When you consider the fact that much of the early development of the first automobiles occurred inside the space of early carriage makers — such as G.M. founder William Durant, of the “Durant Carriage Company,” it should come as little surprise that car buffs can appreciate this connection in the history of wheels. In fact, one of the largest U.S. carriage makers was Studebaker, which was founded in 1852 and later incorporated in 1868 in South Bend, Ind., as the “Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company.”

In this video we visit a special California destination of the “Carriage and Western Art Museum” located in Santa Barbara, Calif., for a close-up view of some of the early platforms for vehicles – and in some cases, even – ‘technology’ that is in some of the “horseless carriages” we drive today. Perhaps without the all-wheel drive and turbocharged multi-valve engines, hybrids or seamless EVs, yet the linage is here to be found at this museum. And if you’re a horse buff and a “horsepower” enthusiast, discovering this location to visit is a must-do on the California coast.

Our tour guide is Tom Peterson, local business leader and member of the Board of Directors of the Carriage and Western Art Museum. In the two segments of this destination spotlight, we move in for a close up view of one of the largest collections of unique carriages in the United States, as well as views of some of the ultimage ‘bucket seats’ – that is, a classic collection of saddles that include the ‘rides’ once owned by celebrity horse buffs such as Clark Gable, Will Rogers, The Cisco Kid and James Stewart, among others.

The museum is open daily Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for unassisted tours. Docent-guided tours are offered on the third Sunday of the month between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. without reservations; visitors may enter the site via the front gate. Changes to these schedules can occur without notice – to confirm schedules for your visit, you may call the museum between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri. at (805) 962-2353. The museum offers private tours for schools and groups by reservation. Located in Santa Barbara, inside historic Pershing Park near the waterfront at 129 Castillo St.

The Carriage Museum is available for rental for private parties and special events throughout the year, except for the special museum program months of June, July and August. For more information you can visit their website or email the offices at or .