Hundreds of visitors and cars gather to celebrate The National Motor Museum's 50th anniversary

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TBM Team

Recently, one of the top attractions in the Solent celebrated its 50th birthday. The prestigious National Motor Museum in Beaulieu celebrated its golden anniversary by hosting a parade of vehicles from the 1970s.

A brand-new exhibition titled 'The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects' was also launched to widespread interest and acclaim.

A display of the automobiles that participated in the cavalcade on the museum's opening day was one of the highlights of the event. Some of the biggest pop singles from the decade were also played to keep guests entertained.

The current structure in the New Forest was constructed in 1972, but the first museum was first built on back in 1956. Three years later, a larger complex was added. Donald Campbell's Bluebird and other well-known automobiles - such as Del Boy's three-wheel Robin Reliant van and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - have made their homes at the 70,000 square foot complex over the years.

Lord Montagu, custodian of his family's 7,000-acre Beaulieu Estate and the museum, said this about the event: “It’s been quite a trip back in time! When HRH The Duke of Kent came to open Britain’s National Motor Museum in July 1972, it was the proudest moment of my father’s life, and what we have in the museum is his greatest legacy."

“In 1972, our exhibits spanned a period of about 80 years; they now account for over 130 years and so it is no surprise that our collections have expanded considerably, especially in the libraries and archives. It has been with these collections in mind that we’ve created The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects, giving you every reason to re-explore the museum. The exhibition launches the start of our sixth decade and a new chapter in the development of Britain’s National Motor Museum.”

Jon Murden, National Motor Museum Trust Chief Executive, said: “Our next challenge is to take the museum and its collections forward, by reimagining Edward, Lord Montagu’s vision in order to engage with a wider audience and remain relevant for the future.”

TBM Team