From a simple beginning…
The National Motor Museum evolved from The Montagu Motor Museum which was founded by Lord Montagu in 1952 as a tribute to British motoring achievement and particularly in memory of his father, one of the pioneers of monitoring in Great Britain and the first Parliamentary champion of the motorist’s cause. Within 10 years the collection numbered more than 100 vehicles. To cater for the ever increasing demand for information of motoring history, Lord Montagu created, in 1960, a Motoring Library for books, manuscripts and photographs.
The decision to found a charitable Trust was taken in 1968 in order to safeguard The Museum and the Library collections for the long-term benefit or the nation. The National Motor Museum Trust came into being on the 17th November, 1970. Lord Montagu made available to the Trust his Vehicle and Library Collection, at the time worth in excess or $500,000. A Trust fund was launched with a target of $750,000 to enable these objectives to be realized and generous support has been received from both industry and individuals.
Now, The National Motor Museum is one of the best and most comprehensive Motor Museums in the world. The great new Museum building covers an acre of ground and gives nearly 70,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space. The exhibits tell the story of motoring from 1895 to the present day with many special displays and more than 200 historic vehicles.
The Museum is divided into seven main sections – firstly, the Alcan Hall of Fame, which displays some of our most historic cars, together with a special back projected visual presentation of some of the most famous pioneers and racing drivers. The divided into Veteran (up tp 1919), Vintage (1919 to 1930) and Post Vintage, Record and Commercial Vehicles.
Finally, there is the Graham Walker Gallery which contains the Motor Cycle Section. Accessories and components such a vital part of the motor industry – are displays showing the history and development of different components. Faithful to its policy of being a live Museum which working order, visitors can see the vehicles through a special window in the Motor Cycle Section.
Tags: accessories, components, motor cycle, Motor Cycle Section, Motor Museum, motoring, Museum, National Motor Museum