Ken Block's legacy to be celebrated in new Petersen Museum exhibit

The impact of Ken Block will be celebrated in a new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

"People's Champ: The Impact of Ken Block" will bring together the most comprehensive collection of the late rally and Gymhana icon's cars, with his 1965 Ford Mustang RTR "Hoonicorn" from Gymkhana Seven: Wild in the Streets of Los Angeles, Gymhana Ten: The Ultimate Tire Slaying Tour, and Climbkhana, and the two Subaru Imprezas from the first two Gymkhana videos among the exhibits.

Also on show will be the Porsche 911 SVRSR "Hoonipigasus" from Block's aborted Pikes Peak International Hill Climb attempt in 2022, his 1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth "Cossie V2" rally car, and his 1978 Ford Escort which started life as Brock's first rally car before later being adapted for Gymkhana competitions.

Not part of the exhibit but previously showcased by the museum in previous years, the Petersen were the Ford Fiesta used in Gymkhana Three, Part 2; Ultimate Playground, and the HFHV (Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle), another Fiesta that was used in rally, rallycross and Gymkhana competitions.

Ron Zaras photo

“Ken Block transformed motorsports content and captivated audiences with his high-performance cars and fearless driving, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry and pop culture,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. "This exhibit is a tribute to his legacy, and we are honored to share it with the public.”

In addition to the exhibition, the Petersen will team up with 43 Institute, a foundation set up in Block’s honor, to host a cruise-in event at the museum on Saturday April 5, two days after National Ken Block Day on April 3 (4/3 being a nod to Block’s racing number, 43).

“This exhibit is such a meaningful way to celebrate Ken's legacy and I can’t think of a better place than the Petersen to bring it to life,” said Block’s wife Lucy. “It's not just about the cars, it's about Ken’s lasting impact and the inspiration he brought to motorsports and car culture.”

“Through 43 Institute, we’re committed to carrying forward the opportunities that fueled his passion and creativity, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with the Petersen to continue that work.”

The exhibit opens in the Petersen's Meyer Gallery on Feb. 15, and runs until October.

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Dominik Wilde

Dominik often jokes that he was born in the wrong country – a lover of NASCAR and IndyCar, he covered both in a past life as a junior at Autosport in the UK, but he’s spent most of his career to date covering the sliding and flying antics of the U.S.’ interpretation of rallycross. Rather fitting for a man that says he likes “seeing cars do what they’re not supposed to do”, previously worked for a car stunt show, and once even rolled a rally car with Travis Pastrana. He was also comprehensively beaten in a kart race by Sebastien Loeb once, but who hasn’t been?

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