In celebration of the Long Beach Grand Prix's 50th anniversary, the Petersen Automotive Museum presents a special exhibit featuring five iconic race cars that shaped the event's history. The free exhibition runs from March 20 through April 8 in the museum's lobby.

The display showcases vehicles from three distinct racing eras: Formula 5000, Formula 1, and IndyCar. These historic machines will later participate in the Historic Formula Exhibition during race weekend, marking the first time all three types will race together.

Featured vehicles include:

• 1974 Formula 5000 Dan Gurney All-American Racers Eagle 755: The first car to drive on Long Beach streets, winning the 1975 pole position with Vern Schuppan driving (owned by Tom Malloy)

• 1976 March 761: Driven by Vittorio Brambilla in the 1976 Long Beach race (owned by Richard Griot)

• 1980 McLaren M30: Driven by Alain Prost during the 1980 F1 season (owned by Sean Allen)

• 1981 All-American Racers Eagle 8100: Driven by Dennis Firestone, who currently owns the vehicle

• 1999 Reynard: Driven by Bryan Herta in the 1999 season (owned by Erich Joiner)

"Racing in Long Beach has been an important part of American motorsports for five decades," says Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian. "This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to celebrate its legacy with both static displays and live demonstrations during race weekend."

The Petersen Automotive Museum, situated on Los Angeles' Miracle Mile, continues its tradition of preserving automotive history through engaging exhibits and educational programs, showcasing over a century of vehicular innovation.

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