{"id":501584,"date":"2023-04-24T13:15:07","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T20:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportscardigest.com\/?p=501584"},"modified":"2024-12-08T03:43:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-08T03:43:58","slug":"we-are-porsche-exhibit-opens-at-the-petersen-museum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/we-are-porsche-exhibit-opens-at-the-petersen-museum\/","title":{"rendered":"We Are Porsche Exhibit Opens at the Petersen Museum"},"content":{"rendered":"

Porsche lands on American soil<\/h2>\n

The story of Porsche\u2019s phenomenal success in America is one of many chapters and couldn\u2019t have been written based on the car itself. Initial reactions to the little car with the engine in the rear was like trying to be sold an expensive suit that buttons up the back; it would take deeply committed advocates to promote this German brand. Between the initial efforts of Porsche importer Max Hoffmann on the East Coast and the sports car culture of Southern California, Porsche\u2019s growth across America took on a life of its own. Movie stars like Steve McQueen and James Dean zipping around in Porsche Speedsters helped fuel the car\u2019s meteoric popularity.<\/p>\n

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This 1954 Porsche 550 Spyder, chassis 06, was originally built as a show car. It was eventually sold to California Porsche distributor John von Neumann whose race team would pilot it to numerous victories around Southern California. Betty Shutes bought the car in 1957 and drove it in 31 races, winning 13, including victories in nine of ten contests in 1959. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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This 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.8 RSR with drivers Peter Gregg and Hurley Haywood, won both the IMSA and Trans-Am championships in 1973, including victories at the IMSA 3 Hours at Daytona and Camel GT 250 at Daytona. PHoto \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Porsche Effect<\/h3>\n

Fast forward to 2018, and the Petersen Automotive Museum combined forces with Porsche Cars North America to launch The Porsche Effect, the most comprehensive exhibit of the fabled marque ever assembled in North America. Those who experienced the exhibit were overwhelmed by the show’s depth, which included a 1938 Berlin-Rome Type 64 race car; the genesis of Porsche’s first model, the 356.<\/p>\n

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The awesome 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder boasts a 4.6-liter V-8 + 2 electric motors allowing it to reach a top speed of 214 mph. This particular chassis was used in the movie Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022). Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The iconic 1973 Porsche 917\/30 was introduced for the 1973 season as an improved version of the 917\/10. Mark Donohue drove this chassis 003, to six consecutive victories and won the overall 1973 championship, scoring the fastest lap time at every race. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We Are Porsche<\/h3>\n

Five years later as part of celebrating Porsche’s 75th<\/sup> anniversary, the Petersen launched its new We Are Porsche<\/a> exhibit with the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday night, April 15th<\/sup>, 2023. Stuttcars<\/a> was on the ground to participate in this “VIP evening” to give you a glimpse of what’s inside the new exhibit that Porsche Cars North America<\/a> was once again involved with.<\/p>\n

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This 1976 911 Turbo Carrera was the last new car purchased by legendary actor and accomplished racing driver Steve McQueen just four years before his death. The vehicle was ordered from Bob Smith Porsche in Hollywood with factory options, including dual mirrors, a sunroof, and a limited-slip differential. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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This 1956 Porsche 356 Carrera Coupe became the \u201cKustom Karrera Koupe\u201d after being modified by car customizer Dean Jeffries. Almost every part of the car was given the Jeffries touch, including custom front fenders, rear decklid vents, tail lights, etc. Dean also upholstered in interior using pleated goat leather. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the exhibit\u2019s title infers, We Are Porsche<\/a> highlights the stories of people who have contributed to Porsche’s success, including the likes of Patrick Dempsey<\/a>, Steve McQueen, Dan Gurney, Hurley Haywood<\/a>, Ken Miles, “The Spyder Women” (Betty Shutes, Ruth Levy, and Denise McCluggage), Patrick Long, Rod Emory<\/a>, and Daniel Arsham. Spread across the third floor of the museum are a collection of cars and associated personality bios that exemplify this tight-knit relationship between \u201cMan and Machine.\u201d<\/p>\n

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This 1967 Porsche 911S was converted into a 4-door version by Los Angeles-based fabricators Troutman and Barnes. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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This 1958 Porsche 356A Carrera GT Speedster is the winningest Carrera GT Speedster ever, with three Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) National Championships (1958 with \u201cPup\u201d Pupilidy; 1960 and 1963 with Bruce Jennings) and 67 National SCCA race victories. Photo \u00a9 2023 Rex McAfee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Exhibit highlights<\/h3>\n