Maybelline Founder's Passion for Custom Designed Automobiles

By Sharriewilliams













Key Points
  • Tom Lyle Williams, Maybelline’s founder, owned several classic automobiles, including a 1917 Paige and multiple Packards from the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Research suggests he had at least four cars, but the exact number is unclear due to limited records.
  • His family, including his nephew, shared a passion for classic cars, indicating a personal interest in automobiles.
BackgroundTom Lyle Williams, born in 1896, founded Maybelline in 1915, inspired by his sister Mabel’s beauty routine. Beyond cosmetics, he was known for his interest in classic automobiles, owning several during his lifetime.Automobiles OwnedThe evidence leans toward Williams owning a 1917 Paige Model 6-51, a 1934 Packard, a 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria, and a 1940 Packard. These cars reflect his appreciation for beautifully crafted vehicles, a trait also seen in his family.Family ConnectionHis nephew, Bill Williams, shared this passion, collecting classic cars like a 1977 Series 1 Clenet, suggesting a family interest in automobiles that may have influenced Williams’ choices.
Survey Note: Detailed Exploration of Tom Lyle Williams and His AutomobilesTom Lyle Williams, the visionary behind Maybelline, is celebrated not only for revolutionizing the cosmetics industry but also for his personal affinity for classic automobiles. This note delves into the details of his automobile ownership, family connections, and the broader context, providing a comprehensive overview based on available historical records.Historical Context and Personal BackgroundTom Lyle Williams Sr. was born on January 19, 1896, in Morganfield, Kentucky, and later moved to Chicago, where he founded Maybelline in 1915. Inspired by his sister Mabel’s use of a homemade eyebrow and eyelash enhancer, he created the first mascara, naming it Maybelline. His business acumen led Maybelline to international success, and by the mid-20th century, he had relocated to California, purchasing notable properties like Rudolph Valentino’s Hollywood Hills home, Villa Valentino.Williams’ life extended beyond business, encompassing a personal interest in automobiles, a passion reflected in his ownership of several classic cars and echoed by his family. This interest is documented through various historical accounts, family narratives, and photographs, offering insights into his lifestyle and preferences.Detailed List of Automobiles OwnedResearch suggests Tom Lyle Williams owned at least four classic automobiles, each notable for its era and craftsmanship:While these four cars are well-documented, the exact number of automobiles he owned remains uncertain due to limited historical records. Photographs, such as those from his Bel Air property in the 1960s, show an open garage with multiple cars, including those of his partner Emery Shaver and associate Arnold Anderson, but specific details are sparse (A Behind the Gate Look at Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air Property in the 1960's, When It Belonged to Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams).Family Connection and Shared PassionWilliams’ interest in automobiles was not isolated but shared within his family. His nephew, Bill Williams, developed a passion for beautiful convertibles, collecting and selling classic cars throughout his life. Bill’s favorite was a 1977 Series 1 Clenet, showcased at events like The Santa in West Los Angeles (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Founder, Tom Lyle Williams, at his Villa Valentino during the 1940s). This family tradition is further evidenced by cousin Chuck Williams, who carried on the legacy of collecting eye-catching automobiles, drawing parallels to his great-uncle’s tastes (Happy Birthday to My Maybelline Cousin, Chuck Williams - BB1 - A Guy with a Passion for Fashion When It Comes to Classic Cars).Additionally, Williams’ brother-in-law, Chester Haines, was put in charge of Maybelline’s transportation department, suggesting a business-related involvement with automobiles, possibly overseeing company vehicles or logistics (The Maybelline Story Blog: Maybelline Family History, Tom Lyle's Charismatic Brother In Law, Chester Haines had a Passion for Automobiles).Broader Implications and Cultural ContextWilliams’ ownership of these automobiles aligns with the cultural shifts of the early 20th century, particularly the 1920s “Roaring Twenties,” when automobiles became symbols of status and individuality, much like the cosmetics he popularized. His choice of Packards and the Paige reflects a preference for luxury and craftsmanship, consistent with his success in the beauty industry. The nostalgic features of his cars, as noted in family accounts, also connect to his childhood and the era’s automotive design, offering a glimpse into his personal values and lifestyle.Summary Table of AutomobilesBelow is a table summarizing the automobiles associated with Tom Lyle Williams, based on available records:

YearMake and ModelNotes

1917Paige Model 6-51First car, considered the most beautiful car of its time.

1934PackardLuxury vehicle, part of his collection, reflecting high-end taste.

1939Packard 120 Convertible VictoriaOwned at Villa Valentino, nostalgic features from childhood.

1940PackardPurchased during his time at Villa Valentino, Hollywood.

ConclusionTom Lyle Williams’ ownership of classic automobiles, including a 1917 Paige Model 6-51, a 1934 Packard, a 1939 Packard 120 Convertible Victoria, and a 1940 Packard, highlights his personal interest in automotive craftsmanship. This passion was shared by his family, with his nephew Bill and cousin Chuck continuing the tradition. While the exact number of cars remains uncertain, these details paint a picture of a man whose interests extended beyond business, embracing the luxury and nostalgia of his era’s automotive culture.Key Citations