by Mike Sagraves

The Mullin Automotive experience

By Mike Sagraves

Peter W. Mullin has had a lifelong romance with automobiles. His automotive museum evokes the pre-war salons of the Grand Palais in Paris, showcasing the finest and most renowned vehicles from the most esteemed French designers, engineers, and coachbuilders.

Saturday August 20, 43 club members attended our Mullin Automotive Museum event. We started the day at the Aloha Steakhouse in Ventura where we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast, a great cup of freshly brewed coffee, and visiting with other club members. A special guest joining us was PCA Zone 8 Representative Lori DeCristo who spoke to the group and shared some information about our zone's geography and upcoming zone events. After that, it was time to eat!

Following breakfast, members loaded into their Porsches and headed to the Mullin Automotive Museum, only about a 20-minute drive from the restaurant. Our reserved session at the Mullin was from 10:00 a.m. till noon. It was very evident everyone was excitedly awaiting their opportunity to enter this gem of an automotive collection right in our backyard: Oxnard, California.

The Mullin Automotive Museum exclusively features French-made vehicles from the 1920s, 1930s, up to the 1960s. Featured brands are Bugatti, Delahaye, Citroen, Talbot-Lago, Renault, and Peugeot, among others. Many of our members started their tour in the Mullin Theater by watching a movie that told the history of both the automobiles and their creators. Clearly, Bugatti is the star of the show. Patriarch Carlo Bugatti was a decorator, designer, and art nouveau furniture manufacturer. His eldest son, Ettore, founded Automobiles E. Bugatti.

Opposite: 1939 Bugatti. Photo by Steve Geldman. Top left: Exhibit overview, Bugattis. Photo by Steve Geldman. Top right: Wood frame and 1936 Bugatti. Photo by Bill Hallier. Upper right: 1935 Bugatti Atalante and 1931 Bugatti type 50S. Photo by Randall Fishwick. Middle right. 1934 Voisin Grand Sport. Photo by Bill Hallier. Lower right: 1938 Delahaye roadster. Photo by Bill Hallier.

Many of the vehicles on display look as if they have just rolled off the assembly line, or in these cases the shops where they were handmade. The later restorations are nothing short of amazing. What is also amazing is you can get very close to these rare cars for an inspection; no barriers kept you at a distance. Motorsports fans could also view several Le Mans winning French race cars.

If all the incredible cars weren't enough, there were many artifacts, works of art, and furnishings, dating back to the beginning of when these cars were manufactured. Even if you weren't a “car person” there was plenty to take in during our visit.

In closing, I think everyone enjoyed the day and left the Mullin Museum with a greater knowledge and appreciation for these amazing French vehicles. I did overhear several members saying "I'd love to drive that one!" or "I'll take that one home with me!”. Better have a truckload of money!!

Mike Sagraves joined PCA in 2019. He drives a 2017 911 Carrera in Guards Red.

Top left: Row of antique race cars. Photo by Randall Fishwick. Top right: Schlumph Reserve Collection of unrestored cars. Photo by Randall Fishwick. Middle left: 1925 Bugatti Grand Prix car. Photo by Steve Geldman. Middle right: 1937 Delahaye race car. Photo by Steve Geldman. Bottom: 1938 Talbot Lago. Photo by Bill Hallier.

November/December 2022 DER AUSPUFF 13

PRE-CONCOURS DETAIL CLINIC

By Tara Konrath

An overcast day greeted the participants for the detail clinic held last September 10. We were all watching for a chance of rain. Nineteen participants in 11 Porsches, including several first-time participants and some members from Los Angeles Region, gathered at the beautiful grounds of Lavaggio in Agoura Hills to learn about all things concours.

We welcomed everyone back after a three-year hiatus and thanked Lavaggio for hosting us today and for 10 previous clinics. Dustin Troyan, Marketing Director, gave a brief overview of the outstanding services offered by Lavaggio. Amir Hami volunteered to have his 2010 911 997 Cabriolet used by Gabe Gutierrez for the demonstration on preserving paint. A rain shower moved the demonstration inside while Dustin explained the difference of the newer paints and different wax techniques, showcasing again how Lavaggio provides its special touch to the “Art of Auto Detailing,” as they like to say. As our appetite for detailing and prepping cars grew, we headed upstairs and discovered that a wonderful lunch was waiting for us, all provided by Lavaggio’s bistro.

The afternoon session kicked off with a great interactive conversation about what to expect from a concours, including the new divisions and areas that can be judged on a car. I shared different tips and tricks that have been successful: the different brushes, Q-tips, and towels that you can never have enough of when prepping, including the various uses for chopsticks and the proper way to care for your microfiber towels.

Our appreciation goes out to all the participants and the wonderful staff at Lavaggio for making this an educational and pleasurable occasion. We left looking forward to seeing all at the 44th Concours d’Elegance at Santa Barbara City College, which you can read all about in the following article.

Tara Konrath is cochair of concours for SBR, is a qualified concours judge, and has been involved with these events for many years. She joined PCA in 2012 and drives a 1987 928 S4 in Arctic Silver.

Left: A few of the supplies that were used in the demonstrations. Photo by Randy Fishwick. Top: The morning gathering with Dustin Troyan addressing the group on Lavaggio's services. Photo by Steve Geldman. Middle: Expert detailer Gabe Gutierrez in action. Photo by Steve Geldman. Bottom: Tara Konrath shares insights in what concours judges will look for. Photo by Steve Geldman.