Tim McMann

Tim McMann of Vancouver, Washington, is the owner of a world-class custom car collection displayed in a private residence overlooking the Columbia River. Designed as both a home and a personal museum, McMann's El Capitola residence was featured in The Wall Street Journal in 2025 for its unique fusion of architecture and automotive art. Photo by Bill Purcell, courtesy of William / Kaven.

In May of 2017, legendary custom car collector Joe Bortz advertised Jim Seaton's 1955 Chevrolet, an authentic Barris Kustom, for sale. McMann, who was then living in Portland, Oregon, purchased the car the following month. “I can hardly believe I own a Barris, and in particular, one of this quality!” he told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama after the purchase. Photo courtesy of Charles LaGreca.

The Jade Idol at Gene Winfield’s Custom Shop in 2018. Built by Winfield in 1959 for Leroy Kemmerer of Castro Valley, California, the radical 1956 Mercury became one of the most famous customs of its era. After purchasing the car in 2017, McMann sent it straight back to Winfield, who personally reapplied the original fadeaway green paint job that made the Jade Idol legendary. Photo courtesy of Wheels Unlimited.

Don Fletcher's 1957 Chevrolet was restyled by Sam Barris in Carmichael, California. Known as El Capitola, McMann purchased the historic custom in 2019, returning it to its original configuration with the reinstated 265 V8 engine. Shown here in its signature Candy Burgundy and Pearl White finish, the car remains one of the most elaborate customs ever built by Sam Barris, and the final one he completed before retiring from the trade. Photo courtesy of Mike Kosulandich.

The Rod & Custom Magazine's Dream Truck, a 1950 Chevrolet ½-ton shaped with input from 2,500 Rod & Custom readers and crafted by Valley Custom, Barris Kustoms, Gene Winfield, and Dean Jeffries amongst other. Rescued and restored decades after its 1958 crash, the iconic show truck joined The Tim McMann Collection around 2022.

The 1941 Buick Roadmaster Convertible originally restyled by Tony and Joe Pisano. Later refreshed by Barris Kustoms for owner Herb Ogden, the sleek custom featured a chopped Gaylord top, frenched headlights, and molded gravel pan. Discovered and restored in the 1980s by Barry Mazza, the car was later owned by Kurt McCormick before joining The Tim McMann Collection, where it remains a striking example of early postwar custom luxury.

The Mark I Mist as found in June of 2025, still wearing its original Joe Wilhelm–applied silver finish. After being off the radar for decades, the radical 1936 Ford custom resurfaced untouched and all-original. Now part of The Tim McMann Collection, it stands as an authentic surviving example of early 1960s show car craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of Tim McMann.

The restored 1952 Lincoln Capri originally restyled by Valley Custom for Ina Mae Overman. After decades of neglect and multiple owners, the historic custom was purchased by Tim in 2018 and sent to Manns Restoration for a full restoration to its 1956 version, complete with its gold paint, extended rear fenders, and electrically operated doors. Finished in early 2022, the car stands today as a tribute to Ina Mae’s pioneering vision and the craftsmanship of Neil Emory and Clayton Jensen at Valley Custom. Photo by Bill Purcell, courtesy of William / Kaven.

McMann's living room in Vancouver, Washington, was designed so he could always keep an eye on his custom car collection. “They’re my paintings, but they’re sitting on the floor instead of on the wall,” McMann told The Wall Street Journal. Photo by Bill Purcell, courtesy of The Wall Street Journal.

Tim McMann of Vancouver, Washington, is a lifelong custom car enthusiast and collector. His fascination with customs began as a young boy in the early 1960s, when he built model cars and devoured every issue of Rod & Custom and Car Craft he could get his hands on. The pages of those magazines introduced him to George Barris and the world of radical custom cars that would shape his lifelong passion.

In May of 2017, legendary custom car collector Joe Bortz advertised Jim Seaton's 1955 Chevrolet, an authentic Barris Kustom, for sale. McMann, who was then living in Portland, Oregon, purchased the car the following month. “I can hardly believe I own a Barris, and in particular, one of this quality!” he told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama after the purchase.

After purchasing the Seaton Chevrolet, McMann began building what would become one of the most striking custom car displays in the Pacific Northwest. Designed as both a residence and a museum, his El Capitola residence in Vancouver was created to showcase his collection of customized cars.

At the heart of the property is a 3,908-square-foot car gallery, larger than the main house, crafted to showcase six customized midcentury cars. The gallery features skylights, polished concrete floors, a fir ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the river. Adjacent to the main display area, an attached space was designed to resemble an old gas-station office, enhancing the nostalgic ambiance.

Beyond full-sized customs, McMann’s passion extends to miniature form, with custom illuminated glass cases housing dozens of die-cast model cars. Every detail of the property reflects his lifelong love for automotive design and craftsmanship, making it one of the most architecturally distinctive private car collections in the Pacific Northwest.

Tim McMann's Cars

Joe Wilhelm's 1936 Ford Coupe - The Mark I Mist
Herb Ogden's 1941 Buick
Rod & Custom Magazine's Dream Truck
Ina Mae Overman's 1952 Lincoln
Jim Seaton's 1955 Chevrolet
Leroy Kemmerer's 1956 Mercury - The Jade Idol
Don Fletcher's 1957 Chevrolet 210 - El Capitola