful and rare rally cars ever built. And in an exciting nod to American muscle, visitors can get up close and personal with the very first Buick GNX, a turbocharged legend from the GM stable.
Supercars, Unicorns, and JDM Icons
The supercar segment of the exhibit is nothing short of breathtaking. Among the headline-makers is the Vector M12, a wedge-shaped dream machine that screams ’90s excess. Even rarer is the Cizeta Moroder V16T, powered by a wild sixteen-cylinder engine and designed in part by Lamborghini veteran Marcello Gandini.
But perhaps the most thrilling reveal is the Nissan NISMO Skyline GT-R LM homologation special—a one-of-a-kind vehicle built specifically to allow Nissan to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s the only one in existence, making it a jaw-dropping piece of JDM history that fans of Japanese performance culture will truly appreciate.
Of course, no retrospective of this magnitude would be complete without a nod to the McLaren F1, widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars of all time. Its presence alone justifies a visit to the museum.
A Cultural Celebration Beyond the Cars
This isn’t just an automotive exhibit—it’s a full-scale celebration of the era’s culture. Think Guns N’ Roses concert energy meets car enthusiast heaven. From the fashion and music to the gadgets and gadgets (Sony Discman, anyone?), the exhibit immerses you in a world that many remember fondly and new generations are eager to explore.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian exotics, American muscle, rally legends, or obscure hypercars, this exhibit has something for everyone. It’s a trip down memory lane packed with horsepower, heritage, and heart.
So dust off your vintage denim jacket, style your hair like it’s 1989, and step into the world of neon lights, turbochargers, and iconic rides at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
