The Nethercutt Collection

 Sylmar, California

click photo to enlarge		 J.B. Nethercutt, co-founder of Merle Norman Cosmetics, and his wife Dorothy collected classic & antique automobiles, as well as rare mechanical musical instruments.  The music collection includes a 5,000 pipe Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ and various other mechanical musical instruments.  The part of the Nethercutt Collection in the building pictured here doesn't require an appointment. It contains over 100 of the best restored cars you will ever see all in drivable condition. The entire facilities are free and the don't even take donations. From this building you can access the restored private Pullman rail car.  

click photo to enlarge		 The San Sylmar building contains this 1933 award-winning Duesenberg Torpedo Sedan, along with other numerous antique and classic luxury automobiles.  The collection also includes Rudolph Valentino's 1923 Avions Voisin.  "Each car in the collection has been restored to its original elegance and starts and drives as if brand new."

click photo to enlarge		 This is the Grand Salon in the San Sylmar building, which houses approximately 50 priceless antique autos.  The elegant showroom has a 33-foot high ceiling with pink Belgian Rouge marble columns, gold-plate appointments and Italian marble floors.  The San Sylmar building can only be viewed on a guided tour.  (Reservations required) There is also a dress code; no jeans, shorts, tank tops, etc. are permitted.  The extremely knowledgeable guide provides information, after which you are free to inspect this part of the collection on your own.  After a question and answer period, your group moves on to the next exhibit floor.  Allow approximately 2 hours for the guided tour.

click photo to enlarge		 The Mezzanine level of the San Sylmar building contains a huge collection of automobile mascots and hood ornaments, including hood ornaments made of Lalique crystal.  Also included on this level is a collection of Louis XV style furniture.  

click photo to enlarge		 This 1937 Hudson 4-6-4 steam locomotive is located just outside the Museum.  Attached to the tender is a magnificent private Pullman rail car called "California," built for Clara Stocker in 1912.  Tours of the Pullman car are given at certain times of the day from the Museum.  

click photo to enlarge