Hosting 200+ invitation-only vehicles in a unique car show each year on Father's Day is just one part of the annual EyesOn Design automotive exhibition.
Along with celebrating the designs of some of the most beautiful and striking cars in the world, EyesOn Design also celebrates the people for whom collecting and showcasing cars is a passion, with its annual Preserving the Vision award.
EyesOn Design is proud to announce the recipient of its 2026 Preserving the Vision award: the Petersen Automotive Museum of Los Angeles.
In recognition of the honor, the Petersen Automotive Museum will exhibit two special cars from its collection, one of the world's largest, on Sunday, June 21 during EyesOn Design at Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, MI. The public is encouraged to attend the 39th annual show for the opportunity to see these spectacular vehicles in person.
The first is a 1939 Delahaye Type 165 roadster built for the 1939 New York World's Fair by the French luxury brand and coachbuilder firm, Figoni & Falaschi. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco automobile design.
1939 Delahaye Type 165 roadster by Figoni & Falaschi
In addition to the Delahaye, the Petersen Automotive Museum will also bring to EyesOn Design a one-of-kind 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta, the last one ever built. The final non-racing Ferrari bodied by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the Barchetta was a gift from Enzo Ferrari, built for and owned by Henry Ford II.
1952 Ferrari 212/225 Barchetta, built for and owned by Henry Ford II
The Petersen Automotive Museum was founded by the late Robert Petersen, who built the largest special-interest publishing company in America, beginning with Hot Rod Magazine and soon Motor Trend, which was aimed at fans of production cars. These were followed by dozens of other publications focused on different segments of the automotive market.
As a successful entrepreneur and noted car collector, Petersen and his wife Margie realized a lifelong dream in 1994 by creating a 300,000-square-foot museum to celebrate automotive culture.
Its mission is to educate and excite generations with fascinating stories about the vehicles and people that have influenced America's love affair with the automobile.
Inside, its three floors and 25 galleries showcase just about every kind of car, from legendary race cars to exotic foreign models to special vehicles made by America's automakers and more.
Due to its proximity to Hollywood, the museum also features lots of cars well-known to TV and movie buffs, including a special exhibit that opened this spring on the cars from the "Fast & Furious" films.
Downstairs, in the museum's "Vault," are over 250 of the rarest cars, trucks and motorcycles from around the world, featuring early legends and American classics to award-winning hot rods and stunning modern supercars.
Once a month, the Petersen also hosts cruise-ins when car buffs get to show off their own cars in the museum's parking lot.
The museum itself is a standout on L.A's famed Wilshire Boulevard, with its façade of swooping stainless-steel ribbons added during an extensive $125 million renovation in 2015.
EyesOn Design is proud to recognize the Petersen Automotive Museum with this year's Preserving the Vision award.
Thanks to Rob Musial for writing this article for EyesOn Design.