37 replies to this topic

[Derwent Motorsport]

Over the past 20 years or so the number of motor museums seem to have declined steadily. The growth classic car shows where you can see a few hundred cars for the same cost as 20 in a museum and classic festivals like Goodwood etc where you can see/hear and smell the cars are more popular.
I was very impressed earlier this year with the Coventry Museum of Transport which I visited while at Race Retro. It was free and had a good display of cars and modern displays. Martin Stretton had some of his cars there - no doubt free winter storage!
The Cotswold Motor Museum (owned by the CSMA) is also good but how many others are there? Donington and the NMM but any others?

[BRG]

The Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford is pretty good - not much motorsport content, but the Red Room is a sight to behold.

http://www.haynesmot...m/exhibits.html

[garyfrogeye]

Stondon has some fun classics and a sort of full scale model of the Golden Hind outside. It is a typically eccentric british car museum additional things include a Skud missile launcher and a helicopter all squashed in with the classic cars.

[Terry Walker]

Wasn't there an eccentric Morgan museum in Kent, full of three-wheelers? I read about it some years ago, but can't recall any details. There's also a museum up in Cumbria, pics posted by me on another thread. Holker Hall, I think.

I'l be back in UK come June 2111 and this trip I think the theme might be motor museums. Trouble is, quite a lot of mueums are small private collections, and when the owner loses interest or dies, the collection is broken up and the museum closes.

It's one thing having a big shed full of your cars and paraphenalia, another thing setting it out to allow public access, keeping the buggers clean, paying risk insurance, taxes, and so on, which is why many fabulous collections don't see the light of day. There's a bloke in UK who has a vast private collection of Rolls-Royces from one of the pioneering 2-cylinder cars to the latest Phantoms, but they're not on show.

[FrankB]

There's the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire.
http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Terry, I see you believe in long term planning.

[Pullman99]

There's also a museum up in Cumbria, pics posted by me on another thread. Holker Hall, I think.

There are / were about 80 locations in the UK displaying motor vehicles in publicly operated museums. Pleased to note that this thread has highlighted the Coventry Transport Museum which is one of "must visit" attractions if you're in the Midlands with a few hours to spare.

The Lakeland Motor Museum re-opened at Backbarrow, a few miles from its original home at Holker Hall, back in May in a new building adjacent to the River Levens between Newby Bridge and Greenodd. As well as a very good car collection, this museum contains the reproduction Bluebird car of 1935 (from "Speed King") and the K7 boat (from "Across the Lake") and the K4 boat commissioned originally for the Goodwood FOS Rolls-Royce display plus a host of Campbell memorabilia. Website details below.

Lakeland Motor Museum website

A list of UK museums appears on this site:

Classic Motor Monthly museums list

Edited by Pullman99, 29 July 2010 - 05:37.

[Nev]

There's also Brooklands of course - very evocative of the era complete with piped period music and various aeroplanes.
"Drink in the atmosphere that reveals the secrets of Brooklands - the place where the great British adventure in speed and altitude all began. The Museum displays a wide range of Brooklands-related motoring and aviation exhibits ranging from giant racing cars, motorcycles and bicycles to an unparalleled collection of Hawker and Vickers/ BAC-built aircraft, including the Second World War Wellington Bomber, Viking, Varsity, Viscount, Vanguard VC10, BAC One-Eleven and the only Concorde"

Another smaller museum but just as atmospheric is the Cotswold Motor Museum
"Though the main focus is on motoring, the Museum is full of the everyday paraphernalia that made motoring so popular including picnic sets from the 1920s, alongside caravans, radio sets, gramophones and knitted swimsuits."

[RTH]

Stondon has some fun classics and a sort of full scale model of the Golden Hind outside. It is a typically eccentric british car museum additional things include a Skud missile launcher and a helicopter all squashed in with the classic cars.

You are right Gary , Stondon is the maddest museum in the country.
The bizarre full size ship outside is Captain Cook's 'Endeavour' maybe we should have a TNF group visit .

http://www.transportmuseum.co.uk/

[Pullman99]

You are right Gary , Stondon is the maddest museum in the country.
The bizarre full size ship outside is Captain Cook's 'Endeavour' maybe we should have a TNF group visit .

I do hope that there's always a place for museums like this. They even have a Talbot Solara!

Sounds like a great venue for a TNF gathering. Probably best that they built the reproduction Endeavour well inland. As a 1:1 scale waterline model it probably wouldn't pass Board of Trade Regulations (or whatever they're called now) as being seaworthy!

[RCH]

I ussed to enjoy visits to the Birmingham Industrial Museum as a boy. Exhibits included the Railton Mobil Special. Now closed I understand.
Glad to see the Cotswold Motor Museum in Bourton on the Water get a mention. My model car shop used to be just around the corner. Not been there now for 10 years but back then it was an amazing collection of all sorts, you were never quite sure what you would find around every corner. Hope it hasn't changed! One of my customers did suggest that it would be much better if it was tidied up. When I mentioned this to the then owner he said it took them an hour each morning to get it looking as untidy as it was!

