Petersen Automotive Museum Honors Ken Block with Landmark Exhibit
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious
The Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled "People's Champ: The Impact of Ken Block," the most extensive public display of the motorsports legend's vehicles and memorabilia ever curated. Now open in the Meyer Gallery, the exhibit celebrates Block's legacy as a driver, entrepreneur, and creative visionary who reshaped the world of motorsports and automotive culture.
The exhibit offers an in-depth look at Block's career, from his rise in rally racing to his influence on digital automotive content, most notably through his Gymkhana video series, which captivated millions worldwide. His role as co-founder of DC Shoes and later Hoonigan Industries positioned him as a driving force in both action sports and automotive enthusiasm.
"Block's profound influence has ignited the passion of millions," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. "His fearless driving and innovative vision in motorsports content have forever shaped the automotive landscape."
The exhibit features some of the most iconic vehicles of Block's career, including:
1965 Ford Mustang RTR 'Hoonicorn' – The all-wheel-drive, twin-turbocharged star of multiple Gymkhana videos, including Gymkhana SEVEN and Climbkhana
2005 Subaru WRX STI 'Gymkhana Practice' – The car that started it all in the first Gymkhana video
2008 Subaru WRX STI from Gymkhana TWO: The Infomercial
1977 Ford F-150 'Hoonitruck' – Inspired by Block's father's pickup and featured in Gymkhana TEN
2022 Audi S1 E-Tron Quattro 'Hoonitron' – Built for Electrikhana, showcasing Block's venture into electric performance
1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC 'Cossie V2'
2022 Porsche 911 SVRSR 'Hoonipigasus' – Designed for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
1986 Ford RS200
2016 Ford Focus RS RX, raced in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and featured in Gymkhana TEN
The exhibition also features Block's racing suits, helmets, and personal memorabilia, as well as the "Ain't Care Wall," displaying wrecked vehicle parts from his high-adrenaline stunts—an homage to his fearless approach to motorsports.
Created in collaboration with the 43 Institute, a nonprofit founded in Block's honor to provide mentorship and support for aspiring athletes and creatives, the exhibit embodies his commitment to inspiring future generations.
"This exhibit is a meaningful tribute to Ken's legacy, reflecting his lasting impact and the inspiration he brought to motorsports and car culture," said Lucy Block, Ken's wife. "43 Institute is committed to fostering the opportunities that sparked his passion and creativity."
"People's Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" will remain on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum through October 2025, offering fans and enthusiasts a chance to experience the life and career of one of motorsports' most influential figures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jay Leno Unveils Ultra-Rare 1956 Mercedes Alloy Gullwing Forgotten Even by Mercedes
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious In his latest video, automotive icon and comedian Jay Leno unveiled one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever produced—a 1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing, so exclusive that even Mercedes-Benz doesn't know where all of them are today. Leno's discovery highlights a version of the classic 300 SL Gullwing that is rarely seen outside of elite collections. Only 29 examples of the alloy-bodied variant were produced, and this one—once owned by noted collector Rudi Klein in Los Angeles—is among the few known to remain intact. Unlike its more commonly seen steel-bodied sibling, the Alloy Gullwing was a lightweight, high-performance version built entirely out of aluminum. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 215 horsepower, was designed for competitive driving and reduced weight. While the standard Gullwing is already a legend, the Alloy version emphasizes performance over refinement, making it highly prized among purists. Despite its value—estimated at $10 million—this Alloy Gullwing is not the most expensive Mercedes ever sold. That distinction belongs to the record-breaking 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which fetched over $140 million in 2022. Still, the Alloy Gullwing remains one of the most valuable privately owned road cars in the world. 'This is the first true supercar,' Leno declared in the episode, challenging the often-cited claim that the Lamborghini Miura holds that title. He emphasized the Alloy Gullwing's blend of performance, rarity, and motorsport heritage, qualities that make it unlike anything else from its era. Now retired from late-night television, Leno continues to spotlight automotive rarities through his YouTube channel, Jay Leno's Garage, where he shares cars from his 300+ vehicle collection, valued north of $50 million. With each new video, Leno not only entertains but also helps preserve the legacies of cars even their manufacturers forgot existed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
1948 Ferrari Sets Record as Broad Arrow Celebrates First European Auction at Villa d'Este
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious Broad Arrow Auctions achieved a historic milestone at its inaugural European sale this past weekend, held during the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Headlining the event was a 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, which shattered auction records for the model, selling for an astonishing €7,543,750. The sale, conducted over two days at Villa Erba, marked Broad Arrow's debut on the European stage and its first as the official auction partner of BMW AG. The event drew global attention both in person and online, with more than 8,000 viewers tuning in via Broad Arrow's livestream. In total, 78 percent of lots found new owners, generating a sales total of €31,172,625, including post-auction transactions. 'This sale was not only a commercial success, but a historic one,' said Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow's EMEA region. 'The setting, the cars, and the energy in the room all came together in spectacular fashion.' The record-setting 1948 Ferrari—believed to be one of the most original examples of the early Spyder Corsa models—was previously never offered for public sale. With Mille Miglia and Targa Florio provenance, the car captivated bidders worldwide, eventually selling after a spirited round of telephone bids. Additional highlights included a 2003 Honda NSX-R that realized €934,375—setting a new auction record for the model—alongside a €2,312,500 result for a 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione. A rare 1980 BMW M1 built to Procar specification also achieved €602,500 during the BMW-exclusive segment of the auction. Kenneth Ahn, President of Broad Arrow, reflected on the weekend's success: 'This extraordinary debut on the shores of Lake Como underscores our commitment to global growth. We are honored by the support from collectors, our partners at BMW AG, and the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.' Broad Arrow's next auction is slated for August 13–14 at the Monterey Jet Center in California, where it will once again present a premier selection of collector cars in conjunction with Motorlux.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Historic Ferrari Sale Headlines Broad Arrow's Record-Setting Debut at Villa d'Este
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious A 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa shattered records at Broad Arrow Auctions' first European event, selling for €7,543,750 and setting a new high-water mark for the model. The landmark sale headlined Broad Arrow's debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, held on the shores of Lake Como in partnership with BMW AG. The auction house, a subsidiary of Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY), reported €31,172,625 in total sales over the May 24–25 weekend, with 78 percent of lots sold. The dual-day auction marked Broad Arrow's inaugural sale on European soil, held in the historic Rotunda at Villa Erba. 'We are thrilled with the success of our first European auction,' said Joe Twyman, Broad Arrow's VP of Sales for EMEA. 'To launch our presence with such a prestigious event and achieve several record-breaking results speaks volumes about our global client base and the quality of vehicles offered.' The Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, lauded as one of the most original early Ferraris in existence, was a standout. Commissioned in period by one of Enzo Ferrari's earliest customers, the car boasts a significant competition pedigree, including appearances in the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. The auction room fell silent during a tense bidding war, with the final price confirming the car's place in the upper echelon of historic Ferrari values. Other notable sales included a 2003 Honda NSX-R, which set a world auction record at €934,375, and a 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione, which commanded €2,312,500. A BMW M1 Procar-spec car, sold during a BMW-only auction session, fetched €602,500. With over 8,000 viewers following online, Broad Arrow's first Villa d'Este sale exceeded expectations, showcasing everything from postwar icons to modern collectibles. The auction house will next head to California for its Monterey Jet Center sale this August 13–14.
