The Petersen Automotive Museum presents “BMW: 100 Years of Performance,” an exhibit showcasing five of BMW’s most memorable race and street cars, opening today, Sept. 1.

The 2010 M3 GT2 BMW Art Car by Jeff Koons is on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum. (photo © BMW AG)

A 1970 ALPINA 2002ti racecar, 1977 IMSA 320i Turbo race car driven by David Hobbs, and a 1979 M1 Classic BMW will be on display. Also included is the 2000 FW22 Formula 1 car driven by Ralf Schumacher and an iconic BMW 507 roadster from the collection of Jeff Lotman. Additionally, the M3 GT2 BMW Art Car by Jeff Koons will join the museum’s existing display of BMW Art Cars for a limited time.

BMW has focused on innovation and performance, from the introduction of the Neue Klasse in 1962 and the BMW 3 Series to track-dominating race cars such as the E30 M3 and 3.0 CSL.

“BMW has built its reputation for performance on the track and on the streets with cars such as those we’ll be displaying at The Peterson,” said Trudy Hardy, vice president of marketing for BMW of North America.

The oldest race car on display in the exhibition is the 1970 ALPINA 2002ti, which was restored in 2014.

The 1977 IMSA-spec 320i Turbo racecar is one of BMW’s most outlandish looking cars, more so than even the famed “Batmobile” E9 CSLs. The 320i Turbo was raced in Formula 1. The vehicle on display was driven by British race car driver David Hobbs.

Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1978, the 1979 Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed M1 was BMW’s first mid-engine production car. Conceived and built for racing, the M1 was equipped with an elaborate suspension, gas-pressure dampers and anti-roll bars.

The 2000 FW22 F1 car represents one of Formula 1’s greatest eras. The car was driven by Schumacher and while it didn’t win any races, it placed third in the points race for the season.

The 2010 M3 GT2 BMW Art Car by Jeff Koons ia also on display.

“This group of cars is rarely seen outside of specific events or BMW’s own collection and as such, this very limited exhibition at the Petersen is not to be missed whether you’re a fan of BMW or race cars in general,” said Adam Langsbard, chief marketing officer for the Petersen Automotive Museum.

The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. For information, call (323)930-CARS, or visit www.Petersen.org.