MotorTrend

Top 10 things to See at the Mullin Automotive Museum

The Art of Bugatti
Writer

First and foremost, as enthusiasts we enjoy cars for what they are -- technical marvels that allow us the freedom to experience life, as we want to. Certain cars command a deeper appreciation because of the stories behind the men and women that made them possible. For example, a certain Texan popped nitro pills while he was winning his way to becoming one of the most significant figures in automotive history. One Italian race car-driver sold cars to customers he disdained just to support his team, and another Italian used money he made from manufacturing tractors to make sports cars because of his disdain for the race car-driver. These stories elevate the badges on our favorite cars to be more than just a name, and few names bear a history as rich as Bugatti.

Peter Mullin in particular recognizes the importance of Bugatti's history, and has gathered some of the most important cars, art, and heirlooms of the family to generously showcase at his museum in Oxnard, Calif. We've picked 10 of the best pieces on display, but it's well worth a visit to see it all.

Some have started to consider the Veyron passé a decade into its existence, but anyone that turns their nose up at a $2 million, 1200-hp rocket capable of 267 mph on street tires is just trying too hard. The Veyron is an engineering masterpiece that will never go out of style and should always be respected.

If you end up in Oxnard, you'll go to Mullin for the cars, but Ettore's younger brother formed some pretty compelling metal of his own. Rembrandt Bugatti's sculptures were influenced by his interest in the animal kingdom, but the slightly exaggerated proportions give the impression of Dali paintings rendered in three dimensions.

This particular race car doesn't lend much to the Bugatti lore itself, but a fatal crash that took its owners life on one of his first outings with the car adds a morbid contrast to the stunning skin the car was rebodied in years later.

After many successful years racing, Bugatti's cars were starting to lose their lead in the face of competition from more powerful cars. This Miller racing car made much more power from similar displacement engines thanks to the dual-overhead-cam design that Bugatti eventually adapted to his motors, because of this car.

On a superficial level, part of the appeal of Bugatti is the sheer wealth associated with the brand. If living the high life piques your interest, you will want to check out the timepieces Parmigiani has on display so you can picture what wearing a quarter-million dollars on your wrist would look like.

In 1935, Ettore Bugatti teamed up with a Belgian aeronautical engineer to create a plane capable of 500 kph (311 mph). Predictably, the automobile manufacturer responsible for some of the most beautiful cars in the world created quite a striking aircraft. The original never flew, but this recreation is being worked on feverishly to see flight.

It doesn't have wings, four wheels, a supercharger, or even a windscreen, yet somehow this bicycle designed by Ettore still exudes an elegance worthy of the Bugatti name.

A table off to the side of the museum displays various pamphlets and literature with early 20th century graphic design perfect to blow up and adorn the wall of an enthusiast or collector like Jay Leno.

Arguably the most controversial piece on display at the Mullin Automotive Museum right now is Peter Mullin's own "completed" Type 64. Having purchased Chassis 64002, the last chassis developed before Jean Bugatti's death, Mr. Mullin embarked on the ambitious project to finish the car Jean started. Crafted using mostly traditional techniques, the final result is inarguably exquisite.

It's hard to determine if this car draws the attention it does because it's a superlative example of automotive opulence and an exercise in perfect design that commands an exorbitant price tag, or if its exorbitant price tag draws the attention of gazers wondering, "How can it be worth that much?" We're leaning toward the former.

It's not the prettiest Bugatti ever produced, but it is the biggest. At 21 feet long and almost 7000 pounds, it's one of the biggest cars ever made. Period. Ettore Bugatti intended to sell 25 of these behemoths to royalty, but during the Great Depression they were too rich even for royalty and only six were made. The party piece is the rearing elephant (an elephant!!) hood ornament made by brother Rembrandt.

It's hard to spend too much time looking at a chair while a Type 57SC sits a few feet away, but this exhibit is celebrating the Bugatti family and it is fascinating to see Father Bugatti's eccentric designs and attention to detail that clearly influenced his children.

You May Also Like