LOS ANGELES, CA (November 11, 2006) – Immortalized in song, on screen, and in the hearts of auto enthusiasts, Ford’s 1932 “Deuce” is considered the most respected vehicle of all time, single-handedly initiating hot rod culture. The term “Deuce” stems from its 1932 year of manufacture and the vehicle is most popular for its conversion into a hotrod. In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the 1932 Ford, the Petersen Automotive Museum is hosting “Deuce Week” – an unprecedented six-day celebration to honor this iconic vehicle that changed the automotive landscape forever.
“The Deuce has had a lasting impact on the evolution of the automobile and is an important part of American culture we wanted to share with our visitors as education is our primary mission at the Petersen,” says Dick Messer, Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “We wanted to capture the significance of this anniversary by creating an unparalleled celebration of the cars and people who have helped perpetuate the “Deuce” for more than seven decades.”
“Deuce Week” will include the following schedule of events:
Monday, February 19th – The Petersen Automotive Museum will host an Open House featuring hundreds of Deuces and their owners to kick-off event registration and the anniversary festivities.
Tuesday, February 20th – Participants will take a driving tour of Orange County with stops at legendary restoration shops and private collections.
Wednesday, February 21st – Activities will include a tour of the famous So-Cal Speed Shop and the NHRA Museum in Pomona. California.
Thursday, February 22nd – The Deuce caravan will tour the San Fernando Valley, visit the acclaimed Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, and wind its way along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. The evening will culminate with the Legends Dinner, hosted at the Museum by noted journalist, automotive historian and award-winning Deuce owner Ken Gross. Honored guests will include NHRA founder Wally Parks, publishing magnate and museum benefactor Robert E. Petersen, and an array of industry notables and Deuce aficionados including Edsel B. Ford II, Ed Eskandarian, Stu Hilborn and Vic Edelbrock Jr.
Friday, February 23rd – The Petersen will host the event’s official Media Day and will conclude with the biggest party ever thrown for the Deuce – the Museum’s Deuce Week Gala. Hundreds of collectors, enthusiasts, racers and owners are expected. The Gala will feature special guests Jimmy Vaughn, Jeff Beck and Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top – all famous Deuce owners.
Saturday, February 24th – Designated the official “Deuce Day”, more than 750 Deuces are expected to be on hand as the Museum premiers its exhibit of 32 of the most significant 1932 Ford Deuces in its Grand Salon, where they will remain on display for 32 days (until Match 21, 2007).
Participants can register for “Deuce Week” activities at www.petersen.org or www.deuceweek.com. For additional tickets to the Thursday evening Legends Dinner ($85/person) and the Friday evening Gala Celebration and Dinner ($100/person) are available from the Petersen Automotive Museum (323) -964-6366.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, a pioneer in automotive education, and one of the nation’s largest and preeminent automotive museums. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID, and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum members and children under five are admitted free. Covered parking is available for $6.00 per car. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday and holiday Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For general Museum information, call (323) 930-CARS or visit the Museum’s web site address at www.petersen.org