Los Angeles, Calif., April 1, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- -
- "The World's Greatest Sports Coupes" opens April 10 at the Petersen in Los Angeles
- Guest curators include Patrick Dempsey, Francis Ford Coppola, Pink Floyd's Nick Mason and others
- Exhibit will highlight the greatest sports coupes of the past century, ranging from European legends to American muscle cars to modern Japanese supercars
- Made possible by Jaguar in celebration of the launch of new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe
A small cadre of rock legends, critically acclaimed film directors, famous actors, and world-renown race car drivers all have one thing in common - a passionate relationship with the automobile. The Petersen Automotive Museum has invited twelve of the world's most well-known car collectors, drivers and designers to each choose what they consider the best two-seat, fixed-roof high performance car of all time for The World's Greatest Sports Coupes, a new exhibit opening on April 10.
With impeccable performance and designs from America, Italy, Great Britain, Germany and Japan, the list of chosen sports coupes will be revealed at the gallery opening event, Wednesday, April 9. The list of celebrity curators includes:
Patrick Dempsey, actor and racer
James Hetfield, Metallica
Adam Carolla, comedian and TV host
Nick Mason, Pink Floyd
Brian Johnson, AC/DC
Francis Ford Coppola, film director
Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend
Bobby Rahal, American racer
John Lasseter, two-time Oscar winner
Bruce Meyer, car collector
Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara, Rutledge Wood, Top Gear USA hosts
"With a location at the hub of car culture in Southern California and with partnerships from major automotive brands, the Petersen offers opportunities to bring together unique automotive collections and delivers a meeting place for aficionados from around the world," said Petersen Executive Director, Terry Karges. "Our goal is to present an exciting exhibit unlike anything ever done in an automotive museum, and it was a natural fit to work with Jaguar after our successful collaboration at the Los Angeles Auto Show featuring the Steve McQueen XKSS and the new Jaguar F-TYPE. The finest sports coupes on earth may have been built in Maranello, Coventry and Stuttgart, but they were purchased and driven here. This is an exhibit we expect to resonate with the people of Los Angeles and of the world."
With such an expansive history, narrowing the greatest sports coupes ever down to twelve choices was no easy task. The exhibit will also feature photography by Scott Williamson, which will highlight important sports coupes that were not included by any of the celebrity curators but deserve recognition. The exhibit will also include short videos featuring each curator and their choice of vehicle.
"Every automotive enthusiast has their list of all-time favorite cars, and for many that list is dominated by high performance sports coupes like the Jaguar E-TYPE," said Jeff Curry, Brand Vice President, Jaguar. "To mark the arrival of the all-new F-TYPE Coupe, we are very pleased to help the Petersen present this expertly curated collection of coupes answering the question, 'what is the greatest sports coupe of all time?' and we hope to challenge every enthusiast to answer the question themselves."
We want to know: what car do you think is the great sports coupe of all time? Tell us on our social channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using hashtags #ThePetersen and #GreatestCoupes.
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California 90036. Admission prices are $15 for general admission adults, $10 for seniors, $10 for students with ID, $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Museum members, active military with ID and children under three are admitted free. Vault tours are available for an additional $25, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes and $2.00 each additional 30 minutes. One hour validation with purchase of $10 or more in the Museum Store or Johnny Rockets located in the museum lobby. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS or visit the Museum's Web site at: www.petersen.org. Remember to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
###
**Media interested in attending the April 9th kick-off with select celebrity curators and the lead designer of the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe should contact Laura Conrad, laura@kahnmedia.com|818-881-5246.**