A glimpse into tuner culture: Fast and Furious exhibit at the Petersen

The Fast and Furious franchise has significantly evolved over the past 25 years since the debut of its first installment. What began as a story about an undercover police officer has transformed into an explosive celebration of automotive culture, intertwined with thrilling heists and world-saving missions. Fans are often captivated by the stunning vehicles featured throughout the series, which have gained celebrity status in their own right. While it may not be possible for fans to invite stars like Vin Diesel or Michelle Rodriguez to their garages, they can certainly get behind the wheel of iconic cars like a Charger, Eclipse, or a Jetta reminiscent of those seen in the films. For passionate collectors, owning an actual movie car is a dream come true, and a vibrant community of Fast and Furious enthusiasts exists to share this passion. Currently, the Petersen Automotive Museum is hosting a special exhibit dedicated to celebrating 25 years of the franchise. According to Kristin Feay, an assistant curator at the museum, sourcing these film cars for the exhibition revealed intriguing stories behind their ownership. "When we embarked on this project, we approached it with the mindset of sourcing a film car, which typically comes with a fascinating history," Feay explained. She noted that many of these vehicles belong to dedicated collectors who meticulously restore and preserve them, making them well-known within their circles, often referred to by names like Stunt One or Hero One. However, Feay emphasized that uncovering the history of these Fast and Furious vehicles can be a challenging endeavor, setting them apart from other film cars that may have clearer lineages.