[MCS]

Probably best that they built the reproduction Endeavour well inland. As a 1:1 scale waterline model it probably wouldn't pass Board of Trade Regulations (or whatever they're called now) as being seaworthy!

They built it without planning permission and came close to having to dismantle it - there was a lot of trouble.

[Hamish Robson]

+1 for the Cotswolds Motor Museum - a cracking little place that will have you examining bits and pieces for hours.

I remember the Patrick Collection in Birmingham very fondly, a shame they ran out of money.

There's always a few bits and pieces worth seeing in the Science Museum as well of course, plus they often have special displays. Last time I was there, there was one all about F1 and its influence on the engineering world, and they had a great Alfa display a few years ago. The Science Museum is free entry...

[Red Socks]

The Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford is pretty good - not much motorsport content, but the Red Room is a sight to behold.

http://www.haynesmot...m/exhibits.html

Hmmm-some years ago I took a German friend to Haynes and at the end of the afternoon he looked at me and asked what the purpose of this accumulation of cars. I have never worked out an answer.

[BRG]

Which bit of 'motor museum' didn't your German friend understand? It's a museum of motor-cars.

[Vitesse2]

Hmmm-some years ago I took a German friend to Haynes and at the end of the afternoon he looked at me and asked what the purpose of this accumulation of cars. I have never worked out an answer.

Me neither. Somehow I get the impression John Haynes just got bored with the museum side of it, even if he does have his own prominently marked personal parking space. I gather they make their money from classic car repairs and restoration, functions and conferences - the couple of time I've been there were very few other visitors. One of them was John Haynes himself, patrolling the place proprietorially!

Unless it's improved tremendously I have to say it was all a bit dowdy - especially the few competition cars which include an Embassy-Hill Lola - and it really needs more interpretative materials for the non-specialist. The place doesn't "tell a story" in the way Coventry does. They've also been promising a library and archive facility for at least eight years: it's even shown on the map in the car park. Last time I was there it was a paint store ...

They do a nice choccy cake in the café though!

[David McKinney]

Last time I was there I spent most of the time watching films in their theatre

[Pullman99]

I ussed to enjoy visits to the Birmingham Industrial Museum as a boy. Exhibits included the Railton Mobil Special. Now closed I understand.

The Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry in Newhall Street used to be a terrific place to explore and although the Railton Mobil Special was a bit dominated by its surroundings it was by no means out of context. Also, the vehicles that formed the core of the car displays were always worthy of close inspection, especially the Birmingham made Lanchester. A surprising (and I always wondered why it was there) long-term resident was one of the 200hp “Blitzen” Benz cars complete with enormous spare cylinder casting. If anyone remembers the illustrations, by an artist called Peter Griffin I think, at the back of “Car” magazine in the 1960s; many of them were of exhibits there.

Now, the original museum has been replaced by "Think Tank" which was a millennium project as part of Birmingham's regeneration of the city centre. Unfortunately, and I think that my views are shared by others on this Forum, the museum is much more of a "science experience" than a museum. Great for learning generally, and very much child orientated, the museum part now has precious few "objects" on display. The Railton is still there, as is the Birmingham tram. Generally, the vehicle displays are a bit baffling to say the least but somewhat devoid of context and certainly missing the atmosphere of Newhall Street. But don't let me put you off going there!

Think Tank Birmingham website

If you want to find the - fairly miniscule - reference on the website to the Railton it's in the "Move It" section along with the Duchess / Coronation class LMS locomotive City of Birmingham.

Edited by Pullman99, 29 January 2011 - 11:41.

[Pullman99]

I remember the Patrick Collection in Birmingham very fondly, a shame they ran out of money.

Not sure money was the principal problem. They are still available, I believe, for motor club visits and have about 50 cars retained in the core collection. After proving that Kings Norton probably isn't the first choice for a tourist attraction or luxury hotel / restaurant, there was an exploration of exhibiting some of the collection within The Black Country Museum at Dudley. Nothing came of this and I believe that the collection is basically in limbo.

The Patrick Group had extensive interests in property as well as motor vehicle retailng and were a major Austin Rover dealer until they fell out with that company. They had links with Jensen too (the Jensen brothers were running the Patrick coachbuilding department in the 1930s). Don't forget also the Patrick Mlotors Mini 1275GT of Richard Longman that won the BTCC in 1978 and 1979 as well as the later Duckhams co-sponsored Rovers. In 1982, they very nearly won the Tourist Trophy with Brian Muir.

