Classic Cars on Canvas: Marshall’s Car Culture and Debra’s Vintage Car Paintings
Marshall has a soft spot for classic cars. The Walters Gasoline Museum fills the town’s 1903 interurban railway depot with old signs, an original gas pump and automotive memorabilia. And in summer, Marshall Motorfest brings hundreds of vintage cars downtown (nearly 450 in 2025), finishing with a classic-car cruise through town.
Debra Whelan paints these cars with the same care she gives a wolf or a hummingbird: the curve of a fender, the gleam of chrome, the color of a summer sky reflected in the paint. Here are the cars in her collection.
Red Packard
A dramatic close-up of a red Packard: the chrome grille, the headlamp and the graceful hood ornament shine against a dark background. See Red Packard, from $40.
Green Auburn
A green Auburn from the classic era waits on the grass beneath shady trees, its chrome grille and whitewall tires shining. Debra captures the long hood and graceful curves that make the Auburn a collector’s dream. See Green Auburn, from $35.
1930 Lincoln
A gleaming black 1930 Lincoln faces the viewer head-on, its chrome grille and round headlamps shining, parked on green grass beneath a golden sky. See 1930 Lincoln, from $40.
Chrysler 300
A close study of a classic Chrysler 300’s crimson tailfin, taillight and gleaming chrome under a pastel sky: the bold lines of American mid-century design. See Chrysler 300, from $40.
1956 Buick Concept Car
The red-and-white body, wraparound bubble canopy and red interior of a 1956 Buick concept car gleam against an icy blue sky, a love letter to the optimism of 1950s design. See 1956 Buick Concept Car, from $25.
A gift for the car person in your life
A classic-car print makes a thoughtful gift for Father’s Day, a birthday or a retirement, and it looks just as good in a garage or workshop as in a den or office. Every print is made to order on archival paper or canvas and ships free.
Commission a painting of your own car
Debra welcomes car commissions. Send her photos of your own classic, or the car that’s been in the family for years, and she’ll paint it by hand with the same care. You’ll see the painting as it develops, with two rounds of minor edits included, and commissions start at $200 for an 8×10.
Have a car with a story?
Send Debra your photos and she’ll turn your car into a one-of-a-kind painting.
Shop the classic cars
Find all of Debra’s vintage cars, plus historic buildings, in the Miscellaneous collection.
Classic-car print questions
Are these paintings or photographs?
Paintings. Debra paints each one by hand, stroke by stroke, with a pressure-sensitive stylus. No AI is involved.
Can Debra paint my own car?
Yes. Debra welcomes car commissions. She paints from your photos, emails you progress along the way, and prices start at $200 for an 8×10.
What are the prints made on?
Paper or canvas giclées, printed to order by FinerWorks with archival inks. Shipping is free.
Still wondering about something? Ask Debra. She usually replies within 24 hours.