I'll just leave this right here.

The Nethercutt Collection

More pics here: Nethercutt Collection Photos

Located in Sylmar, California, The Nethercutt Collection is one of the finest collections of American and European automobiles ever assembled.

The collection began in 1956 when J.B. Nethercutt, of Merle Norman Cosmetics fame purchased a 1936 Dusenberg and a 1930 DuPont. The restoration projects and subsequent "Best of Show " honor at the 1958 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for the DuPont were the foundation for an almost 50 year long love affair with the automobile.

In 1971 the Nethercutts opened a museum in the San Fernando Valley at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains to showcase their stunning restorations. To this day the collection is free to the public.

Sadly, in 2004, J.B. passed away, less than 2 months following the death of his beloved wife of 69 years. However the Nethercutt Legacy continues to thrive, preserving the great history of the automobile throught the establishment of the Nethercutt Foundation of which J.B.'s son Jack is the Chairman of the Board. The collection continues to restore and display museum quality vehicles which earn concours honors at nearly every event at which they are shown.

The collection tour can be taken via an rsvp which can be made through the collection website or a phone call to the office.

The collection is a multi tiered affair which showcases the Nethercutt's exquisite taste in automobiles but also for fine antique furniture and antique music players.

The tour begins in the Lower Salon of the collection building. While the autos are the showcase, there is a smattering of fine furniture, antique dolls, automobilia and the assorted whims of Mr. Nethercutt. During my visit, there were on display vehicles from Auburn, Ford, MG, Chevrolet as well as a number of obscure an low production makes.

The second tier of the tour takes us to the Grand Salon. Designed to emulate the opulent showrooms of the 1930's the room is resplendent with marble columns, fine crystal chandeliers and gold leaf accents. Housed in the Grand Salon are the jewels of the collection. Included is the "20 Grand" Dusenberg. Coach built by Rollston and displayed at the 1933 World's Fair, this 1933 Dusenberg SJ Torpedo Sedan came with a price tag of $20,000. To give you and idea, the average American income in 1933 was just a tic above $1500. As 1 of 2 ever produced, it is touted by many as the most luxurious Dusenberg ever. Today the "20 Grand" has an insured value of $12 million, although it is absolutely priceless.

Also included in the Grand Salon are vehicles from makers like Dellahaye, Renault, Hispano Suiza, Franklin, Cadillac and Maybach. Quite a sight to see and pure eye candy for the discriminating auto buff.

The third and fourth leg of the tour are geared towards the Nethercutt's appreciation for tasteful elegance. The Mezzanine displays an extensive collection of radiator hood ornaments, 18th and 19th century french furniture as well as a large display of the numerous awards garnered by the vehicles of the Nethercutt collection.

The Music Room contains a world class collection of repeating music machines, nickelodeons, player pianos, orchestrians and the 3rd largest pipe organ in the world. The Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ is a sight unto itself, with 5000 pipes, the automated display is mind boggling, considering the era in which the technology was created.

Finally, guests are directed to the Museum located across the street. This building is all cars, all day long. It houses an extensive and diverse collection of cars from the 1890's through the modern era. the entrance is flanked with swoopy europeans like the councours winning Bugatti and Talbot Lago. Included in the main showroom are familiar names like Dodge, Chevrolet, Ford, and Mercedes, but also includes many low production and obscure makes and models. On any given day, guests will be treated to vehicles from Knox, Pope Hartford, Gobron Brille, and Simplex. Also included are 'star car' makes like the European Voisin, owned by Rudolph Valentino, and the Hispano-Suisa owned by the likes of such personalities as Pablo Picasso.

During my visit, I was delighted to find a collection of traditional hot rods and customs including the Dick Scritchfield '32 Ford Roadster, which, in my opinion, set the tone for all deuce roadsters to follow.

once you are finished exploring all of the wonders of the museum, a quick trip out the back door leads you to a 1937 Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson Locomotive to which is attached a fully restored 1912 Pullman Private Car which was built for Clara Baldwin Stocker by her well known father Lucky Baldwin.

All in all, this collection is absolutely stunning. What's more is the level at which these vehicles and articles are restored, preserved and displayed. Everything in the collection is operational and useful. Every vehicle is restored to concours standards and everything on every vehicle works, right down to the clocks and cigar lighters. Every car is started and moved at least once a year, and if you spend enough time in the area, you might just see one out for a lunch break.

In this writers opinion, the Nethercutt Collection is a must see. There is something for anyone who appreciates the wealth of automotive history, design and innovation. And there's a Merle Norman store if the ladies need a distraction!

Visit www.nethercuttcollection.org for visitor information

1928 Ford Roadster Pickup ... and its for sale!

This little go-kart was Originally built by John Slazas in northern California in 2004 and was delivered to AstroMotive auto service last week.

Based on a model A frame that has been Z'd in the rear, the chassis sports a spring behind suicide front end with 40 ford axle and split wishbones. Armstrong hydraulic shocks round out the front end. The rear end consists of a 9" ford Posi unit under a model A spring and crossmember, located by custom made rear hair pins. Steering is accomplished by a sprint car box mounted in the cowl. The package rides on 1940 Ford 16" steel wheels with correct hubcaps and ribbed trim rings. Rear tires are 6.50r16 while the fronts are mt90-16 cycle tires.

The drive train is based on the venerable chevy 350-350 combo. The engine is fed by 3 Stromberg 97 carburetors atop a vintage Fenton intake manifold with Edmunds air cleaners. finned aluminum valve covers and oil pan round out the dress up equipment. Fumes are directed away from the engine through a set of fenderwell headers and glasspack mufflers.

The 28 Model A cab section is channeled 4" over the frame and is mated with a Model A bed finished in traditional wood slats with a spun aluminum gas tank. A dash board from an unknown late '30s vehicle and a sectioned '36 Diamond T Grille shell give the car a unique personality.

This car is available for sale with an asking price of $15k with option for trades.

you can contact AstroMotive Auto Service at 310-973-5019 for more info.

Represent.

CrossMembers CC

Its a sickness really. I was born with it. For me, there really was never any hope. I was born with the ringing of supercharged engines in my ears and I am terminally incurable. If it has an engine and wheels, it fascinates me. If its loud and fast, the same holds true. If its chopped, channeled, sectioned, shaved, painted, polished or chromed, I'm attracted to it. If it scrapes, bangs, bumps or drags, it gets my attention. If it's flaked, flames, scalloped or striped, I'm all eyes. This is tradition. Hot rods, Kustoms, Drag Racing, Motorcycles, and other associated automobilia.

Journey with me o the sights, sounds, places and personalities that make my world go round.

This is Rod and Race Report.