The Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled its latest exhibit, “Driven to Win: The Automobile in Competition,” located in the Charles Nearburg Family Gallery. This dynamic display celebrates over 100 years of motorsport history, showcasing iconic vehicles from various competitive disciplines. The exhibit highlights the innovative technologies that have powered race cars to victory throughout the decades.
A standout feature of the exhibit is the collection of renowned race cars, including the 1946 Kurtis-Miller Ross Page Special, the 1968 AAR Eagle 68 driven by Denny Hulme, and the 2018 McLaren MCL33. Visitors will also see the 1966 Lola T70 MKII Spyder and the legendary 1993 AAR Toyota Eagle MKIII, which dominated the IMSA series with 21 wins in 27 races. The 1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout, recognized as one of America’s earliest sports cars, further enriches the display.
The exhibit also pays tribute to land speed and stock car racing with vehicles like the 1957 Teverbaugh & Kirkland Bonneville Special, notable for being the first car equipped with a parachute. Other highlights include the 1957 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedan “Black Widow” by SEDCO, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, driven by Buddy Baker to break the 200 mph barrier on a closed course, and the 1972 Alpine A110 1800 Group IV from the inaugural World Rally Championship. Fans of drag racing will appreciate the 2010 John Force Racing Ford Mustang, driven by John Force to secure his 15th NHRA Nitro Funny Car Championship.
“Motorsports is a significant part of automotive history, and this display represents the ever-evolving journey of racing,” said Terry L. Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “We hope our guests enjoy a look at how auto racing has evolved over the last century.”
The “Driven to Win: The Automobile in Competition” exhibit will be on display until 2025. For ticket purchases or more information, visit Petersen.org/exhibits.
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