The Most Gorgeous Things on Wheels

As you may know, I’m a huge fan of fine design. That’s a big category that includes architecture, art, fashion, jewelry, and, of course, fine automobiles. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of my favorite events of the year and I’m already looking forward to Sunday, August 20.

With cars on my mind, it was a thrill to see a lavishly illustrated article in The Wall Street Journal featuring my friend Merle Mullin, the “car girl.” The article highlights Merle’s impeccable 1957 Ford Thunderbird and the wonderful story that delivered it into her hands. I’ll let you read the article for the details, but suffice it to say that it was a 1st anniversary surprise gift from her husband, Peter Mullin.

Peter, who knows something about cars, is the founder of the Mullin Automotive Museum, in Oxnard. He is also a collector, a participant in vintage races and rallies, chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum, and president of the American Bugatti Club. The Mullin Museum, in a building formerly owned by Otis Chandler, exhibits some 75 masterpieces of French coachwork and an equal number of paintings, photographs, furniture and decorative arts from the 1920s and 1930s. Visit the website for museum hours or to arrange a private tour.

I’ll have a report on the Concours d’Elegance after I’ve picked my favorites from this year’s collection of 200 spectacular vehicles. Among the much-anticipated marques and special classes are Isotta Fraschini, Castagna Coachwork, American dream cars of the 1960s, Ferrari major race winners, and Ferrari one-off spéciales. Can’t wait!