The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles opened its newest exhibit on Saturday, February 23, 2019 featuring ten race cars from the collection of Petersen Founding Chairman Bruce Meyer. Titled “Winning Numbers: The First, The Fastest, The Famous,” the exhibit contains cars from Meyer’s personal garage that broke land speed records, several that won at Le Mans, a Belly Tank racer, hot rods and even dragsters.
“Buy the best example of what you want, and pay whatever it takes. That way, you cry only once.” ~ Bruce Meyer
The California native is considered one of the world’s foremost ambassadors of automotive enthusiasm, and has spent decades carefully building a collection of truly exceptional vehicles. “I don’t consider myself a collector,” Meyer said during a Fireside Chat discussion with Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “I consider myself an enthusiast.”
The cars he has acquired were not part of some plan to collect a specific marque or part of an investment portfolio, but more of what mattered to Bruce. The cars have a significant importance to Bruce and the passion he had for them throughout his life — evident in his eclectic collection. He buys cars that are attractive to him. He bought hot rods when people thought they were just junk. To him, the significance is in the history and importance of the car, rather than the collectible quality. Bruce’s collection is really quite simple … they are race cars that he likes and admires.
“You’re never too old to have a happy childhood.” ~ Bruce Meyer
“Affectionately called ‘the car guy’s car guy,’ Bruce Meyer epitomizes true automotive passion,” said Petersen’s Karges. “The charisma with which Bruce shares his passion is what sets him apart. ‘Winning Numbers’ reflects his discerning tastes as a collector and motorsports enthusiast, and we’re proud to share his fervor for the hobby with the community.”
The exhibit showcases a selection of his finest competition vehicles. These race cars are not trailer queens or your typical museum pieces. Bruce drives all of them regularly and he gladly displays them at several car shows and exhibits. His desire to share them with others is further evidence of his passion, appreciation and understanding of their history and why it is important to make them accessible. The selection of ten cars from Meyer’s collection are on display in The Bruce Meyer Family Gallery, on the second floor of the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles.
Bruce Meyer’s race cars on display in the “Winning Numbers: The First, The Fastest, The Famous” exhibit include:
1929 Ford ‘747’ Bonneville Racer that Meyer ran 204 mph at Bonneville Salt Flats
Pierson Brothers’ 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe was for a while known as the fastest closed car in America
1952 So-Cal Speed Shop Belly Tank Racer, which was fashioned from a P-38 Lightning fighter belly tank from World War II by hot rod racing icon Alex Xydias
The winningest Ferrari road racer of all time, the 1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testa Rossa, which claimed first prize in more than half of the 50 competitions in which it was raced
1960 Chevrolet Corvette, one of three campaigned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Briggs Cunningham’s team
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod’, which placed third overall and first in class at Le Mans
First production 1962 Shelby Cobra, CSX2001
1962 Greer Black Prudhomme dragster, which was raced by drag racing legend Don Prudhomme who won 237 of the 241 races in which he piloted the car
1965 Iso A3/C Bizzarrini won its class and was ninth overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
1979 Kremer Porsche 935 K3 that took first place overall at Le Mans
“Winning Numbers” will run through January 19, 2020 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. For more information, visit Petersen.org.
Bruce Meyer Race Car Collection – Photo Gallery (photos: Victor Varela)
Jensen Interceptor – 2019 London Classic Car ShowPorsche 917K Replica – 2019 London Classic Car ShowPorsche 944 Cup – 2019 London Classic Car ShowFerrari F40 – 2019 London Classic Car ShowNever Lift – Bruce Meyer’s signature phrase.[L-R] Bruce Meyer and Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges, during the evening’s Fireside Chat discussion.Bruce Meyer during the evening’s Fireside Chat discussion.Bruce Meyer cuts the ribbon for the opening of the new exhibit: “Winning Numbers: The First, The Fastest, The Famous”First production 1962 Shelby Cobra, CSX2001Bruce and the 1962 Shelby Cobra, CSX20011952 So-Cal Speed Shop Belly Tank Racer, which was fashioned from a P-38 Lightning fighter belly tank from World War II by hot rod racing icon Alex XydiasThe 1962 Greer Black Prudhomme Top Fuel Dragster1962 Greer Black Prudhomme dragster, which was raced by drag racing legend Don Prudhomme who won 237 of the 241 races in which he piloted the carThe 1979 Kremer Porsche 935 K31979 Kremer Porsche 935 K3 that took first place overall at Le Mans1929 Ford Altered Roadster1929 Ford Altered Roadster1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod’, which placed third overall and first in class at Le Mans1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod1965 Iso A3/C Bizzarrini won its class and was ninth overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans1965 Iso Bizzarrini A3/C1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testa Rossa1960 Chevrolet Corvette, one of three campaigned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Briggs Cunningham’s team1934 Ford “Pierson Brothers Coupe”1960 Chevrolet Corvette, one of three campaigned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Briggs Cunningham’s team1934 Ford “Pierson