Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, California where they have over 100 restored vehicles, some of which have won top awards at various Concours d’Elegances and other auto shows. There were some beautiful classic cars like Pierce-Arrows, Rolls-Royces, V-16 Cadillacs, Packards and Dusenbergs, as well basic cars like Fords, Chevrolets and Buicks going back to the 1890’s. They even had a Tucker on display. Our tour guide pointed out that each auto has been fully restored to its original condition, including equipment, accessories and color, and most run and are started up on a regular basis.

What was of particular interest to me is none of these cars are “modded” in a modern sense. There are no aftermarket rims, debadging, lowering, smoked lights or engine modifications. Classic car enthusiasts would never consider such a thing. It was quite refreshing to an old guy like me who, as you may know, is not a real fan of modding any fine car, in consideration, and perhaps anticipation, that they may find their way into some collection fifty years from now.

 

did you take any pics?

 

They don’t allow flash photography inside so I didn’t bother to bring a camera. But they do have a nice web site:

http://www.nethercuttcollection.org

 

ohh ok, looks like a nice museum.

 

what a tease! aww man woulda been great to see photos hehee

 

Is this someones collection ???

 

I didn't know there was anything auto-related to do in Sylmar. Might have to go some time during lunch since I work like 5 mins. from there.

 

The collection, which adds cars from time to time, belongs to an endowment institution started by J.C. Nethercutt, co-founder of Merle Norman Cosmetics. They must get their funding from the cosmetics company. BTW, admission is free. This guy must have been the ultimate old car enthusiast.

 

I'm not a classic car fan, but that places looks really cool. And as mentioned (and I noticed on the web site), the admission is free. Can't be beat. I had no idea where Sylmar was, though. Had to look it up.