Metallica’s James Hetfield’s Rockin’ Rides are Headed to the Petersen

L.A. auto museum to host display of rock icon’s custom cars, and a new ‘Hypercars’ exhibit.

During its annual breakfast press conference at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Petersen Automotive Museum announced two upcoming exhibits set to debut in 2020. The new exhibits will include a custom car display featuring the collection of Metallica frontman James Hetfield in February; and a “Hypercars” exhibit in June.

Hetfield’s collection, which was graciously donated to the Petersen this year, consists of 10 custom cars, including the 1948 Jaguar “Black Pearl” (pictured above) and the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr “Voodoo Priest.” The cars will be displayed with Metallica artifacts and memorabilia. Replacing “Hollywood Dream Machines,” the new “Hypercars” display will gather more than 30 modern hypercars.

In addition to the new exhibits and car donations, the Petersen officially welcomed two new board members to its team of automotive luminaries. Hong Kong-based businessman and notable car collector Wiliam E. Connor became a board member—a responsibility which steers the Petersen towards a sustainable future as a thought leader in the automotive space. In addition, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche was appointed as an honorary board member. Dr. Porsche is a shareholder and chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche as well as the youngest son of Ferdinand Porsche, creator of the 356.

‘Since the Petersen was founded in 1994, we have worked tirelessly to share our passion for the automobile. Our announcements at Pebble Beach reflect our promise to continue this mission for years to come.’

Along with the new board members, the Petersen announced four new Founding Members: the Otis Booth Foundation, Tom Malloy, Phillip Sarofim, and Hetfield. Founding Members are top-level museum donors.

“As we head into 2020, the Petersen Automotive Museum has monumental plans on the horizon,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Since the Petersen was founded in 1994, we have worked tirelessly to share our passion for the automobile both locally and internationally. Our announcements at Pebble Beach reflect our promise to the public to continue this mission for years to come.”

The Petersen also announced that it will sponsor a car build for Drag Racing Against Gangs & Graffiti, an automotive afterschool program which aims to mentor at-risk kids by providing viable car repair and customization skills.

Photos: Petersen; video: Rich and Famous

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.