Heading to Pebble Beach this Sunday? This just in: An original, unrestored 1908 Pierce Great Arrow – from Natural History Museum’s Gardena, California, facility – has been selected to appear at the August 15 Concours d’Elegance. After the concours, this “one-of-a-kind” Pierce will be returned to the Gardena facility, which until now has been closed to the public. If you can’t get to Pebble to view the Pierce Arrow, there’s good news: The museum will opens its doors in October for monthly “behind the scenes tours.” This means that visitors will also be able to catch a glimpse of more than 75 other vehicles within the collection, including a 1932 Duesenberg, 1917 Woods Dual Power Coupe gas-electric hybrid and a Helms Bakery van, as well as a 1909 Case steam traction engine.
There’s just one or two snags. The tours are the first Friday of the month by reservation; group tours are available by special arrangement. Additionally, visitors must be 16 years of age or older. Cost: $10; discounts for NHM members and Fellows. More information can be obtained by calling 213-763-3505, or by going here.