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John C | profile | all galleries >> The Nethercutt Collection and Museum in Sylmar, CA, April 30, 2005 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

The Nethercutt Collection and Museum in Sylmar, CA, April 30, 2005

You've probably never heard of the Nethercutt's, but if you're a woman you've probably heard of Merle Norman Cosmetics. The Nethercutt family owns and runs Merle Norman Cosmetics. Mr. and Mrs. JB Nethercutt spent much of their fortune on rare and extravagant automobiles, musical instruments, and furniture. Amassed over 70 years, the collections are now open to the public. All of it is "fully functional", i.e. in working condition. The Nethercutt automobile collection, for example, consists of over 240 prize-winning vehicles from the 1900's through the 1950's-- each in mint concourse condition, ready to drive away with only a 30 minute notice. They also collected rare self-playing musical instruments including one of the largest pipe organs in the world (5,000 pipes!) and "reproducing pianos" which can play back a performance with 100% accuracy. Camera flashes were not allowed in the museum which is why some of the pictures are dark.
The 20 Grand 1933 Dusenberg in the center is the crown jewel of the collection.
The "20 Grand" 1933 Dusenberg in the center is the crown jewel of the collection.		 Priced at $20,000 in 1933 (when most people made $1,600 a year) this rare Dusenberg was guaranteed to go at least 100 mph
Priced at $20,000 in 1933 (when most people made $1,600 a year) this rare Dusenberg was guaranteed to go at least 100 mph		 Dean taking a close look at the 20 Grand
Dean taking a close look at the "20 Grand"		 A rare 1956 Mercedes Gullwing
A rare 1956 Mercedes Gullwing
Inlaid marble from Italy and hand-cut crystal chandeliers house part of the collection
Inlaid marble from Italy and hand-cut crystal chandeliers house part of the collection		 1940 V16 Cadillac
1940 V16 Cadillac		 This Isotta is one of the 240 cars JB collected
This Isotta is one of the 240 cars JB collected		 Old-fashioned headlight
Old-fashioned headlight
Amazing hood ornament collection, including this ghoul
Amazing hood ornament collection, including this ghoul		 Another hood ornament
Another hood ornament		 Maybach hood ornament
Maybach hood ornament		 Very sleek Bugatti
Very sleek Bugatti
One of many of JB's Rolls-Royces
One of many of JB's Rolls-Royces		 Another one of JB's Rolls'. Must have had one for each day of the month.
Another one of JB's Rolls'. Must have had one for each day of the month.		 Some of the many cars in the collection
Some of the many cars in the collection		 This rare Tiffany clock fell over in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and shattered into 180 pieces. It was fully restored.
This rare Tiffany clock fell over in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and shattered into 180 pieces. It was fully restored.
Louis the 14th desk
Louis the 14th desk		 Louis the 14th desk redux
Louis the 14th desk redux		 A rare 85% reproducing piano. It played by itself and was amazing.
A rare "85% reproducing piano". It played by itself and was amazing.		 A super rare Bosendorfer 100% Reproducing Piano. Note the extra bass keys. It was amazing to hear and watch it play.
A super rare Bosendorfer "100% Reproducing Piano". Note the extra bass keys. It was amazing to hear and watch it play.
Another beautiful clock
Another beautiful clock		 Mrs. Nethercutt collected fancy things like musical watches. Shot handheld with existing light
Mrs. Nethercutt collected fancy things like musical watches. Shot handheld with existing light		 Part of Mrs. Nethercutt's porcelain and china figurine collection
Part of Mrs. Nethercutt's porcelain and china figurine collection		 Piano figurines
Piano figurines
Close-up of one of the piano figurines
Close-up of one of the piano figurines		 Nice furniture, fully functional
Nice furniture, fully functional

post a comment
Don C. Whitaker 08-Jul-2009 18:40
This is a must see for anyone with even the slightest interest in antique autos. A great idea for an overnight bonding experience with a son or grandson. I did it and well worthwhile. Former fraternity brother at USC with the Nethercutt boys.
Guest 04-Nov-2008 03:12
Visit the museum's home page for information and directions. You can find it at nethercuttcollection.org
Sharon Mendelssohn 28-Mar-2008 18:21
Reservations, would like to make one, none of the information posted relates to how I do that.
louis netusil 03-Dec-2007 00:50
looking for clutch for 1921 Dort. Any help or leads much appreciated
Guest 08-Sep-2007 00:33
LOOKING FOR A MAP LOCATION FOR YOUR MUSEUM - I/M A PRIOR ROLLS ROYCE OWNER AND CLUB MEMBER BUT NEVER DID ATTEND THE MEET TO VISIT YOUR MUSEUM THEN .. WOULD LOVE TO VIST TOMORROW ON OUR WAY TO VISIT THE RONALD REAGON MUSEUM THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
CARLO PAPARAZZO ..
Lois 23-Aug-2007 00:51
Desperately need a head-on shot of the Sutherland Bugatti, which is in your collection, I understand. This is for personal use only. Can anyone help me with this.
Arthur L Milicov 27-Jul-2007 22:01
Tour schedule for August 2007
Cost per peron
How do I make a reservation
Linda Reid 09-May-2007 23:56
How do I make reservations to visit the Museum?
trevor simpson 15-Jul-2006 01:10
Mr. John C.

my name is trevor and i was wondering if you would be interested in purchasing a 1938 lincoln k.
its previous owners include king hussain (founder of rally car racing) and prior to him it was the king of whales. it is all original still runs and has 88k original miles
if you are interested you can contact me at (714) 791-4603
thank you for your time
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