The late J. B. and Dorothy Nethercutt assembled a World-class collection of cars, mechanical musical instruments and rare collectibles. Thanks to their foresight and generosity their collections are available to all of us to see for absolutely no cost. The Merle Norman fortune allowed for the Collection to be funded forever. It will grow and be maintained at no cost to visitors, ever.
There are more than 100 vehicles, six of which have won the top award at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and unprecedented six times. This is truly a fabulous collection and you can’t miss the restored steam locomotive and private rail car.
In addition to the Nethercutt Collection there is San Sylmar which will take your breath away. It contains an additional 250 vehicles plus “floors” of mechanical musical instruments and huge pipe organs. During the private tours of this collection attendees even get a sample concert from these musical treasures.
Both collections are located in Sylmar, California across the street from each other. The Nethercutt Collection is free and open to the public, check their web site for hours. San Sylmar is also free but only available by appointment and private tour, again check their web site.
We have visited this collection and are still blown away with each visit. To see photos from our most recent tour visit our Museum page. We have provided three complete pages to this wonderful facility.
For a sample of the mechanical musical instruments click on the audio below. Listen for he nickel to go into the coin slot and then the mechanical machine begins to play the violin and more!
[audio:violin.mp3]
