The Petersen Automotive Museum will debut “Legends of the Dirt,” showcasing some of the most successful and extraordinary racing vehicles from a variety of off-road motorsport disciplines, museum officials stated in a press release. Located in the Nearburg Gallery and powered by OPTIMA Batteries, a Clarios Brand, “Legends of the Dirt” is set to open on Dec. 7 and run through January 2027. The display will spotlight the machines, engineering breakthroughs and racing cultures that have defined off-road competition for decades.
“Legends of the Dirt” will showcase vehicles from major U.S. events such as the SCORE Baja 1000 and King of the Hammers, as well as legends from international competitions, including the World Rally Championship. It will also showcase vehicles from specialized disciplines, including motorcycle hill climb and stadium truck racing, noted the release.
The exhibit will highlight off-road racing as one of the most thrilling and technically demanding forms of motorsport, featuring purpose-built vehicles engineered to conquer some of the world’s most rugged terrain, officials stated. “Legends of the Dirt” will also educate guests about key automotive technologies that were invented for or significantly advanced by off-road racing, including all-wheel drive systems, communications and GPS equipment, durability improvements and modern suspension design.
Highlights of the “Legends of the Dirt” Exhibit
Featured vehicles in the display will include:
- The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle GRC driven by Tanner Foust
- The 1983 Lancia Rally 037 that earned the World Rally Championship Constructors’ title with drivers Walter Röhrl and Markku Alén
- The 1995 Herbst “LandShark,” a game-changing Terrible Herbst Motorsports creation that redefined Class 1 desert racing
- The 1993 Suzuki Cultus Twin-Engine Pikes Peak Special built for Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima
- The 2010 Coleworx “Screaming Blue” rock bouncer
- The 1970 Ford Bronco “Big Oly”
- The first King of the Hammers-winning Ford Bronco Ultra4.
The display will also include a curated collection of significant off-road motorcycles.
“This exhibit represents one of the few automotive sectors we haven’t covered in much detail before,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “Thanks to our partnership with OPTIMA Batteries, this exhibition couldn’t come at a better time, and we are excited to welcome guests to explore this beloved sector in motorsports.”