James Hetfield’s Custom Classic Jag Coming to Petersen Museum
Live out your widest rockstar dreams at the SoCal museum, featuring Metallica frontman’s stunning custom Jaguar.
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 incredible collection of Metallica frontman James Hetfield in February, and “Hypercars” exhibit in June.
Hetfield’s collection is sure to appeal to Jaguar fans. The collection was graciously donated to the Petersen this year, and consists of 10 custom cars. A standout of which is a Deco-inspired 1948 Jaguar named “Black Pearl.” The hot collection also includes a low-riding cherry red 1937 Lincoln Zephyr named “Voodoo Priest.” The cars will be displayed in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery along with Metallica artifacts and memorabilia. Replacing “Hollywood Dream Machines” in the Mullin Family Grand Salon, “Hypercars” will gather more than 30 modern hypercars.
In addition to the new exhibit announcements 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.
Along with the new board members, the Petersen announced four new Founding Members: the Otis Booth Foundation, Tom Malloy, Phillip Sarofim, and James Hetfield. Founding Members are top-level museum donors.
GIVE FUEL, GIVE ME FIRE…: James Hetfield (far right) with his Metallica bandmates, (l. to r.) Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo and Lars Ulrich.
“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.”
In 2020, the Petersen plans to expand its educational programming—which consists of K-12 field trips, free school admission and bus programs as well as on-site and outreach educational experiences—through the generosity of Michael Armand Hammer and the Armand Hammer Foundation. 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 youths by providing viable car repair and customization skills.
Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum