While 2024 has kicked off with some stellar events geared to car collectors of all ages, sadly we are losing one of the best museums dedicated to autos as art in Southern California. Early in the year it was announced that the wonderful Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard would be closing its doors for good on Feb.10, 2024 after founder Peter Mullin passed away last September.
Fortunately, we in LCOC were able to visit there on multiple occasions, most recently in July, 2023 with our friends from Great Autos.
It is impossible to view the 2-story collection of mostly art deco cars, models, furniture and historical artifacts without coming away with a deep love and appreciation of the design genius of the period, as well as the generosity of Peter Mullin to collect these artifacts and display them to the public. Below are just a few of the gorgeous vehicles on view at the museum.
Bugattis, Citroens and Delahayes comprise most of the collection.
An Autoweek article published right after his passing said, “Mullin rose from humble beginnings in Southern California to found a financial empire that allowed him to pursue his artistic enthusiasms, particularly with French cars. Mullin started out in college at the UC Santa Barbara as an art major but came to a realization early on that made him change his major to economics.”
Take a good look. This is the last time you will see these amazing cars all in one place. Soon four of the cars will be donated to the Petersen Museum, Los Angeles, where Mullin served as a co-chair. Twenty others will go to auction at Amelia Island by Gooding & Company beginning Feb. 29.
It is certain that all of these valuable and rare collectibles will find good homes. We are just very sad to say goodbye to a great man and a wonderful museum we were privileged to enjoy.
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