Brothers Coupe”The winningest Ferrari road racer of all time, the 1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testa Rossa, which claimed first prize in more than half of the 50 competitions in which it was raced1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testa RossaFirst production 1962 Shelby Cobra, CSX2001The renowned 1952 So-Cal Speed Shop Belly Tank RacerThe 1962 Greer Black Prudhomme Top Fuel DragsterThe 1979 Kremer Porsche 935 K31929 Ford Altered Roadster1929 Ford Altered Roadster1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione ‘SEFAC Hot Rod1934 Ford “Pierson Brothers Coupe”1965 Iso Bizzarrini A3/C1965 Iso Bizzarrini A3/CJacky Ickx was featured guest at the Amelia Island Concours 20191951 Rometsch Beeskow CoupeJacky Ickx was featured guest at the Amelia Island Concours 2019Jacky Ickx was featured guest at the Amelia Island Concours 2019Jacky Ickx was featured guest at the Amelia Island Concours 20191937 BMW 328Amelia Island Concours 2019Porsche 962 raced at Le Mans in 1993 in the red and white livery of long standing Porsche sponsor F.A.T. TURBOBrundage Motors Truck1969 Volkswagen Wedding BeetleJacky Ickx was featured guest at the Amelia Island Concours 2019Porsche race cars – Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Hagerty youth judges – Amelia Island Concours 2019Packard judging and cleaning – Amelia Island Concours 2019Packard judging and cleaning – Amelia Island Concours 20191926 Miller 91 Front Drive, Brumos CollectionJohn Barnhard-designed Pennzoil Chaparral 2K won the Indy 500 with Johnny Rutherford in 1980Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Hagerty youth judges – Amelia Island Concours 20191977 Lola T333 CS HU12 was entered by Carl Haas Racing for the 1979 Can-Am Championship, driven by Jacky Ickx. In the 10 races of the Can-Am Championship Jacky won six times, clinching his only North American Championship. The car is powered by a 5.0 liter Chevrolet V-8 producing approximately 550 HP in a car weighing 1,700 lbs.1964 Porsche 356C ‘Janis Joplin’1954 Volkswagen Dannenhauer and Stauss Coupe, the only one known to existAmelia Island Concours 20191953 Volkswagen Dannenhauer and Stauss Cabriolet is powered by the correct 1953 Porsche 1500 engine producing 50 horsepower. It has Porsche brakes, headlights and taillights.Amelia Island Concours 2019Jacky Ickx was featured guest at the Amelia Island Concours 2019Ground-hugging Porsche 962 racersCustom Volkswagen Coachwork was featuredAmelia Island Concours 2019John Oates, Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 20191957 Porsche AP18 was driven by John Oates (Hall and Oates) at Rennsport VIFerrari F40, Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019 featured the Mercedes-Benz 500K – 540KCars of the Rock Stars class, Amelia Island Concours 20191969 Volkswagen Wedding Beetle – This wrought iron bodied Wedding Beetle was hand built in Mexico in the the late 1960’s. This type of vehicle was used for private weddings in certain regions of Mexico.Hagerty youth judges with the Cars of the Rock Stars class, Amelia Island Concours 2019Hagerty youth judges with the Cars of the Rock Stars class, Amelia Island Concours 2019Hagerty youth judges with the Cars of the Rock Stars class, Amelia Island Concours 2019Hagerty youth judges with the Cars of the Rock Stars class, Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 2019Amelia Island Concours 20191955 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupe1968 Ford GT40 1075 won at Le Mans two years in a row in 1968 and 19691968 Ford GT40 1075 won at Le Mans two years in a row in 1968 and 19691938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier1960 Porsche 356 Cabriolet Hot Rod owned by John Oates2000 Porsche 911 GT3 R, painted to replicate Eddie Van Halen’s guitar1959 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was driven by none Elvis Presley in the 1967 film ‘Clam Bake’Amelia Island Concours 20191964 Porsche 356C ‘Janis Joplin’1929 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS was delivered new to the 1929 Irish TT for Rudolf Caracciola to race where he would eventually winPorsche 962 raced at Le Mans in 1993 in the red and white livery of long standing Porsche sponsor F.A.T. TURBO1931 Cadillac 452A All-Weather Phaeton1931 Cadillac 452A All-Weather PhaetonMcKeel Hagerty, 1931 Cadillac 452A All-Weather Phaeton1938 Peugeot Darl’Mat Roadster1911 Stanley 72, the oldest of the three 20 hp Stanley 2 Seater Roadsters which exist todayAmelia Island Concours 20191952 Kurtis Kraft 500A1973 Chevrolet Corvette XP-897 GT, one of two mid-engined Corvette prototypes designed by General Motors Styling Division to promote the Wankel Rotary engineAmelia Island Concours 20191956 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Limousine was behind President Kennedy’s Lincoln in Dallas on that fateful day in 1963.Brundage Motors TruckAutomotive Photography by Deremer Studios LLC – 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn-Kurier, Best of Show Concours d’Elegance at the 2019 Amelia Island ConcoursAutomotive Photography by Deremer Studios LLC – 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’EleganceAutomotive Photography by Deremer Studios LLC – 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’EleganceAutomotive Photography by Deremer Studios LLC – 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’EleganceSix-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx kicked off the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance by driving onto the field in the Le Mans-winning Porsche 936-812019 London Classic Car ShowMini Cooper – 2019 London Classic Car ShowMini Cooper – 2019 London Classic Car ShowCitroen – 2019 London Classic Car Show
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