On June 24, 2026 at the invitation of his widow Merle, a small and informal induction ceremony took place at the home of the founder and patron of the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, the late Peter William Mullin.
Peter Mullin, who was a successful businessman and philanthropist based in California, also served as the president of the American Bugatti Club and a member of the Bugatti Trust. Outside of the automotive realm, Mr. Mullin served on the boards of a number of charitable institutions including the board of the Guggenheim Foundation, dedicated to the collection, preservation and research of modern and contemporary art.
He is warmly remembered not only for his deep automotive knowledge, but also for his devoted support for numerous events across the globe, in particular the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as his instrumental role in in the successful rebuild and relaunch of the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles. He was an avid participant in numerous vintage car races and rallies.
The Mullin Automotive Museum, which the late Mr. Mullin established in 2010, displayed his personal car collection. The museum reflected Mr. Mullin’s affinity for French automobiles and contained a large number of Bugatti’s and other early 20th Century French cars. Of note was the fact that while a number of the cars were restored and able to be driven, others were purposefully kept unrestored to preserve their history. The museum also housed a collection of art deco furniture as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures including works by Charles Arnold and Sigrid Burton. Unfortunately, following Mr. Mullin’s passing in 2023, the museum was wound down.
The ceremony was attended by FIVA President Alberto Scuro who was accompanied by FIVA Representatives for the United States, Donald Osborne and Mark Gessler. FIVA Vice President Ramin Salehkhou and Norwegian ANF President Carl Harbitz-Rasmussen also attended.
The ceremony was truly memorable as Mrs. Mullin regaled the visitors with stories of her late husband and her own experience in the historic vehicle world, including her numerous rally experiences with her in the driver’s seat and her late husband navigating.
Peter Mullin was one of the most respected figures in the historical vehicle community. He is sorely missed.. May he rest in peace.
