After several years of gathering to watch Formula 1 on television in bars around Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Formula 1 Fans meetup group gathered for a non-race event to tour the Petersen Automotive Museum last Sunday.
Inspired by a Twitter discussion of Bugattis, group co-leader Mara picked a date in February for us to gather and tour the museum. I had not visited the museum since it re-opened in December, 2015, after a $125 million restoration, so I was excited to see the museum with fellow car racing fans. Not sure how many people would attend an event that did not involve watching Formula 1, Mara was pleasantly surprised when over twenty people pre-paid so that our group received a discounted ticket rate.
Meeting in the museum lobby, Mara checked everyone in and purchased additional tickets while we mingled and discussed the latest developments in Formula 1 (the hot topic was Nico Rosberg’s surprise retirement, Valtteri Bottas’ signing with Mercedes AMG Petronas to replace him, and Felipe Massa’s un-retiring to drive this year with Williams).
Everyone gathered to pose for a photo in the lobby before we entered the museum.
LA F1 Fans in our first non-race viewing event at the Petersen Automotive Museum
After trying to squeeze all of us in the elevator, and bouncing a few times, our group split and made our way to the third floor to begin exploring the museum. The top floor featured early cars, such as this replica of the first practical car, an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, as well as General Motor’s 1996 EV1, the world’s first mass-produced electric powered vehicle.
The first practical car – an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen (replica). One prototype was built and 25 replicas.
General Motors’ 1996 EV1, the first modern, mass-produced electric vehicle.
This being Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood and the film industry, there are several cars featured in movies on display.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle, “Herbie” driving in the 2005 film, “Herbie: Fully Loaded.”
We wandered the exhibits on our own pace chatting with fellow F1 fans.
LA F1 Fans discuss car design in front of this 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne XP-37
This 1953 Nash-Healy was particularly beautiful.
1953 Nash-Healey designed by Pinin Farina
For those more interested in race cars, this 1997 Porsche 911 Gt1 was a special treat to see.
The McLaren P1 on display showcases the production vehicles developed by the other side of the McLaren F1 team parent company.
2015 McLaren P1
An exhibit on American racing legend Dan Gurney opened January 28th. “The Eagles Have Landed: Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers,” features 11 AAR cars, memorabilia and short films on the walls of the display about Dan Gurney’s racing career.
Dan Gurney exhibit featured several of his race cars including the 1967 AAR Eagle Gurney-Weslake V-12 #36 F1 Grand Prix Car
Dan Gurney memorabilia on display includes the original magnum of Moet & Chandon champagne he sprayed from the podium when he and A.J. Foyt won the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The ground floor of the museum featured a large exhibit on the Bugatti. Most of the cars are from the Mullin Auto Museum (perhaps one day we can organize a group visit there).
1931 Bugatti Type 50 S
The 1925 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix
Mara suggested that we meet at Tom Bergin’s (the second oldest bar in Los Angeles) down the street from the museum once we were finished touring the museum. I was part of the last of our group that was in the museum, and there was a small remaining group in Tom Bergin’s by the time I arrived that enjoyed beer, Irish coffee and lunch together.
The last of the LA F1 Fans at Tom Bergin’s after touring the Petersen
Yvette, Mara, Mike and Eric enjoying lunch and Tom Bergin’s famous Irish Coffee
Anmol and Alen enjoying lunch at Tom Bergin’s
John, Dave and Kiera enjoying Irish coffee at the bar at Tom Bergin’s
In all, the first LA F1 Fans non-race meetup activity was a success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the museum and the opportunity to visit with other Formula 1 fans.
Based on the success of this gathering, Mara already scheduled our next meetup on March 12th to visit the Malibu Cars and Coffee gathering.
The 2017 Formula 1 season opens on March 26th with the Australian Grand Prix. Join the Los Angeles Formula 1 fans meetup group to see where we will gather to watch the race.
Kiera Reilly 