The Allure of the Automobile

Gear up and speed down to the Portland Art Museum for the awe inspiring Allure of the Automobile Exhibit. These immaculate vehicles were the finest specimens of artistry in their day and fetched a pretty penny from celebrities, debutantes and royalty. From the attention to detail to the overall design of these cars, I guarantee you will be impressed when you seen them with your own eyes.

"The Allure of the Automobile is the first exhibition to consider the stylistic development of cars in the context of prominent design movements such as Art Moderne and Postwar Modernity. Visitors will learn about the contrasts between European and American design, the influence of decorative arts, and the significant changes in automotive styling and engineering before and after World War II.

The exhibition will be accompanied by an array of programs and opportunities to learn more about these remarkable automobiles, the technology behind them, and their historical and cultural context.
Organized by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the exhibition will be guest curated by Ken Gross, the former director of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles."

                                                                       -Allure of the Automobile Press Release

1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS “Teardrop” Coupe
Lent by Arturo and Deborah Keller
Petaluma, California

 

1937 Hispano Suiza H-6C “Xenia” Coupe
Lent by Merle and Peter Mullin and the Peter Mullin
Automotive Museum Foundation
Beverly Hills, California

1930 Bentley Speed Six Gurney Nutting Coupe
Lent by Jolene and Bruce McCaw
Bellevue, Washington

1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
Lent by Don Williams and the Blackhawk Collection
Danville, California

1954 Plymouth Sports Coupe

Lent by Margie Petersen and the Petersen Automotive Museum

Los Angeles, California

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster
Lent by Lee and Joan Herrington
Bow, New Hampshire

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C2900B Touring Berlinetta, Chassis No. 412035
Lent by Jon and Mary Shirley
Bellevue, Washington

1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante, Chassis No. 57562
Lent by William E. (Chip) Connor
Deepwater Bay, Hong Kong

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Comp./61 Short-wheelbase Berlinetta, S/N 2689
Lent by Bruce and Raylene Meyer
Beverly Hills, California

1957 Jaguar XK-SS Roadster, No. 713
Lent by Margie Petersen and the Petersen Automotive Museum
Los Angeles, California

This iconic Jaguar was previously owned by Steve McQueen.

1953 Porsche 550, Prototype, Serial No. 550-01
Lent by Miles Collier and the Collier Collection
Naples, Florida

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
Lent by the General Motors Heritage Center
Warren, Michigan

1948 Tucker Model 48 Torpedo
Lent by The LeMay Family Collection,
compliments of LeMay–America’s Car Museum
Tacoma, Washington

1931 Duesenberg SJ Derham Convertible Sedan
Lent by Tom and Susan Armstrong
Issaquah, Washington

Lorraine O'Neal and Kim Cullins Standing in Front of the Jitterbuggin Company Car.

You Still Have Time to See This Spectacular Exhibit!