Motoring enthusiasts and their families are supporting the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu by donating their classic vehicles through a new Memorial Motors scheme, their legacy helping to support the Museum while creating a fitting tribute to their own motoring stories.
Recently established and now fully up-and-running, Memorial Motors can help families with the dilemma of what to do with a loved one’s cherished vehicle after they have passed away, taking the hassle out of what can be a difficult situation. The scheme also gives enthusiasts who are no longer able to look after their much-loved motor a positive way to pass it on and to help make a difference.
As a charitable organisation which does not receive core government funding, the National Motor Museum relies upon the generous donations of its supporters, with its mission to promote education, research and conservation in motoring history. If a donated vehicle is not accessioned and unable to go on display, it is auctioned through the Museum’s specialist auction partners, with all the proceeds raised going to support the charity as it keeps motoring heritage alive. 
Helen Merrill of the Museum’s Development team said: “We are fortunate that people looking to rehome a historic vehicle have thought of the National Motor Museum as an important place to leave a legacy, whether they are motoring enthusiasts looking to part with their pride and joy and considering making a bequest, or families who have inherited a loved one’s vehicle.
“With Memorial Motors, we are able to take these vehicles, to provide invaluable funding for the Museum, and also a fitting tribute to the enthusiast who loved and cared for the car or motorbike for many years. Not only will the owner be acknowledged in the Museum and on our website, but their ownership story and legacy timeline will become part of our own story and archive.”
Director of Collections, Andrea Bishop said: “The Museum Team meet regularly to discuss all vehicle donation offers. Those which are not accepted (accessioned) into the Collection, are subject to an additional conversation with the donor. We explain the Memorial Motors scheme and ask how the prospective donor would feel about their gift benefitting the Museum, but not becoming part of the Collection. If the scheme is right for them, then the Development Team work with our partners to organise the pick up, clearance and auction process, making sure that all matters are dealt with sensitively and in a stress-free way.”
The scheme has started to attract a number of donations, including a variety of cars and motorbikes, with the Museum collecting the story and memories behind each beloved vehicle. A 1989 Jaguar XJ-S, treasured by its long-term owner before he sadly passed away, and a much-loved 1991 Lotus Elan SE Turbo, donated by the late owner’s family, have been joined by a 2003 Ford F150 Boss truck and even a restoration project 1975 Renault 4 TL, along with a pair of twin-cylinder motorcycles, a 1950s AJS and a 1960s BSA.
Another bequest included three motorcycles; a crash-damaged 1977 BMW R100 was sold at auction, and its well-preserved stablemates, a 1913 Douglas and a 1930 Velocette KSS, have been returned to running order and will go on display in the Museum’s motorcycle gallery as additions to the vehicle Collection.
Estate clearances are also an option through the scheme, meaning that in addition to vehicles, all manner of saleable items, including antiques, art, jewellery and collectables, can be considered.
For further information visit nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/memorial-motors or contact the National Motor Museum Development Team on 01590 614615.
