Before World War II, French automobiles were the world’s most desired. Brands like Hispàno-Suiza, Delage, Delahaye, Voison, Talbot-Lago, and Bugatti carried extravagant custom bodywork on high-performance chassis. These were the cars of the Art Deco era, so furniture and art of the period complemented the cars.
And that is the theme of Peter Mullin’s newly-opened Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California. Mullin, well known in vintage car circles as a collector, racer, and gentleman of exquisite taste, has been
The Mullin Automotive Museum main floor during the grand opening gala
fascinated by this period of French history. He has collected the cars, furniture, and other artifacts of that time and place, and now all is on display in a museum that clearly sets a new standard in design, content, and presentation. The museum can be visited by appointment, on Saturdays. www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
You might ask why Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW so dominate the market for quality cars if the French had such a head start. The luxury car market is good for three million cars per year worldwide, with the obvious financial and employment benefits to people/countries where they’re made. But, in a triumph of leftist politics, after World War II France managed to destroy its quality car industry by taxing it out of existence within ten years! France’s neighbors were ready to fill the void. The only make to be resurrected is Bugatti; that under the sympathetic ownership of Volkswagen/Audi.
Think Small
One of the all-time great print advertisements was the one produced for Volkswagen in the 1960s entitled “Think small.” It doesn’t sound so shocking now, but then, in a nation of “bigger is better,” it was revolutionary—and effective.
VW’s 1960s “Think small.” ad
Today, with costly fuel and crowded communities, plus the advantages brought by technical advances, small cars are hot. They can possess space, speed, style, and substance in varying degrees of your choice. Consider one of these possibilities.
Fresh air, two seats? Porsche Boxster ($40,000 and up) or Mazda Miata ($25,000 and up), are both highly rated by consumer organizations and driving enthusiasts. Sports cars have evolved so they are comfortable, weather-tight, and contain all of the creature comforts. The Mazda is in its twentieth year, the Porsche in its fourteenth—testimony for the essential “rightness” of both designs.
Top down, four seats? Try the Mini Cooper convertible, or the VW New Beetle. Each takes totally different stylistic approaches, yet they offer equal usefulness for under $30,000.
Commodious station wagon, short overall length? Look at Scion, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, or Honda Element. Much more stylish than a minivan, and, unless you’re trying to rival Bekins, space is adequate. Nice to drive too, with a high driving position.
Extraordinary economy? You already know the Prius story. Now Volkswagen is challenging with its new diesels in sedan, hatchback, and wagon models. The Audi A3 hatchback is also now available as a diesel. Volkswagen/Audi is known for producing cars with the best interiors in the business, even in these relatively inexpensive cars. And you won’t believe how quiet and powerful the diesels are.
A luxury car? The Mini-Cooper Mayfair—about $30,000—offers sporty, Jaguar-style leather interior and bold exterior colors that will assure you’re not low profile.
Or a luxo greenie? The Lexus 250h—a lavishly finished four-door with all the Lexus attributes applied to a Prius-type car.
Finally, if you don’t care much about style or sport, there are five remarkably high quality, entry price–level cars that have won high marks from reviewers: the Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, and the (later this year) Mazda 2. All are priced in the mid-teens.
How the Car Manufacturers Rank in Quality
Consumer Reports recently ranked major car makers according to the quality of their products. After reading it, General Motors may not want to continue its “May the Best Car Win” ads. The list:
1/2. Honda & Subaru (tied)
3. Toyota
4. Hyundai
5/6. Nissan & Volkswagen/Audi (tied)
7. Mazda
8. Mercedes-Benz
9. BMW
10. Volvo
11. Ford
12. Mitsubishi
13. GM
14. Chrysler
A Fabulous Hearse
The plane crash in Russia that killed Poland’s president had a curious automotive sidelight. Leading the funeral procession were several hearses, the lead one of which broke new ground. Based on a Maserati Quattroporte, lengthened, and revised at the rear to carry a casket, it is 
surely the handsomest vehicle of its type in the world today.
Martin Swig is a former San Francisco new-car dealer who now presents the internationally-celebrated California Mille and other historic car events. As a free service to Gazette readers, he’ll offer suggestions on how to dispose of a cherished car. Call him at 415-479-9950.
