Peter Mullin sits behind the wheel of his Talbot-Lago T26C GP

The Mullin Collection is one of the world's finest collections of automobiles, encapsulating an era of technological revolution, Art Deco elegance, and unapologetic self-expression. Mostly consisting of prewar Bugattis, Talbot-Lagos, Delahayes, and other French luxury and racing cars, this collection represents some of the most pivotal moments in automotive design and an age of coachbuilding long since forgotten. But who was Peter Mullin, and how did he build such a world-famous collection of automobiles? This is the story of a man who was a profound visionary, without whom the Petersen Automotive Museum would look very different.

The Mullin Collection 1937 Delahaye type 135M Cabriolet - Michael Furman

Peter Mullin had plenty of interest in cars as a child, but his passion for French cars didn’t begin until later in life, at which point he was already a successful businessman. He lived in a house in Brentwood designed by renowned architect Paul Williams. When his historic home became the backdrop for a car photoshoot, he fell head over heels the day he came home to see a green Delahaye Type 135M sitting in his driveway. He described the Delahaye’s coachbuilt curves as ‘voluptuous’ and called it the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen. That moment ignited a passion in Mullin so great that it would begin a whole new chapter of his life.

In the following years, Mullin began acquiring more of these Art Deco machines. He made frequent trips to France to research the cars and the culture surrounding them. His collection grew so quickly that he even excavated the gardens of his Brentwood estate to store it. Soon, however, his sizable plot of land couldn’t keep up with the size of his passion, so he had to expand.

The Mullin Automotive Museum was designed to resemble the Paris auto salon, where the upper echelon of Parisians would go to peruse the latest high-fashion automobiles.

He discovered that a building in Oxnard, California which formerly housed the Otis Chandler Museum was up for sale, and made his decision. He was going to share his beautiful collection with the world in a setting that matched their provenance, and with the condition that there would be no partitions around the cars. He wanted folks to get up close and personal with them from every angle to understand why they’re so special. 

The Mullin Collection Bugatti Type 57 ‘Atalante’ - Michael Furman

Building a museum, however, was never Peter Mullin's end goal. It was simply another expression of the philosophy that guided him. His fascination with automobiles was only one chapter in an extraordinarily full life. He was a businessman, philanthropist, art collector, vineyard owner, world traveler, passionate gardener, and devoted husband to his wife Merle. Friends remember him as a man who dreamed and shared without limits, whether restoring a Scottish castle, cultivating vineyards in Sonoma and Italy, or lending his leadership to institutions ranging from the Music Center and ArtCenter College of Design to UCLA, Caltech, and St. John's Hospital. Mullin’s generosity truly knew no bounds.

Peter Mullin speaks at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s annual gala, 2016

Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges described Mullin simply as "a dreamer and a doer." It was a philosophy that defined every aspect of his life. If Mullin believed something needed to be done, he set out to make it happen. As Karges puts it, "Bold Moves perfectly describes Peter Mullin."

Long before the Mullin Collection arrived at the Petersen, Mullin had already helped shape the museum's future. Alongside Bruce Meyer, he once proposed investing heavily to modernize the museum, but the idea was rejected, and he stepped away. Years later, board members David Sydorick and Bruce Meyer visited Mullin with architect Gene Kohn's concept for a dramatic stainless-steel ribbon facade. After looking over the model, Mullin reportedly said:

"I'm in. Let's do it."

Those words marked the beginning of the Petersen's transformation into the museum visitors know today. During his first board meeting, Mullin challenged fellow trustees with characteristic confidence: "We're going to transform this museum and call it ‘Bold Moves.’ You're all going to write big checks—but I'm going to write the biggest.” His vision and decisive leadership were instrumental to the Petersen’s transformation, and he later became chair of the board. Over the next decade, Mullin would oversee the museum’s rise to world-renowned status.

