National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

The National Motor Museum ( originally Montagu Motor Museum ) is a museum of historic vehicles in Beaulieu (England), south-west of Southampton.

The museum was founded in 1952 by Edward Douglas -Scott - Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, in memory of his father John Douglas -Scott - Montagu, who was one of the great pioneers of motor racing in England. This was the first member of the British Parliament, which drove a car to the Parliament. He also taught the future King Edward at the end of the 19th century in the car driving.

First, the museum had only five cars and a small collection of Automobilia, which were shown in the " Palace House ," the old family residence. Soon blew the growth of the collection and the popularity of this house, and it was moved to barns on the property.

In 1972 a new, purpose- appropriate museum building in the parkland surrounding the " Palace House ". The name was changed to " National Motor Museum ", also to change the status of a private collection in favor of promoting values ​​foundation.

Today, around 250 of the most historically interesting vehicles on display, including four world speed record holders. In addition, the Museum is home to one of the most important collections of car books, magazines, photographs, films and other automobilia in the world.

The world record vehicles Malcolm Campbell Sunbeam 1925 with 257 kW (350 hp), Henry Segraves Sunbeam with 736 kW (1000 hp), the Golden Arrow of 1929 and Donald Campbell's Bluebird CN part 7 Also, the Reliant vans from the television series " only Fools and Horses " is issued, and there is a separate exhibition of James Bond vehicles.

Additional attractions include a monorail, an in-service bus with vehicle veterans, a simulator of a rally car, a hall with PlayStation, a go -kart track, a playground, a restaurant and a considerable part of the " Palace House " and of the property, including the partially ruined monastery. The monastic buildings belonging to the dormitory and refectory, which now serves as a church.

The museum is also the organizer of one of the world's largest events for lovers of old vehicles, the veterans in the car scene world famous " Beaulieu Autojumble ," one over a weekend walking in September veterans market, which attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually.

The museum is open every day except Christmas.