Ivan Vicario Martin
The last 20 of September The collector, fan and philanthropist Peter Mullin died, who in 2010 launched the Mullin Automotive Museum, where he exhibited the cars he owned. Born in South Pasadena, California (USA), he dedicated his life to business, founding the M Financial Group, with which he financed what was his great passion, classic cars.
Specifically, he drank the winds through the French cars from the 20s and 30s, which made him a regular at contests such as Pebble Beach, where he was a fixture. In fact, he went on to win the Best of Show in 2011 at Pebble Beach, and he did it his way, with a car that few would have thought of. We refer to the Voisin C 25 Aerodyne from 1935, with a design that was more aerodynamic than elegant, pure Art Deco. It was built of light materials and powered by a 3-liter, 100 HP engine, associated with a semi-automatic gearbox. The car was restored by Peter Mullin himself, with the help of his wife Merle, who also appears in the entry of the winning car at Pebble Beach.
THE MULLIN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
Over the years, Peter Mullin managed to put together one of the most important collections of models of Bugatti, Delahaye or Delage of the world. The museum site was owned by another collector, Otis Chandler, but upon his death the building was completely renovated. Now, it evokes the halls of the Grand Palais in Paris.
In total there are 71 vehicles on display, including several horse carriages from the 1th century. The oldest car is a Panhard & Levassor Type B1902 Tonneau from 31, while the most modern is a Voisin Type C1953 from XNUMX, that is, a Biscúter. Besides, The collection has no less than four Hispano-Suiza: a Type 45CR “Alfonso
Another particular piece is the Bugatti Type 64, of which only the chassis was manufactured, since its production was stopped due to the death of Jean Bugatti. In 2003, Peter Mullin purchased it and commissioned a body made to the original plans and period specifications. El Mullin Automotive Museum can be visited on Fridays and Saturdays, although you have to reserve in advance.
With the disappearance of Peter Mullin he leaves a great expert and fan of pre-war automobiles, someone who will be greatly missed by the classics world, especially in the United States. His wife, Merle Mullin, who usually already drove the cars in the collection, will be in charge of preserving his legacy. Rest in peace.
Photos by Unai Ona, Mullin Automotive Museum and Pebble Beach Concours.
