Once, about a half-century ago, British cars were seen all across the globe. England's auto industry was famous in the '50s and '60s for producing attractive small vehicles and sports cars. In fact, many of us have enjoyed countless Sunday rides on the back seat of an Austin A40, a MINI or a Sunbeam. Others used to travel in a Ford Anglia or Cortina.
From a technical standpoint, British engineers knew the recipe for developing race cars that would be among the best and fastest in the world. In North America, sports cars from such brands as Austin-Healy, MG and Triumph, not to mention Lotus, experienced unprecedented success before domestic muscle cars took over. As it turned out, the British motoring tradition progressively and completely faded over the following decades.
A short drive from London
The National Motor Museum was founded in 1956 by Lord Edward Montagu as a tribute to his father, John Douglas, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu (pronounced "B-you-lee"). Lord John Montagu had been a hardcore auto enthusiast at the beginning of the 20th century in addition to driving various race cars and introducing the Royal family to the thrills of motoring. In 1972, the modern facilities of the museum opened to the general public.
The National Motor Museum is located in the historic village of Beaulieu, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, where visitors can also admire the Montagu family castle and the Beaulieu Abbey, established in the 13th century by Cistercian monks.
English cars steal the show
Fans of English cars will be delighted as they enter the first section dedicated to a special theme. This year, custom machines take the spotlight. Look up toward the ceiling and you'll see sports cars from Jaguar, McLaren, Ford, Lotus and other brands.
From left to right, visitors are surrounded by models from all decades. My favorites are from the '50s and '60s: Austin Devons, Sunbeams, MINIs, Cortinas and the like.
The Jack Tucker Garage allows visitors to take a trip back in time to see what small country shops looked like. They are invited to attend this remarkable exhibit and learn everything about the history of wheeled transportation... all this from the comfort of their seats.
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| 1961 Rainbow Chaser |
From a technical standpoint, British engineers knew the recipe for developing race cars that would be among the best and fastest in the world. In North America, sports cars from such brands as Austin-Healy, MG and Triumph, not to mention Lotus, experienced unprecedented success before domestic muscle cars took over. As it turned out, the British motoring tradition progressively and completely faded over the following decades.
A short drive from London
The National Motor Museum was founded in 1956 by Lord Edward Montagu as a tribute to his father, John Douglas, 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu (pronounced "B-you-lee"). Lord John Montagu had been a hardcore auto enthusiast at the beginning of the 20th century in addition to driving various race cars and introducing the Royal family to the thrills of motoring. In 1972, the modern facilities of the museum opened to the general public.
The National Motor Museum is located in the historic village of Beaulieu, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, where visitors can also admire the Montagu family castle and the Beaulieu Abbey, established in the 13th century by Cistercian monks.
English cars steal the show
Fans of English cars will be delighted as they enter the first section dedicated to a special theme. This year, custom machines take the spotlight. Look up toward the ceiling and you'll see sports cars from Jaguar, McLaren, Ford, Lotus and other brands.
From left to right, visitors are surrounded by models from all decades. My favorites are from the '50s and '60s: Austin Devons, Sunbeams, MINIs, Cortinas and the like.
The Jack Tucker Garage allows visitors to take a trip back in time to see what small country shops looked like. They are invited to attend this remarkable exhibit and learn everything about the history of wheeled transportation... all this from the comfort of their seats.
 |
| 1958 Morris Minor |