You Could Call the Nethercutt Collection a Museum for Rare Cars. You’d Be Half Right.

Featured image credit: ZR1748

Southern California is spoiled by its automotive museums. We of course have the Miracle Mile’s Petersen Automotive Museum. Then there’s the Mullen in Oxnard. But one that enthusiasts frequently overlook (likely because of its out-of-the-way Sylmar location) is the Nethercutt Collection and Museum, a breathtaking collection of classic, antique automobiles with accolades that span the globe. Lauded by anyone aware of it, the Nethercutt Collection and Museum is criminally obscure, yet still manages to regularly rank among the globe’s top automotive museums. It’s a strange contradiction, to say the least. 

The Opening of the Nethercutt Collection and, Later, Museum

Photo credit: ZR1748

In 1971, entrepreneur and avid car collector J.B. Nethercutt opened the doors of his private estate to the public, sharing his vast collection with the curious. A high-class museum had been in his mind since the planning stages of his San Sylmar tower. When he wasn’t residing in it, it would serve as a non-profit providing a rare (and immensely valuable) educational opportunity for students and historians as well as scholars of life. 

Nethercutt’s tower, which continues to house the Nethercutt Collection to this day, is a stunning sight on its own. At 60,000 square feet, it was one of the largest homes in the country for some time. With its art deco aesthetic and sparkling crystalline chandeliers, it’s an apt display for such an impressive collection. 

In 2000, Nethercutt oversaw the construction of the 40,000-square-foot Nethercutt Museum, a neighboring facility, to accommodate his continued acquisitions. When Nethercutt passed away in 2004, his collection transferred to his son and daughter-in-law, Jack Nethercutt II and Helen Richards-Nethercutt, who continue to maintain and expand the staggering assortment today. 

What Can You Expect to Find at the Nethercutt Collection and Museum?

The lifetime collection of J.B. Nethercutt amasses over 130 vintage and antique automobiles meticulously maintained in drivable condition. This world-class service has found several of these cars netting the top spot at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Visitors to the Nethercutt Collection and Museum can expect to see rare models from notable brands including:

  • Aston Martin
  • Austin-Healey
  • Bentley
  • Bugatti
  • Cadillac
  • Duesenberg
  • Ferrari
  • Lincoln
  • Maybach
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Porsche
  • Rolls-Royce

But the collection doesn’t stop at automobiles. You’ll also find rare and obscure hood ornaments (sometimes referred to as mascots), medallions, and luxury items that were included with luxury models such as cigarette cases, glassware, vases, and more. The Nethercutt Museum even explores other passions of its curator, including mechanical musical instruments, furniture, and a fully restored locomotive and railcar. 

Planning Your Visit

Photo credit: Steve

Before your visit, it’s important to note that there are two distinct (albeit neighboring) facilities and access to one doesn’t necessarily grant passage to the other. You’ll need an appointment to see the Nethercutt Collection which usually requires a $10 admission fee. This purchases a guided tour through Nethercutt’s personal collection of approximately 30 cars, displayed in an art deco replica of an old showroom. The Nethercutt Collection is also where guests can view the extensive collection of mechanical musical instruments while a player piano serenades them. 

From Thursday through Sunday during the hours of 9:30 am until 4:30 pm, guests can access the Nethercutt Museum across the street for self-guided tours. There you’ll find over 250 automobiles from America and Europe with manufacturing dates ranging from 1898 to 1997. Admission to the Nethercutt Museum is free. The no-cost admission to the Nethercutt Museum and the modest $10 charge for the guided Nethercutt Collection tour is made possible by the facilities’ non-profit status with funding primarily coming from Merle Norman Cosmetics of which Nethercutt was a co-founder.

More Than Automobiles

While the automobiles are no doubt the main event, the rest of the Nethercutt Collection and Museum is impressive in its own right. Among the mechanical musical instruments including nickelodeons, music boxes, pianos, and orchestrions, guests will be treated to the sight of a Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. It’s the largest theatre organ on the West Coast and the third largest in the world. 

Photo credit: evdropkick

One of the hottest attractions for the curious, located just outside of the Nethercutt Museum, is the original 1937 Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson Locomotive #2839. Manufactured by Montreal Locomotive Works, it’s a stunningly preserved high-speed locomotive that achieved speeds of 90mph. Nearby, visitors will find Pullman Private Car #100 California from 1912. This restored railcar was custom-built for Clara Baldwin Stocker, the first daughter of controversial SoCal pioneer Lucky Baldwin

And, while it might not quite have the “wow” factor as so much of the collection on display, the Nethercutt Museum also offers access to the Nethercutt Automotive Research Library and Archives. Regarded as one of the leading automotive research centers in the world, it’s an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and historians alike. 

Don’t Sleep on the Nethercutt

We’re blessed with a wealth of opportunities for entertainment in Southern California. But don’t let this embarrassment of riches diminish the stunning quality of the Nethercutt Collection and Museum. It makes the drive to Sylmar worth it. Just make sure to reserve your spot for both the tour and the museum before you go!

Website | + posts

Leave a Reply

*