Stirling Moss opens new Beaulieu display

| 10 Mar 2015

Racing legend Sir Stirling Moss has paid a visit to the National Motor Museum to open a new exhibit dedicated to the high-octane world of motor racing.

A Chequered History: Grand Prix Greats features a host of mementos from the world of Formula One, including several cars driven by Moss, who cut the ribbon and took part in an interview with Murray Walker, while another section – Road, Race & Rally – focuses on other forms of motorsport. 

"I am delighted to be opening  Beaulieu's new motor sport displays," said Moss. "It brings back happy memories for me."

Stirling Moss

Among the early racing cars on display are a 1912 Sunbeam Coupe de L'Auto, 1924 Bugatti Type 35, 1950 BRM V16 and Graham Hill's Lotus 49. 

An ex-Ari Vatanen 1981 Ford Escort rally car and ex-Stig Blomqvist Audi quattro from the 1984 Rally of Argentina headline the Road, Race & Rally section. The 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster, 1930 MG Midget and 1974 Ferrari Dino offer roadgoing excitement, while a 1970 GT70 and 1984 RS200 enjoy a rare outing from the firm's Heritage Centre. 

In addition to the cars, a vast collection of historic photographs and racing ephemera, including trophies, race suits and helmets, help visitors get even closer to history.

A Start-Up Area will allow the public to see Beaulieu's engineers working on some of the exhibits, as well as offering a rare opportunity to hear them running. 

Russell Bowman, chief executive of the National Motor Museum said: "We are very pleased to be opening this latest phase of our redevelopment programme. A Chequered History will bring to life the excitement of motorsport in all its forms, something at which this country excels. This follows the great reception received by our new Land Speed Record gallery in 2014."

Lord Montagu added: "This new chapter in the life of the museum covers two of the most electrifying and glamorous genres of motoring which have a wide appeal. I'm sure they will be very popular with all our visitors." 

Click here to see the Murray Walker's interview with Sir Stirling Moss in full.

Stirling Moss

Entry to the exhibition is included in the museum ticket price.