November 30 -- Nethercutt Tour

I started the day back at the Nethercutt Museum, this time taking the formal tour that provides access to cars and other objects that you can’t see in the main museum. I am glad I did. One of the reasons was this beautiful showroom (sideways until I figure out how to fix it.

Here are a few of the great cars in it (and a few in a lower, less glamorous exhibit space):

1930 Ruxton. Look at the paint on this! Ruxtons were advanced, front wheel drive automobiles, but the company only survived for one year, and only 200 of the vehicles were made.

1932 Maybach. This was one of Germany’s most famous pre-war automobiles. It was powered by a V-12 engine co-designed by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, who was far better known for making very large airships!


1923 Hispano Suiza Cabriolet de Ville. This car, manufactured near Paris, was of Spanish origin and Swiss engineered. It is both beautiful and huge (see the man walking next to it).


Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing from 1956.

1948 Tucker.

1933 Pierce-Arrow (not sure the date is right on this one).

There was a large collection of hood ornaments on display for those taking the private tour – kind of incredible in light of the enormous number available for all to see in the general museum. These are from Pierce-Arrows.

In addition, there was a tour of a collection of mechanized musical instruments – from player pianos to a device that plays the violin mechanically, from a banjo picker to things called orchestralias (many made by a company called Huppfeld), and even a 5000 pipe Wurlitzer concert hall organ.

Wurlitzer organ.

Player piano.

These are displayed in a large room in which JB and his wife Dorothy entertained guests every Friday night.

When the crowds were smaller – up to 18 people – they’d use their Louis (XVI?) alcove, above, which contains a masterful reproduction chair and table set, as well as a real antique chandelier.

The roof of this alcove is painted with clouds and angels. Look closely at one of the angels (NOT pointed out to us by the guide).

And a very special hand-woven rug, I'm told. Lillies: