The Petersen Automotive Museum has officially launched its newest show, “Performance and Prestige: A History of Aston Martin.” Created in collaboration with the British marque, this exhibit celebrates 112 years of design and racing. Now open in the Meyer Gallery, the display brings together more than a dozen rare and iconic vehicles. It explores the evolution of the luxury performance brand from its 1913 founding to today. This Petersen Aston Martin Exhibit is a must-see for automotive enthusiasts.
A Visual Timeline of Iconic Design
The core of the “Performance and Prestige” display features a compelling visual timeline of key moments. The selection highlights Aston Martin’s storied engineering and performance. It ranges from early designs that helped define the brand’s identity to its modern motorsports resurgence. The exhibit spotlights three main models that anchor this historical presentation.
The Centerpieces of Aston Martin History
Among the most notable vehicles is the 1961 DB4GT Zagato, a grand touring masterpiece. This car is one of only 19 ever produced, highlighting an early, crucial design partnership. Furthermore, the modern 2024 Valkyrie Spider is displayed as an engineering achievement. It incorporates complex Formula 1 technology into a road-legal hypercar design. Finally, the AMR23 race car represents the marque’s powerful resurgence in Formula 1 racing.
From Prototypes to Hypercars
Surrounding these central icons are other vehicles that celebrate Aston Martin’s lengthy design journey. The display includes the historic 1949 DB2 Prototype, an essential model for the company’s post-war identity. Visitors will also see the unique 1979 Bulldog concept, a radical design exercise. Another featured model is the 2015 Vulcan, a striking track-only hypercar. Collectively, these vehicles illustrate the brand’s continuous pursuit of automotive excellence.
A Legacy Reflected in Archival Images
The exhibition uses rare archival images to further bring Aston Martin’s rich history to life. These photographs emphasize the brand’s significant presence in pop culture and on the race track. One photo captures Mick Jagger beside his DB6 in London back in 1966. Another iconic image shows Sean Connery as James Bond with the famous DB5 during the filming of “Goldfinger.” Early racing photos from Aston Martin’s participation at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are also on display.
Performance and Engineering Milestones
The vehicles in the Petersen Aston Martin Exhibit collectively represent a commitment to high performance. The 2024 Valkyrie Spider, for instance, delivers over 1,000 horsepower using F1-derived technology. The 1961 DB4GT Zagato, meanwhile, was celebrated for its lightweight body and high-output engine for its time. Even the modern AMR23 F1 car showcases cutting-edge aerodynamic and powertrain engineering. This dedication to speed and precision is central to the Aston Martin identity.
Summary of the Aston Martin Exhibit
The new “Performance and Prestige: A History of Aston Martin” exhibit is officially open to the public. The display celebrates 112 years of the British marque’s enduring legacy. Iconic models like the DB4GT Zagato and the Valkyrie Spider are highlights of the show. It allows visitors to explore the brand’s deep connection to racing and pop culture. The show will be on display through October 2026 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
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Source: The Petersen Automotive Museum
