I get excited every time I get word that it’s time for another visit to see the incredible cars in John O’Quinn’s estate! This time definitely did not disappoint, with 5 gorgeous examples from the collection. We split the job evenly, trucking the cars out one by one to a nearby park to take advantage of the fall scenery. As I shot, we often stopped to talk with many “car people” who pulled over to the side of the road to get a better look at these amazing cars.
My favorite had to be the 1938 Delahaye, with its classic lines and painstaking attention to detail. Not to say that the others weren’t special either though! The Rolls Royce was beautifully crafted, with even the smallest detail embellished with expensive metals, wood or other materials. Everything just felt well made and purposeful. The Packard and Duesenberg, two American classics, got the most attention of passerby. Probably because of their sheer size and large chrome accents that grabbed the eye. The Marmon was a bit of an underdog, with its flat khaki paint and understated styling (when compared to the rest). It was important to remember though that this is a one-of-a-kind car, built as a prototype that never made it into production.
After each shoot I had the chance to ride in the cars back to the location where the flatbed was waiting. Riding in cars approaching 85 years of age is a pretty surreal experience. You can see a video I made cruising around in the Packard below…excuse the wind noise!
Unloading the Packard for the shoot.
The Delahaye post-shoot, heading home.
On location with the Rolls
And now on to the official photos!
1927 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 Landaulet
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourister Derham owned by Howard Hughes
Chassis # J-444. Legend has it that Howard Hughes used this Duesey to tow his gliders!
1932 Marmon HCM V12 2 Door Sedan Prototype
You can read the history behind this car on RM Auctions’ Website: LINK
1938 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan
A gorgeous car, partially the reason why Packard priced themselves out of the market, eventually killing the prestigious brand.
Taking a little cruise in the Packard before it was loaded back up on the flatbed for home.
1938 Delahaye Paris Salon 135MS Coupe by Figoni & Falaschi
Such a beautiful car. No bad lines on it at all! You can read more about the Delahaye brand here.
Very cool engineering – check out the door handles!