Metallica Guitarist James Hetfield's Stunning Custom Car Collection Headed to the Petersen Museum

© TED7

By Eleonor Segura, Automobile

Legendary musician and Southern California native James Hetfield, of Metallica fame, has donated ten of his custom hot rods to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

© TED7

Why? For its upcoming rock star exhibition, Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection, which is set to open to the public on February 1, 2020 in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery. Every car in Hetfield's collection was built from scratch and has a unique name, and each one will be accompanied by photography documenting the build process and video of Hetfield talking about them when they go on display at the museum.

© TED7   1961 Lincoln Continental Custom 01

Oh, and it's the first time ever Hetfield's cars will be showcased to the public.

© TED7

Included in the collection are a 1932 Ford Roadster, "Black Jack;" 1953 Buick Skylark, "Skyscraper;" 1956 Ford F-100, "Str8edge;" and the 1936 Auburn, "Slow Burn," which was designed by custom car builder Rick Dore. In addition to Hetfield's custom hot rods, the Petersen exhibit will also feature Hetfield's personal collection of photography, guitars, and other memorabilia.

© TED7

There will be a special unveiling and opening reception on January 30 featuring an auction of two limited edition ESP guitars and a conversation with the rock legend himself, James Hetfield. Get your bidding paddles ready, rock fans. Reclaimed Rust is scheduled to run through October 2020, but in case you can't make it to the Miracle Mile neighborhood for this star-studded collection, here is a sneak preview of all the great Hetfield-related things to come at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Enjoy!