My Car Quest

March 28, 2024

Riverside International Automobile Museum: The Selling Of A Museum

by Anonymous –

Back in 2006, Ray Magnon and his son, Doug Magnon, were two racing enthusiasts credited with founding the Riverside International Automotive Museum.

Originally, Doug being a Maserati collector, his goal was to have the largest collection of Maseratis in the U.S., but by 2006 he decided to have the museum be instead a history of California’s motor sports heritage specifically relating to the Riverside International Racetrack that was started in 1957 but which gave way to a shopping center later on.

The Museum opened to the public in December 2007 in one of the many office buildings owned by the family, whose development company is credited with developing much of the commercial infrastructure in downtown Riverside.

2006_Maserati_MC12_Stradale_20090904a

2006 Maserati MC12 Stradale

They also built a library of historic photos, videos, race programs and periodicals.

In March 2009, with Dan Gurney as the honoree, the museum hosted the first Legends of Riverside Film Festival and charity fund raiser. In addition to showcasing popular racing films, the annual event sponsored appearances by many famous racing legends of the past including in 2010 Carroll Shelby, 2011 Parnelli Jones, and 2012 Bobby Unser.

In 2015 Doug Magnon died at the young age of 55. It was hoped that the Museum could continue on but in June 2016 a letter was sent out by a Board member to a public information forum (Ferrarichat.com) that said in part:

“the auctioning of the cars in the Riverside International Auto Museum (RIAM) has been approved by the board”.

1971_Maserati_Quattroporte_AM121

1971 Maserati Quattroporte

The letter also said that “After multiple attempts to find a long term sponsor for the Riverside International Auto Museum the board of directors has decided to auction the cars and create a foundation in Doug Magnon’s name.”

“It was a difficult decision and we would like to see the cars go to Maserati enthusiasts so I’m hoping all of you can participate in the upcoming auctions.”

“The majority of the cars will be at the Auctions America event at Santa Monica the 25th and 26th of June.

The remainder of the cars will appear at RM Sotheby’s Monterey in August.”

There is a list of the cars in the Museum on Wikipedia, and that list is below, but it is far from complete. As of June 11th, 2016 the auction company photographer was at the Museum shooting cars destined for the Auctions America (a subsidiary of RM Sotheby’s) auction in Santa Monica.

There is no word on what will happen to the contents of the library or the film collection, or artwork on the walls.

Maserati 1951 A6G 2000 Coupe By Pininfarina.
Maserati 1962 3500 GTi Once owned by actor Dan Blocker, best known for his role as Hoss Cartwright in the 60’s TV series Bonanza. He was also a racing enthusiast and original owner of the Nickey-Vinegaroon race car (a 1965 Huffaker Genie MK10).
Maserati 1963 3500 GTi
Maserati 1964 Quattroporte
Maserati 1967 Quattroporte
Maserati 1965 Mistral Spyder
Maserati 1967 Mistral Coupe
Maserati 1968 Mexico
Maserati 1968 Ghibli Coupe
Maserati 1970 Indy
Maserati 1971 Quattroporte II,
Frua Prototipo By Pietro Frua, and originally owned by King Juan Carlos of Spain
Maserati 1973 Bora
Maserati 1973 Merak
Maserati 1974 Merak
Maserati 1975 Khamsin
Maserati 1980 Kyalami
Maserati 1980 Quattroporte III
Maserati 1982 Quattroporte III Color: Rosso Rubino. Once owned by actor David Carradine, best known for his role as Caine in the television series Kung Fu.
Maserati 1982 Quattroporte III
Maserati 1984 Quattroporte III
Maserati 1989 Biturbo Spyder
Maserati 2002 Spyder Cambiocorsa
Maserati 2005 Spyder 90th Anniversary
Maserati 2005 Quattroporte
Maserati 2006 GranSport Victory
Maserati 2006 MC12 Stradale
Ferrari 1977 308 GTB
Ferrari 1984 Berlinetta Boxer injected (512 BBi)
Ferrari 2001 360 Modena Spider
Ford 2006 GT
Jaguar 1961 MK II Sedan
Jaguar 1967 420 G Sedan
Jaguar 1974 XKE Roadster
Jaguar 1994 XJ220
Custom Race Car 1970 Gurney Olsonite Eagle
Custom Race Car 1980 Penske

Let us know what you think in the Comments.

 

 

Comments

  1. I’m glad that I had the chance to visit the museum. Two old loves: Riverside and Masers.

  2. Holy crap what a list.

  3. I am so sad to see this collection go. Many months ago I finally made my way out there and boy was was I amazed! Not only were the cars outstanding, but the staff was very friendly and eager to answer all of my questions. I am glad that I had the opportunity to go to the museum and see all of the cars close up!

    Maybe the Petersen or the San Diego automotive museums will step up and acquire some of the collection as well as the myriad Riverside Raceway memorabilia…….

  4. Mark Ledbetter says

    Hello,would a lady by the first name of Judy be the owner of that red cobra I saw on tv today? I live in Mira Loma and have been from 1999 til now.I ended up in this area after G.M. Opened the ac/delco warehouse in Fontana.I retired from G.M. In 2006 I started working for them in 1976 at the South Gate Assam. Plant.Went on to work at the Camero plant in 1982 and after lengthy lay-off’s ended up working in Reno and came back to so. Cal in 99’ to work until I retired in 06’ It was So Cool to see your interview on tv this afternoon.I’ll have to find out where you folks are and come by sometime if that is ok.Well,it was a treat to see your interview today.Take Care,Mark. P.S. I Was a Flattrack motorcycle racer up until 08’ when I broke my left Femur @ the Pomona dirt track.Oil pumping out of my Rotax onto the rear brake caused a bit of trouble! ain’t been on after that and it has driven me completely insane.I tinker now to keep from loosing it completely!

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