The Collection had a significant bias in acquiring cars like the Ferrari 288 GTO, which was collected from the factory and was featured in an article by Philip Turner in "Motor". They also had the ex-Graham Hill BRM P57 of 1962 (P5781) which was bought by them at the Christies auction in 1981. Despite persuading others, such as Motor Panels of Coventry who restored the bodywork, to contribute restoration without cost to the Collection, the car was eventually sold on. An ex-Nigel Mansell Lotus 92 was another short-lived acquisition. The idea, however, of preserving cars from new including three Talbots (a Sunbeam-Lotus, a Samba, and a Tagora) - was amongst several pioneering and refreshing innovations that could have allowed The Patrick Collection to become a significant museum in the UK. Sadly, its potential was never realised.

I do remember that your father had at least one memorable run in the Collection's Lancia 037!

Edited by Pullman99, 29 January 2011 - 11:44.

[Lee Nicolle]

The National Motor Museum at Birdwood South Australia is aways worthe seeing. They owm the majority of the vehicles but there is still a fair amount of 'floaters' that come and go that are privatly owned. Quite a lot of older bikes plus things like a Force 7 P76 Coupe. Last time I was there not much motorsport stuff though the Elfin MR9 and Stan Keens Shrike Formula Holden where there for some time. Could be better but nice location and grounds which often hosts events, the biggest is the Bay to Birdwood events yearly for pre 50 or Classic cars on alternate years.

There is a decent museum in the Barrossa, part o a Motel complex [which some are train carraiges] which has mainly pre 50 Chevs and Ariel Sqaure Four motorcycles. There must be 30 Ariels there.

I have seen a half decent museum also at Portland Victoria and the Holden Museum at Echuca Victoria.

[RTH]

Not sure money was the principal problem. They are still available, I believe, for motor club visits and have about 50 cars retained in the core collection. After proving that Kings Norton probably isn't the first choice for a tourist attraction or luxury hotel / restaurant, there was an exploration of exhibiting some of the collection within The Black Country Museum at Dudley. Nothing came of this and I believe that the collection is basically in limbo.

Can someone find out about this

Maybe a group TNF visit ?

[Giraffe]

Can someone find out about this

Maybe a group TNF visit ?

It's just up the road from me Richard, and the directional signs for it are still in situ. I will investigate further......................

[RCH]

The Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry in Newhall Street used to be a terrific place to explore and although the Railton Mobil Special was a bit dominated by its surroundings it was by no means out of context. Also, the vehicles that formed the core of the car displays were always worthy of close inspection, especially the Birmingham made Lanchester. A surprising (and I always wondered why it was there) long-term resident was one of the 200hp “Blitzen” Benz cars complete with enormous spare cylinder casting. If anyone remembers the illustrations, by an artist called Peter Griffin I think, at the back of “Car” magazine in the 1960s; many of them were of exhibits there.

Now, the original museum has been replaced by "Think Tank" which was a millennium project as part of Birmingham's regeneration of the city centre. Unfortunately, and I think that my views are shared by others on this Forum, the museum is much more of a "science experience" than a museum. Great for learning generally, and very much child orientated, the museum part now has precious few "objects" on display. The Railton is still there, as is the Birmingham tram. Generally, the vehicle displays are a bit baffling to say the least but somewhat devoid of context and certainly missing the atmosphere of Newhall Street. But don't let me put you off going there!

Think Tank Birmingham website

If you want to find the - fairly miniscule - reference on the website to the Railton it's in the "Move It" section along with the Duchess / Coronation class LMS locomotive City of Birmingham.

Must admit I only found out the Birmingham Museum was closed when I Googled it to see if the Railton was still there. I remember being most impressed by the Blitzen Benz and am I right in thinking the XK120 coupe there was the Moss/Johnson et al Monthlery record car? I guess the museum was a bit static but then museums were in the '50's.

Edited by RCH, 31 July 2010 - 09:40.

[Steve O'Brien]

My fathers old Chevron B5 is in this museum in Germany http://www.barchetta...lery/index.html

Edited by Steve O'Brien, 31 July 2010 - 09:47.

[Giraffe]

My fathers old Chevron B5 is in this museum in Germany http://www.barchetta...lery/index.html

Sadly Steve, it now has a BMW unit in it and is effectively a B8. When I enquired about the car in November 2008, this is the reply I received:

Dear Tony,

thank you very much for your information. Unfortunately I don't know the Name John Scott-Davies and Harry O'Brien. I got the H.S.C.C. vehicle identity form from Trevor Needham. In this shade of paper there are the following previous owners:

David Bridges 1966
John Burton 1968
Willie Greee 1969
Peter Kay 1969
Bill Tuckett 1970
Mallonde Clude 1973
Fred Bothby 1973
Richard Kwoley 1974
John Beasley 1976
Robert Linwood 1977
Kevin Donan 1972 ----- oder 1982 ????
Trevor Needham 1984

It's possible, that this list is not complete.

