31Ronald Reagan, the 40^th President of the United States of America, was more than just a political figure. His life in the public eye got launched as an actor in the 1930s. Automobiles were booming in those days and were a huge focus for many people, including Hollywood and Reagan. Marking the late President’s 104^th birthday, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library is celebrating by hosting the Amazing Automobiles: The Ultimate Car Exhibit.

Ronald Reagan is seen here in the 1954 Cadillac LaEspada concept car.

The Reagan Library is nestled in Simi Valley, California and is partnering with the Petersen Museum to display some of the most recognizable vehicles from Hollywood, politics and history. “This partnership with The Petersen Museum is a wonderful way to showcase their extraordinary collection in Ventura County while their museum is closed for renovation,” said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. “Whether you’re an enthusiast of the movies, history or just beautiful cars, this exhibit is a must-see.”

Currently, the Petersen Museum is closed for a multi-million dollar renovation and is expected to reopen in December 2015. The Petersen Museum has loaned out vehicles to the Reagan Library that aren’t normally on display for public viewing, making this an excellent opportunity to see vehicles in person. “This is a fairly rare collaboration between two world-class museums,” said Terry Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “The ‘Amazing Automobiles’ exhibit allows Reagan Library visitors to see several significant cars from the Petersen collection.”

Among the cars on display with be a 1939 Bugatti 57C Atalante (above) and the 1946 custom Ford from the movie Grease pictured below.

The unique vehicles will be placed into themed groups; the Hollywood Gallery, the Heads of State Gallery and the Historic Cars Gallery. The Hollywood Gallery is featuring cars used in films and television as well as personal vehicles owned by celebrities. Steve McQueen’s 1956 XKSS, the Batmobile driven by Michael Keaton in “Batman” and “Batman Returns” and the “Grease Lightning” 1946 Ford custom from the cult classic “Grease” are a few. Elvis Presley’s 1971 DeTomaso Patera will also be on display, complete with bullet holes that Presley added to it.

The Heads of State Gallery is going to feature rare vehicles such as Pope John Paul II’s 1998 Cadillac Papal Parade Phaeton, dubbed the Popemobile and a 1942 Lincoln Limousine used by Presidents Roosevelt and Truman which that was ordered the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Historic Cars Gallery will include a 1913 Mercer Raceabout, a 1939 Bugatti 57C Atalante and even a Gold-plated DeLorean DMC-12.

Many of these vehicles have been on display since October 28, 2014 and will stay on through to May 1, 2015. Ronald Reagan set up the Ronal Reagan Presidential Foundation as a nonprofit organization to continue his legacy and sharing his deepest principles for the American Culture. Regan pushed for National Pride, personal liberty and economic growth. The American automotive industry is a prime example of what Americans can do when they set their minds to a goal and enjoy life.

For more information on The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library as well as the Amazing Automobiles: The Ultimate Car Exhibit, visit www.ReaganFoundation.org