Get seduced by speed at Porsche exhibit in Raleigh
View some of these posh cars up close when the the North Carolina Museum of Art unveils the Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed exhibit this weekend.
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The 22 cars on display include ones owned by designer Ralph Lauren, Steve McQueen and Janis Joplin. The exhibit traces Porsche's design aesthetic since its inception in the 1930s through present day.
The oldest model at the exhibit will be the 1938 Type 64 Berlin-Rom Racer and its minimalist design. Models from the 1960s will showcase examples of the aerodynamic design - a signature of the Formula One racers.
The museum pointed out a few exhibit highlights you might want to watch out for:
- The 1938/9 Type 64 Berlin-Rom racer designed by Porsche founder Dr. Ferdinand Porsche; it is the
- precursor to all Porsche automobiles manufactured after 1948.
- A handcrafted 1949 Gmünd coupe designed by Dr. Porsche’s son “Ferry” Porsche, one of about 50 aluminum-bodied sports cars from the first Porsche “factory,” a converted sawmill in Gmünd, Austria.
- Steve McQueen’s iconic Porsche Speedster, a Type 356 from 1958, synonymous with the late Golden Age in Hollywood, on loan to the Museum from his son Chad McQueen (pictured above).
- A rare Type 804 Formula One race car, one of only four of this model ever built, and the car that Dan Gurney raced to victory at the French Grand Prix.
- Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche Type 356C, on loan to the NCMA from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This car is located in the museum's West building and not with the other cars, but definitely go check it out!
- A Porsche GT3 R hybrid race car prototype from 2010.
The exhibit was curated by guest renowned automotive journalist and former director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles Ken Gross.
We haven't seen the exhibit yet, but will be getting a sneak peek this week! Look for our photos later this week.
The exhibit starts Saturday and runs through Jan. 20. Museum members get in free. For non-members, adult tickets are $18, while those 65 years and older, members of the military, large groups and college students get in for $15 each. Youth tickets (for ages 7 to 18) are $12 and children 6 years and younger get in for free.
To help celebrate the exhibit, the museum will be hosting several films, lectures and car meet-ups. Here are a few highlights:
- Saturday, Oct. 19 - European cars
- Saturday, Nov. 9 - American Cars and Hot Rods - this event will also honor veterans
- Saturday, Nov. 30 - Art cars
Celebrate the opening of Porsche by Design with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Join us anytime between noon and 3 pm.
Join fellow Porsche enthusiasts for a presentation by seven-time Pikes Peak Hill Climb champion, filmmaker, and photographer Jeff Zwart. He began his career photographing cars for Road and Track magazine and has worked for Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, creating some of the most unforgettable automobile commercials ever filmed. He shares highlights from his exhilarating career and reveals his own aspirations for seducing speed. There are two presentation times; seating is limited, and tickets are required. A reception with beer, wine, and light snacks follows each session. Exhibition catalogues are available for purchase and signing during the reception.
Local North Carolina beer crafters join Iris chef Andy Hicks for a beer and sausage tasting in the Porsche Biergarten, the special exhibition café. Porsche by Design is open for extended viewing hours during this event.
Bong Il Jin, associate professor of industrial design at N.C. State University, leads a design workshop for experienced and novice car enthusiasts, age 16 and up. Attendees originate an automotive concept design and then create a miniature concept car to take home.
Eric Gaard and the Museum’s exhibition design team explain the planning and creation of Porsche by Design, including its delivery, installation, and lighting. Designed for those age 40 and over, this event features a lecture, tour and buffet-style dinner, which includes a glass of wine.
Steve Taras of the Watered Garden Florist discusses how to interpret floral themes that may seem unusual or difficult, such as incorporating automotive elements, which Taras accomplished for Porsche by Design. The event includes a floral arrangement workshop, a tour of the exhibition, and light snacks and wine tasting from Trefethen Family Vineyards.
This retro-themed event features a free screening of the cult racing film Le Mans, starring Steve McQueen, whose own 1958 Porsche Type 356 Speedster 1600 Super is included in the Porsche by Design exhibition. Wine, beer, and food will be available for purchase.
Three courses prepared by Iris chef Andy Hicks and thoughtfully paired with wines from the award-winning Trefethen collection. Porsche by Design will be on view following the dinner.
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