The Petersen Automotive Museum Opens Exhibition on Jeff Zwart’s Career
The new exhibit traces photographer, filmmaker & racer Jeff Zwart's four-decade career at the intersection of art & motorsports…
The Petersen Automotive Museum announced its newest exhibition, “Jeff Zwart: Life at ZwartSpeed,” which opened to the public Aug. 22 in the museum’s Vault and will remain on display through June 13, 2027. Featuring eight significant Porsche vehicles alongside photography and films from Zwart’s celebrated career, the exhibition explores the intersection of art, advertising, filmmaking and motorsports that has defined his life for more than four decades, museum officials said in a press release.
Zwart’s Career in Photography, Film & Racing
That multifaceted career began after Zwart studied photography at ArtCenter College of Design and joined Road & Track magazine, eventually transitioning to advertising and filmmaking for Porsche, BMW, Cadillac and other leading automotive brands. His passion for cars also carried him from behind the camera to behind the wheel, competing in Formula Ford, stage rallies, endurance racing and hill climbs. His accomplishments include a class victory at the 2004 Baja 1000, a second-place overall finish in the Panama-Alaska Rally and multiple class victories and records over 17 starts at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
“I have been so fortunate to have my advertising career merge with my racing and personal life in such a seamless way,” said Zwart. “When the exhibition was suggested, it seemed natural to bring those three components together at the Petersen. I hope visitors enjoy this glimpse into ‘Life at ZwartSpeed.’”
Vehicles on Display
The exhibition will feature eight Porsche vehicles representing different chapters in the company’s history and Zwart’s multifaceted career:
- 1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A
- 1954 Porsche System P 312
- 1965 Porsche 911
- 1966 Porsche 906
- 1969 Porsche 911 “East African Safari”
- 1970 Porsche 914/6
- 2002 Porsche 911 GT2
- 2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Together, the vehicles, photographs and films featured in “Jeff Zwart: Life at ZwartSpeed” provide a rare look at a singular career spanning art, motorsports, advertising, filmmaking and automotive culture, the release noted. The exhibition illustrates how Zwart’s professional and personal pursuits have continually influenced one another, revealing the curiosity, creativity and drive that have made him one of the automotive world’s most influential visual storytellers.
