Baby, you can’t drive these cars

This 1953 Cadillac Eldorado reflects the design dominance of GM's legendary Harley Earl, who was born and raised in Hollywood.

It just might be the best vintage car collection you’ve never heard of. L.A. County’s Natural History Museum has accumulated some pretty sweet rides over the years. While these wheels aren’t as well-known to the general public as those at the Petersen Automotive Museum, they offer a fascinating look at how Los Angeles’ love affair with the automobile has evolved. Public tours of the collection—stored in a climate-controlled facility in Gardena—are coming this fall, but for now, take a spin through our photo gallery. Photos by Scott Harms/Los Angeles County