The era of automotive excellence in Oxnard is nearing its final finish line.
The world-famous Mullin Automobile Museum, dedicated to educating people about early 20th century French cars and Art Deco design, will close on February 10 following the death of Peter Mullin in September at age 82. do.
Even before Mullin and his wife Merle founded the museum in 2010, the industrial building at 1421 Emerson Avenue had a unique automotive history. It was previously home to the Otis Chandler Vintage Transportation and Wildlife Museum. Part of the facility's history, starting in 1987, features an extensive collection of cars and motorcycles owned by former Los Angeles Times publisher, surfer, and Ojai resident Otis Chandler, who passed away in 2006. I was there.
Chandler's collection skewed more toward powerful American Duesenbergs and Harley-Davidsons than elegant French cars. It also included polar bears and other trophies from Chandler's days as a big game hunter. Chandler's car collection was auctioned off to him in 2006 and reportedly sold for more than $36 million, setting a single-day car auction record.
A news release from the Mullin Automotive Museum states that four of the collection's most iconic vehicles have been donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where Peter Mullin is a founding director and said, “Peter founded this museum. He helped transform it into a globally respected car museum.” It's being done today as part of a major overhaul 10 years ago, according to a news release.
The vehicles being transferred to the Petersen Automotive Museum are a 1937 Talbot Lago T150 CS “Teardrop,” a 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia, a 1939 Delahaye 165, and a 1938 Delahaye 145. The news release did not say what will happen to the rest. Some of the cars, art, and furniture on display at the Marin Automobile Museum.
Mullins was frequently recognized at prestigious automotive gatherings, including winning Best in Show at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for his 1934 Voisin C-25 Aerodyne. Merle Marin said her husband loved showing off his cars to people who appreciated them as much as she did.
“Sharing these 'rotating sculptures' and beautiful art with others was Peter's greatest passion, and the museum helped realize that vision,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to our staff, doctors, volunteers, visitors and supporters who have given their time and passion over the past 13 years. I would be happy if I could have the opportunity to say goodbye to you.”
Although the Chandler and Mullin era in Oxnard's automotive history is fading into the sunset, Oxnard still boasts another showcase of interesting cars: the Murphy Automotive Museum at 1930 Eastman Avenue. According to its website, the museum features dozens of classic, vintage and antique cars from America's past, as well as giant model train sets, realistic slot car tracks and die-cast “hot A collection of “Wheels” toy cars is also on display. Muscle and Mojo, a dog-friendly event featuring classic cars, coffee and donuts, is also held every third Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Marin Automotive Museum, 1421 Emerson Ave., Oxnard. Available for a limited time until Saturday, February 10th. For more information on final opening dates and times, please visit mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
