Peter Mullin was a towering figure within the exclusive world of rare international car collectors. Throughout his life, he wore many hats – from serving as chairman of Mullin Barens Sanford Financial to being a generous philanthropist supporting various initiatives in the fields of art and healthcare. Most notably, he founded the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, which became home to the world’s largest collection of Bugatti automobiles. Following his passing at the age of 82 on September 18, 2023, many enthusiasts questioned the fate of his remarkable car collection, especially after the Mullin Museum permanently closed in early 2024.
The question has now been answered. A significant portion of Mullin’s prized automobiles has been relocated to the renowned Vault at the Petersen Automotive Museum, ensuring their preservation for future generations. This weekend, the Petersen introduced the Mullin Family Gallery, allowing visitors to experience a curated selection from one of the most celebrated collections of pre-war French cars ever assembled.
The museum described this occasion as “one of the most significant moments in the Petersen Automotive Museum’s history.”
It took nearly three decades for Peter and his wife, Merle, to build their extraordinary collection. The journey began when Peter fell in love with a friend’s 1937 Delahaye many years ago. From there, the couple began collecting marques such as Delage and Talbot-Lago, later adding Bugatti and Peugeot models to their growing treasure trove of rare French automobiles. Their commitment to authentic restoration became legendary in collector circles. During this process, they also envisioned a museum where these masterpieces could be shared with the public. That dream became reality in 2010 when the Mullin Automotive Museum opened its doors. Visitors often compared the experience to stepping back into the Paris Motor Show of the late 1930s, before the devastation of World War II.
“Together, we built this collection with the dream of preserving the extraordinary artistry, innovation, and craftsmanship of French Art Deco automobiles,” shared Merle Mullin. “It was equally important to us that these masterpieces would one day be shared with the broadest possible audience. Peter always believed the Petersen Automotive Museum was the right steward for that responsibility, and it is deeply meaningful to see that vision fulfilled. We are proud to know this collection will continue inspiring generations of enthusiasts, historians, and future collectors.”
The Petersen has described this generous contribution as “one of the most significant moments in the Petersen Automotive Museum’s history.” The opening display features an impressive lineup that includes a 1922 Hispano-Suiza Type H6B “Skiff Torpedo,” a 1926 Bugatti Type 37A, a 1926 Bugatti Type 50S by Million-Guiet, three Voisin models, two 1937 Peugeots, a 1938 Delahaye Type 145 “V-12 Coupe” by Henri Chapron, a 1939 Delahaye T-165 V-12 “World’s Fair,” a 1951 Bugatti Type 101C by Gangloff, and a 1951 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport by Stabilimenti Farina.
Looking ahead, the Petersen Museum plans to host a major exhibition in 2028, featuring around 30 handpicked French automobiles from the Mullin Collection in its signature gallery. This long-term vision reflects Peter Mullin’s philosophy, often quoted as saying, “If you can dream, you can make it happen.” Fitting words from a man who truly turned his dreams into reality.
