You could call it a car collector’s dream, or the ultimate man cave; whatever your thoughts are along those lines you would be right. The site is a kaleidoscope of neon, nostalgia, and glitz and the Classic Car Club of America invited LCOC to tag along for a visit to Kip Cyprus’ private collection.
Kip’s warehouse is filled with all kinds of incredible wonders from great vintage cars, to classic motorcycles, a tractor, player pianos, to a full bar, stove and refreshment station, automobilia galore and just plain fun. Each and every artifact has a personal meaning all its own to Kip. This past Sunday we were lucky enough not only to ponder it all, but, to hear about it from the host himself, perhaps the best part of the whole experience.
A stately Duesenberg parked just outside the Huntington Beach location looking amazingly like the CCCA logo, immediately got about two dozen visitors in the mood for something extraordinary.
Entering the facility we were whisked instantly from our mundane lives to the incredible. A tiny room off the main entrance housed a huge collection of license plate frames from dozens of dealers past and present. They made a striking display and if they could talk, what a tale they would share! Of course, I looked intently to find one dedicated to our favorite brand—Lincoln—and was not disappointed.
The main hall generated instant sensory overload—neon signs, glittering vehicles, automobilia, posters—so much going on that there was no single place for the eye to rest. Those who were not open-mouthed in amazement were sporting enormous smiles. One very old gas pump, among many in the collection, sported a vintage design and gas prices to match.
If you are a car lover it would be impossible not to be transported to your own vehicle fantasy land. It wasn’t just the number of cars—about 30—but the immaculate condition of each, a work of art in its own right. Yikes!
There was something for everyone to admire. But alas, Kip’s black 1961 Lincoln convertible we recalled from a previous visit was gone, along with nine other gorgeous cars that were destined to find new homes with the help of famed Canadian broker Peter Klutt. Oh, Canada, eh!
Coffee and mini pastries were offered for visitors’ enjoyment. Most took at least one bite while their roving eyes kept swiveling around the room. Our own Jim Davidson, an eclectic collector himself, and member of both CCCA and LCOC was among those who grabbed a sample.
After giving the guests a suitable period to wander around, Kip and CCCA host Gary Carr summoned the group to gather around the bar for a few announcements and to hear from Kip himself. This moment was the kindergarten show and tell we all remember as kids on steroids. Kip’s obvious joy in sharing his treasures with fellow enthusiasts was infectious. It made our initial smiles from viewing it all for the first time grow even wider. He shared that among the vehicles on lifts along the wall were his first car, a red Camaro, and a vintage Packard owned by his late father that looked destined for sale at Pebble Beach until Dad passed away and Kip’s brother’s intervention redirected it into Kip’s collection.
A pair of red Ford GTs had their own story. Both had been owned by the late racing legend Dan Gurney, who passed away in 2018 at age 86. One was the first vehicle with a bubble roof over the driver’s head, a feature later adapted for other GT owners, and the other was a 2017 model with a VIN incorporating 67, in honor of Gurney’s victory that year at Le Mans in a Ford GT40, along with fellow legend A.J. Foyt.
Kip explained the Gurney heirs still own the cars but he is minding them for a while while their permanent home is being renovated. How lucky are we to see these unique parts of automotive history and get the full story!
Kip’s own cars, however, take a back seat to none. From an MG to a Ford Galaxie and Pontiac convertible they run the gamut.
His gorgeous 1928 Bentley drew a crowd. Behind the hood the rest of the body was covered with a leather skin. A custom nickel hood ornament—-one of only 11 made—was just added. It incorporates the Bentley’s VIN and the figure depicts a prankish Lucifer representing a devilish driving style in Jim Ayres’ photo below. 🙂
A classic mid-century Mercedes 300SL Gull Wing occupies pride of place on the main floor. It sparkles from every angle and there is no need for further narrative. We’ll just let the photos do the talking.
A Mercedes 300S cabriolet is another four-wheel star and Kip’s Aston Martin conjured up images of James Bond.
No doubt we could have spent a week with Kip and his treasures, but luncheon reservations awaited and we trundled off to a group meal at the nearby Red Table restaurant with lasting memories of a great host with a unique and amazing collection.
Out sincere thanks to Kip Cyprus for allowing us a rare glimpse into this private collector’s paradise and to Gary Carr and Jim Davidson for arranging an unforgettable visit to an amazing place.
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