Take a stroll down Miracle Mile’s Wilshire blvd. in the heart of Los Angeles and you’re likely to be pulled toward the unique swooping structure decked out in red and silver that takes up almost an entire block. The Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the largest on earth, and it’s long served as a destination site for car enthusiasts far and wide. Each year, the Petersen organizes their signature Japanese Cruise-in, aimed at bringing car fanatics together to interact and celebrate automotive enthusiasm with one another.
This year’s event was Nissan-focused in light of the introduction of the new Z which is headed for dealers this summer. The pre-registered affair welcomed a variety of vehicles to attend, with the main floor reserved for old and new Z , 510, Skyline, and Datsun truck displays. Access to the museum, which occupies four floors and offers an array of vehicle types, sometimes themed displays, and an abundance of information is made available to participants during the gathering, as well.
Along with the eye candy that rolled in, vendors also were on hand, including Evasive Motorsports, Zociety, Hive Auto Group, and more. With the event presented by Nissan, Omaze, and supported by our friends at Japanese Classic Car Show, as well as Mission Foods and Road & Track, there was more than enough to see and experience during the 3-hour party.
Below are just a few of the vehicles that caught our attention, but there were certainly much more in attendance that are worthy of a closer look. To keep tabs on upcoming Petersen Automotive Museum events, give them a follow on Instagram.
Petersen’s 3rd story, which offers access to the museum itself, is where the vendors were positioned, along with rows of Nissan both old and new.
While the focus was on the Z and related Nissan chassis, the upper level of the Petersen parking structure featured additional makes and models, including this RHD FD.
Massaged fenders, blacked out bumpers and mirrors, integrated rear spoiler and air dam – all custom touches that slightly modernize this classic Z without stepping too far away from the car’s original charisma.
Honda also used the “Z” designation in the 1970s with their Z360 and 600 models. The U.S. version, available from 1970-73, was powered by a 598cc engine to pull its 1,312-lb curb weight.
A pair of new Nissan Z were on display, and this one had its hood popped for visitors to take a closer look at its twin turbo heart.
In stark contrast, this carbureted Z-car drives home just how much things have changed over years.
L.A. delivered sunny skies as expected, and classic T-tops were removed to take advantage.
Why not park backward like the rest of the show? If that were the case, visitors might’ve missed the very unique and fully custom “Phantom Z Sport Wagon” conversion.
You can view the complete gallery below, courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum.
To keep tabs on the group’s upcoming special events, give the Museum a follow on Instagram.
Keyword: The Petersen Museum's Annual Japanese Car Show Celebrates the 2023 Nissan Z