Peter Mullin passed away at his home in Big Sur in 2023 at the age of 82, and his museum in Oxnard closed in 2024. His influence is still felt strongly throughout the Petersen, and 34 cars from his collection now reside here, where thousands of visitors will get to experience them every year. Among the highlights of Mullin's unparalleled collection are several automobiles that perfectly reflect his taste.

The Mullin Collection Talbot-Lago T150 C-S - Michael Furman

Mullin’s Talbot-Lago T150 C-S “Goutte d'Eau” ("drop of water") stands out among this distinguished group. Its teardrop-shaped body with swooping fenders styled by Figoni et Falaschi is widely considered one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever. The car was Mullin’s personal favorite out of his extensive collection. He used to wind down the evening with a glass of wine, sitting next to the car, admiring its coachbuilt curves, and comparing the color of his wine with the Talbot-Lago’s deep metallic aubergine, a color that Mullin picked himself during the restoration process. 

This particular Talbot-Lago holds a special place in my heart because of an unforgettable childhood experience. At the age of 9, I saw it at the ArtCenter College of Design car show in Pasadena and met Peter Mullin, who was standing alongside the car. He took the time to talk me through its history and engineering and even let me sit in it. Then, he started it up and drove off at speed. Looking back, that afternoon perfectly embodied Mullin's generosity and his 'cars should be driven' philosophy.

The Mullin Collection Tatra T87 - Michael Furman

The Tatra T87 was Mullin's lone exception to the French-only rule in his museum. Built in Czechoslovakia, it pioneered a rear-mounted, air-cooled V8 decades before similar layouts became famous elsewhere. During World War II, it earned the nickname "The Czech Secret Weapon" after the Nazi takeover of Czechoslovakia, when Tatra was forced to manufacture T87s for the German military. A number of Nazi officers were killed by the T87 in rollover crashes thanks to its instability though high-speed corners. Because of its unique history and innovative design, Mullin believed it deserved a place alongside the greatest French automobiles ever built.

The Mullin Collection Bugatti Type 55 - Michael Furman

You can’t talk about Mullin’s Collection without mentioning his Bugattis. By the end of his life, Peter Mullin had amassed one of the largest private Bugatti collections in the world. He was president of the American Bugatti Club and served on the Bugatti Trust. Bugatti was dominant in the racing scene in the 1920s and 30s, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 and 1939. Mullin’s Type 55 raced at Le Mans in 1934, but crashed out of the race after 75 laps. It was subsequently rebodied in a striking two-tone design, considered some of Jean Bugatti's finest work.

The Mullin Collection Talbot-Lago T26C GP - Michael Furman

Peter Mullin’s 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C GP was a favorite of his for vintage racing. He entered it in various events over a period of 20 years, often racing it at Laguna Seca in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. It had real provenance as it was the only car in history to win both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a Grand Prix. It was also one of the fastest racecars of its day, topping out at over 170 MPH. Mullin wanted the car in its original competition condition, painstakingly restoring the paint and the original twin-plug engine, only to take it right back to the racetrack and push it to the ragged edge. For Mullin, preservation and use weren't mutually exclusive. The greatest automobiles in the world deserved to be experienced, not hidden away.

Peter Mullin races his Talbot-Lago T26C GP against other historic racers at Laguna Seca

This is just the tip of the iceberg of his extensive collection, now meticulously cared for by the technicians at the Petersen Automotive Museum and on display for everyone to enjoy. Mullin always envisioned his collection finding a permanent home at the Petersen after his passing. Seeing that vision realized is the culmination of everything Mullin worked toward.

"He wanted his cars to be seen here," said Terry Karges, “Having the best of his cars here is the triumph of a lifetime.”

In some ways, the Petersen became the next chapter of the museum Mullin built in Oxnard. His legacy carries on through the Petersen, and not just through automotive prestige. The mark of his generosity can be felt throughout the museum. Peter Mullin believed the world's greatest cars belonged where people could experience them, and thanks to his bold vision, they still can.