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Old cars, new cars, borrowed cars & blue cars. If it steers it's here!

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Classics

Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu this May

25th April 2026

Beaulieu tells us... (Photograph and all words from Beaulieu). Hold onto your top hats and tighten those corsets… Horrible Histories is coming to Beaulieu this May! From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty of interactive fun. In partnership with Scholastic who … [Read more...]

One month to secure Advance Tickets to Beaulieu Bikers’ Day

23rd April 2026

Beaulieu tells us: (Photograhs and all words from Beaulieu). Beaulieu will come alive with the sights and sounds of motorbikes and scooters on Saturday 6th June for Beaulieu Bikers’ Day. Open to bikes of every make, model and age, it’s a fantastic opportunity for riders to catch up with friends and admire an exciting mix of motorcycles. Now in its third year, Beaulieu Bikers’ Day has … [Read more...]

For Your Bookshelf: Skoda Octavia – The First One: 1959–71 (The Story of a Czechoslovakian Automotive Icon)

18th April 2026

Book Review by Kim Henson: Skoda Octavia – The First One: 1959–71 Author: Miroslav Synek Published by: Veloce (in February 2026) www.veloce.co.uk 128 pages (softback), 210 x 148 mm format UK price £19.99 ISBN: SKU  9781836440406 I always find it interesting to learn more about cars that here in the UK we seldom see, and to find out more of the history behind them. Skoda’s Octavia is a case … [Read more...]

Lakeland Motor Museum shortlisted for prestigious Cumbria Tourism award

17th April 2026

The Museum tells us: (All words and photographs from the Lakeland Motor Museum). Cumbria Tourism has announced the finalists for its annual tourism awards, with the Lakeland Motor Museum earning a place on the shortlist for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. Located in the South Lakes, the museum, which recently celebrated a milestone one millionth visitor, has long been a favourite … [Read more...]

National Motor Museum engineers rebuild second engine for Sunbeam 1000hp World Land Speed Record breaker

16th April 2026

National Motor Museum engineers are rebuilding the second engine of World Land Speed Record Breaker Sunbeam 1000hp in the countdown to its planned 100th anniversary run at Daytona. The Nationsl Motor Museum tells us... (All photographs and words from The National Motor Museum). The engineers had found more problems than expected while dismantling the front engine and extensive work has … [Read more...]

Beaulieu’s 2026 Custom and American Show set to be bigger and better in Route 66 Centenary Year

15th April 2026

Beaulieu tells us... (All images and words from Beaulieu). The Custom and American Show returns this Father’s Day on 21 June 2026, in partnership with the Solent Renegades club. Visitors can expect everything from jaw-dropping vehicles to brand-new features, including Transformers and Ghostbusters displays, live country music, axe throwing and Mini Monster Trucks. There’s plenty to delight … [Read more...]

Exciting season of events ahead at Buckler’s Hard

9th April 2026

The Buckler's Hard team tells us... (All words and images from Buckler's Hard). The free exhibition on ‘the Dig’ closes on 19th April where you can see all the artefacts dug up from last year’s archaeological dig in the historic shipyard. Next up is Beautiful Places – From Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard – the Artists view from 23rd April – 10th May 2026. The Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust has a … [Read more...]

Lord Montagu opens the Circus Room at Beaulieu in tribute to his mother

1st April 2026

Beaulieu tells us... (All words and photographs from Beaulieu). Lord Montagu is unveiling the Circus Room for Easter visits to Beaulieu in tribute to his mother after recently opening a new set of themed rooms in Palace House. The transformation has turned the Master Bedroom in the former private wing into a ringmaster’s showground, complete with a ‘big top’ canopy and carousel horse. Lord … [Read more...]

A year to go! Countdown starts for return of World Land Speed Record Sunbeam 1000hp to Daytona

28th March 2026

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, tells us... (Photograph and all words from The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu). The countdown is on for the first car to break the 200mph World Land Speed Record to return to Daytona Beach a centenary after it set the amazing breakthrough there on the 29th March 1927. The workshop team at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England is focused on … [Read more...]

Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story – A new exhibition at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu

27th March 2026

Chris Adamson was there at the opening and describes this exciting new approach at the National Motor Museum. All Words and Photographs © Chris Adamson. A radical reinterpretation of Britain’s motoring heritage has been unveiled, just in time for Easter visitor rush, at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest. The £600,000 re-vamp of the first floor is the most … [Read more...]

Not just cars at Beaulieu – Gardening gloves at the ready for the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair in May

23rd March 2026

Beaulieu tells us... (All images – notably from the 2025 event – and words from Beaulieu). The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair returns to beautiful Beaulieu in the New Forest, Hampshire from Friday 1 - Sunday 3 May. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned grower, this vibrant day out has a host of horticultural highlights, plus delicious food and drink, and live music. From bulbs to … [Read more...]