In our museum we have on display a Chevron B 16 and a Chevreon B 26. The first car has a Ford BDG-engine, the other one a BMW M 12, the famous formula 2 race engine.

Kind regards.


Rainer Klink
Boxenstop Auto- und Spielzeugmuseum



Co-incidentally I spoke with Willie Green at the British GP and asked him why the B5 remained in it's trailer at the 1969 Tourist Trophy meeting at Oulton Park & his reply was.....
'I was most probably pissed'!

Edited by Giraffe, 31 July 2010 - 09:59.

[f1steveuk]

There's also a museum up in Cumbria, pics posted by me on another thread. Holker Hall, I think.

Ah, Holker Hall! Haven't been there for years, can't face it, as a lot of the Campbell memorablia there was once mine, which Don Sidebottom brought off me as I was going through a nasty divorce. To see it again might just drive me to tears!!

[Mistron]

There is the odd car, and an old garage, but it's mostly trams: never the less, having just spent 2 days at Beamish open air museum outside Durham, I'd recomend it very highly.

Absolutely no motorsport comnnections as far as I'm aware.

[Derwent Motorsport]

The Lakeland Motor Museum has moved from Holker to a new buidling near the A590 and the Haverthwaite steam railway. it's now owned by the Windermere steamer company so there are package trips on boat and train there I think.

[LotusElise]

I second the recommendation of the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon - a nice little museum in a pleasant setting.

Manchester Museum of Science and Industry has a few car exhibits, although if you like aviation, it's better. It's free to get in as well and the rest of it is quite interesting.

[Vitesse2]

Gaydon? Little??

The only motor museum of comparable size is Beaulieu - and I'd guess Gaydon is bigger.

[LotusElise]

Gaydon? Little??

The only motor museum of comparable size is Beaulieu - and I'd guess Gaydon is bigger.

It was a turn of phrase only. I work in museums and have a warped conception of them anyway.

[Tim Murray]

(Very OT, but) I'm very glad to see that the Speedqueens site is back.

[Pullman99]

The Lakeland Motor Museum has moved from Holker to a new buidling near the A590 and the Haverthwaite steam railway. it's now owned by the Windermere steamer company so there are package trips on boat and train there I think.

Indeed it is. See my post No. 6 on this thread.

[coupekarter]

The motor museum at Caister Castle near great Yarmouth has a couple of interesting motorsport exhibits. Unfortunately they don't allow photography so I can't post any pictures, but you will find Jimmy Clarks Lotus 33-R14 complete with Climax V8, a BRM F1 that I think was from 1966 and in a bit of a state, and the BRM H16 engine that powered Jimmys Lotus 43 to victory in the 1966 US Grand Prix.

[Pullman99]

The motor museum at Caister Castle near great Yarmouth has a couple of interesting motorsport exhibits. Unfortunately they don't allow photography so I can't post any pictures, but you will find Jimmy Clarks Lotus 33-R14 complete with Climax V8, a BRM F1 that I think was from 1966 and in a bit of a state, and the BRM H16 engine that powered Jimmys Lotus 43 to victory in the 1966 US Grand Prix.

I know that you have also posted on the Caister Castle thread, but for anyone interested in more details, I have attached a link here. See my post No. 3.

The Caister Castle Motor Museum thread

Oh well. Perhaps some day it will all crop up for disposal!

[Nev]

A slight Jaguar bias perhaps but the constantly-changing collection at the Jaguar Heritage Collection on Browns Lane, Coventry is well-worth a visit. Free entry and close-enough-to-touch access to Jaguar's most iconic cars.

During my visit to the archive yesterday I found that the F1 car had been given pride of place but the exhibits often change. The very early SS cars were there as well as a beautiful BRG Mk10 - amongst many others.

I believe there are plans to extend the exhibition space in future.

[Mr Plug]

If you want a change from thousands of horsepower, giant tyres, wings and fins, try THIS PLACE. It's a museum dedicated to bubble cars, on the A17 by RAF Cranwell. It'll bring a smile to your face!

[condor]

That looks fun - just read the site and seems that the recently moved museum isn't open till the New Year.

You are right Gary , Stondon is the maddest museum in the country.
The bizarre full size ship outside is Captain Cook's 'Endeavour' maybe we should have a TNF group visit .

http://www.transportmuseum.co.uk/

I did try to set up a pre-meet there prior to one of our Baldock meets, but no-one else came. Though that was probably because of the timing (everyone else at work). I got shown round the 'Endeavour' by a young lad ( grandson?) who did very well as a tour guide.

[arttidesco]

One I have not seen mention of on this forum, with only a vintage Bentley, as a racing connection but a lot of wedding vehicles of all ages, many of which can be hired, is the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum just off the A4 outside Calne. IMHO my visit was a fiver well spent.