Automobiles from the renowned Mullin Collection are now available for viewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault section, offering an up-close look at what is widely regarded as one of the finest, rarest and most valuable collections of pre-war French automobiles ever assembled.

The Mullin Family Gallery exhibition celebrates the Mullin Family Foundation’s landmark gift to the Petersen and fulfills collector, philanthropist and longtime museum champion Peter Mullin’s vision that the automotive masterpieces would one day be preserved and shared with the broadest possible audience, according to museum officials.

Over nearly three decades, Peter and Merle Mullin assembled a collection of Bugattis, Delahayes, Delages, Talbot-Lagos, Voisins, Hispano-Suizas and others that celebrated the artistry, innovation and elegance of France’s Art Deco era. Together, they founded the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, creating an institution dedicated to preserving and sharing what Peter often described as “sculpture in motion.”

Mullin envisioned the Petersen Automotive Museum becoming the steward of the collection, ensuring the standout automobiles would continue inspiring future generations while reaching a global audience in Los Angeles.

“Peter believed these automobiles belonged to history, not to us,” says Merle Mullin, cofounder of the Mullin Automotive Museum, trustee of the Mullin Family Foundation, Petersen Automotive Museum board member and internationally respected automotive collector. “Together, we built this collection with the dream of preserving the extraordinary artistry, innovation and craftsmanship of French Art Deco automobiles. 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.”

The inaugural exhibition, which opened in the Petersen Vault in July, celebrates the Mullin Family Foundation’s gift while offering visitors an exclusive first look at many of the collection’s most celebrated automobiles in an intimate setting. It also serves as a preview of a larger exhibition planned for 2028.

“It would be difficult to overstate Peter Mullin’s impact on the automotive world and on the Petersen Automotive Museum itself,” says Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “Peter helped build the museum we know today, and it is an incredible honor to fulfill his vision by becoming the steward of this extraordinary collection. There is no better place to preserve these remarkable automobiles and share their beauty, history and artistry with visitors from around the world.”

Among the vehicles currently on display are the legendary 1937 Delahaye Type 145 “Million Franc Delahaye,” the award-winning 1934 Voisin C27 Aerosport Coupe and a selection of Bugatti, Talbot-Lago, Delage, Peugeot and Hispano-Suiza models.