The Petersen Automotive Museum Honors Motorsports Icon Ken Block

A new exhibit celebrating the life and legacy of motorsports icon Ken Block will make its debut at the Petersen Automotive Museum next month in Los Angeles. “People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block,” a display of Block’s extensive collection, will open on Feb. 15 in the museum’s Meyer Gallery.

Block transformed the landscape of car culture and inspired a generation of automotive enthusiasts with his vehicles, videos, brands and stunts. With his “Gymkhana” videos, he combined extreme driving with cinematic storytelling. During Block’s racing career, he was a five-time X Games medalist in Rally and RallyCross, as well as one of only four American drivers to score points in the top class of the World Rally Championship.

Beyond racing, Block founded Hoonigan, a lifestyle brand. He was also the co-founder of DC Shoes, which became an icon in action sports apparel. Initiatives like 43 Institute continue Block’s legacy by providing resources to a new generation of “motivated misfits” to pursue their passions in action sports, motorsports and the creative arts.

“People’s Champ” will feature the cars of Block’s “Gymkhana” films and his personal vehicles and cars campaigned during his rally career, as well as multimedia displays and photos and memorabilia from Block’s collection. Highlighted vehicles include:

• 1965 Ford Mustang RTR “Hoonicorn” — Featured in “Gymkhana SEVEN,” “Gymkhana TEN” and “Climbkhana.”
• 2022 Porsche 911 SVRSR “Hoonipigasus” — A 1,400-horsepower Porsche built for the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
• 2005 Subaru IMPREZA WRX STI — Featured in “Gymkhana: Practice (or Gymkhana ONE).”
• 2008 Subaru IMPREZA WRX STI — Featured in “Gymkhana TWO.”
• 1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC “Cossie V2” — A classic rally racer updated to modern World Rally Championship specifications.
• 1978 Ford Escort — Block’s first Ford rally car, later converted for “Gymkhana GRID” competition.

“Ken Block transformed motorsports content and captivated audiences with his high-performance cars and fearless driving, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry and pop culture,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “This exhibit is a tribute to his legacy, and we are honored to share it with the public.”

The Petersen Automotive Museum will also team up with 43 Institute to celebrate National Ken Block Day on April 3 with a large cruise-in event on Saturday, April 5, and events throughout the week.

“This exhibit is such a meaningful way to celebrate Ken’s legacy and I can’t think of a better place than the Petersen to bring it to life. It’s not just about the cars, it’s about Ken’s lasting impact and the inspiration he brought to motorsports and car culture,” said Lucy Block, Ken’s wife. “Through 43 Institute, we’re committed to carrying forward the opportunities that fueled his passion and creativity, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with the Petersen to continue that work.”

“People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block” will be displayed until October 2025. For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, visit Petersen.org/exhibits.