National Motor Museum at Beaulieu to hold special exhibition to mark golden anniversary

THE National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is gearing up to celebrate its golden anniversary this summer.

The 50th year of the attraction, which was opened in 1972 by the late Edward Lord Montagu, will be marked with a special exhibition showcasing 50 of its best assets.

When it first threw open its doors, trumpeters from the Royal Horse Artillery heralded the entrance of the Duke of Kent – whose great-grandfather King Edward VII had been introduced to motoring by John Montagu.

Historic cars and their owners gathered outside to take part in a cavalcade through the grounds.

On 3rd July, the Story of Motoring in 50 Objects will be launched, with curators currently drawing up the list of artefacts to go on show to the public.

National Motor Museum Trust Chief Executive Jon Murden said: "The history of motoring has had many twists and turns, but the mobility it provides has been central to our lives for over a century.

"Our final selection of 50 objects will tell this vitally important story in all its diversity.

"From illustrating motoring’s technology and progress, its achievement and endeavour, to transforming leisure activities and inspiring art, our final selection will be an exciting and important one to make.”

The museum began when Edward Lord Montagu displayed five cars in the entrance hall of Palace Hall as a tribute to his father, John 2nd Baron Montagu, a motoring pioneer and visionary who served as the inspiration for the museum.

Now it boasts more than 1.7-million items, cared for by the National Motor Museum Trust.

The exhibition of 50 artefacts are are likely to include historically important vehicles, film footage and documents from its archives.

There will also be a separate special display of vehicles from the 1970s.

The National Motor Museum is an Accredited Museum and all of its collections have been designated by Arts Council England as being of national and international importance.

For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.