Kim’s Tips – Avoiding brakedowns with classic brake systems…

19th March 2026

Kim offers a brief general (and personal) perspective on keeping problems at bay, in the hope that this information may help others. All words and photographs © Kim Henson. VITAL NOTES: Observe all safety precautions, including supporting the vehicle on sturdy axle stands, not just jacks, when working on it. If in any doubt about any aspect of working on the brake system, seek help from … [Read more...]

Easter egg-citement at the British Motor Museum

18th March 2026

The British Motor Museum tells us... (All words and photographs from The Museum). The British Motor Museum has a basket full of cracking activities this Easter from 28 March to 12 April. Find mischievous rabbits on the Great Big Bunny Hunt, get stuck into a crafty challenge, and join one of the interactive family tours. Visit over the Easter Weekend, between 3 to 6 April, and embark on a … [Read more...]

Classic Clubs Series – No. 5 – The Standard Motor Club

17th March 2026

‘Dedicated to the preservation of all Standards and their derivatives’. All main text words and all photographs from David Shadbolt, Publicity Officer for the Club. (Kim adds that the photographs included in the article, and shown in several 'era' sections, represent a selection of Standards and other models associated with the Standard Motor Company, which operated for 60 years from 1903. All … [Read more...]

Brooklands to celebrate centenary of Britain’s very first Grand Prix

14th March 2026

  Brooklands Museum tells us... (All photographs and text from Brooklands Museum). • 100 Grand Prix cars to mark special 100-year anniversary • Spectacular celebration at the birthplace of British motorsport • The world's first purpose-built racetrack honours its history • Iconic racers on show as well as crowd-pleasing action • Tickets now on sale for milestone tribute on … [Read more...]

MoT exemption for classic vehicles – clarification on current rules

12th March 2026

Department for Transport MoT exemption criteria for Historic vehicles - by Dave Moss. On 10th March 2026 the Department for Transport issued a new version of its guidance leaflet detailing when historic vehicles are exempt from MoT. Although there has recently been a consultation which included questions about MoT test exemptions, and the new guidance is described as "an update", the new document … [Read more...]

Fun at Beaulieu for Easter 2026

12th March 2026

Beaulieu celebrates Easter with family fun and a new look for the National Motor Museum. Beaulieu tells us... (All words and photographs from Beaulieu). This Easter at Beaulieu from the 28 March – 12 April, gather friends and family and be one of the first to experience the National Motor Museum’s brand new entrance hallway and explore the brand new gallery Driven: Britain’s Motoring … [Read more...]

British Motor Museum to host six classic and modern motoring shows this spring!

11th March 2026

The British Motor Museum tells us... (Photographs and all words from the Museum). The British Motor Museum will host six classic and modern motoring shows this spring. These will include Rustival on 18 April, Ultimate BMW Show on 26 April, Gaydon Land Rover Show on 2 & 3 May, UK Slot Car Festival on 9 & 10 May, Vaux ALL on 17 May and TUCKED at the British Motor Museum on 24 May. … [Read more...]

‘Driven’ – Britain’s Motoring Story to be opened at The National motor Museum

5th March 2026

The National Motor Museum tells us: (All words and photographs from The National Motor Museum). One of the most significant changes to the National Motor Museum since it was built is about to be unveiled at Beaulieu. A new look entrance hall and upper gallery will house “Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story”, a contemporary museum display interpreting the development of motoring in the UK. The … [Read more...]

Busy Beaulieu in 2026

4th March 2026

Beaulieu tells us... (All words and photographs from Beaulieu). Beaulieu is set for an exciting year ahead, with 2026 bringing new experiences and returning favourites across the attraction. Leading the programme of developments is the opening of a brand-new entrance to the National Motor Museum, alongside the launch of the permanent gallery Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story, and Palace House … [Read more...]

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Recent Posts

Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu this May

Aion V premium – First Impressions

One month to secure Advance Tickets to Beaulieu Bikers’ Day

Polestar 4 Long Range Dual Motor – Road Test

For Your Bookshelf: Skoda Octavia – The First One: 1959–71 (The Story of a Czechoslovakian Automotive Icon)

Lakeland Motor Museum shortlisted for prestigious Cumbria Tourism award

National Motor Museum engineers rebuild second engine for Sunbeam 1000hp World Land Speed Record breaker

Beaulieu’s 2026 Custom and American Show set to be bigger and better in Route 66 Centenary Year

Contributors

contributors

Our well-respected contributors live and breathe motor cars; aren’t we lucky?

Contributors to the site include talented, highly-respected people (so they tell me) on the hallowed membership list of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and from the similarly well thought-of Western Group of Motoring Writers. In addition there are valued contributions from other knowledgeable and capable motoring writers who have something useful to say about all aspects of driving and running vehicles in the 21st Century. All of our team are passionate about motor cars!


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