Petersen Automotive Museum: “Jeff Zwart: Life at ZwartSpeed”
The Petersen Automotive Museum has introduced a new exhibit titled “Jeff Zwart: Life at ZwartSpeed,” which opened on August 22 and will run through June 13, 2027. This special exhibit features eight iconic Porsches alongside Zwart’s photography and film work, highlighting his extensive career in advertising, motorsports, and visual storytelling.
From Road & Track to the Rally Stage
Jeff Zwart’s journey began with a degree in photography from ArtCenter College of Design. Initially, he worked with Road & Track magazine before shifting towards advertising and filmmaking for brands like Porsche, BMW, and Cadillac. His passion for automobiles took him from being behind the camera to racing various classes, including:
- Formula Ford
- Stage Rallies
- Endurance Events
- Hill Climbs
Notable achievements include a class win at the 2004 Baja 1000, a runner-up finish at the Panama-Alaska Rally, and multiple class wins at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb over 17 starts.
Eight Porsches Spanning Seven Decades
The centerpiece of the exhibit displays a chronological lineup of Porsches, showcasing both classic and modern cars that Zwart has either raced or filmed:
- 1954 Porsche System P 312
- 1969 Porsche 911 “East African Safari”
For fans of early air-cooled cars, the exhibit illustrates the timeless allure of models like the Porsche 356, further highlighted by recent auctions of notable vehicles, such as a numbers-matching 1955 Porsche 356 “Pre-A” Speedster.
Zwart himself stated that “Life at ZwartSpeed” merges his professional and personal experiences, providing museum visitors with unique insights into his world.
Part of a Growing Exhibit Calendar
This exhibit adds to Petersen’s impressive array of recent programming, which has included tributes to motorsport legends, such as Ken Block, and events celebrating iconic races like the Long Beach Grand Prix. The museum continues to leverage its space to celebrate automotive history and personalities alongside its permanent collection.
For more details, you can read the full article on Motorious.
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