Bid To Save Car Museum Fails
A Devon motor museum’s contents are to be auctioned after attempts to save the popular attraction fall through
Last year we broke the news that Moretonhampstead Motor Museum in Devon was to be advertised for sale as a going concern.
The museum’s 74-year-old owner Frank Loft is planning to retire and hoped to find someone willing to take it on. Sadly no buyer has come forward and the museum’s contents – including 70 cars, motorcycles and memorabilia – will now be sold at a Charterhouse auction on 14-15 May.
Owner Frank Loft is prepared to negotiate sales until next Monday (10 March) but Charterhouse will take over after that.
Frank, who has been trying to find a buyer for the building and contents at £1-1.2m, told CCW: ‘I have been an emotional wreck over the past few months trying to come to a decision and I’m very sorry that the museum has to close. It has been a wonderful retirement project but at 74 I need to retire from it.
‘I’ve had people who were genuinely interested but had businesses to sell first; I also had a derisory offer.’
‘I’ve been an emotional wreck over the last few months’
– Museum owner Frank Loft
Frank only started his collection after selling his specialist education business and retiring in 2008.
A building used as a bus depot became available in 2012 and Frank opened the museum after spending a year transforming it.
He said: ‘It was a leap of faith but we kept developing the museum and people have really enjoyed visiting. If only it could continue. I hope the new owners of the vehicles will get as much pleasure from them as I have.
‘Thanks to everyone for their support and best wishes for my retirement.’
Frank has said that he is keeping his favourite car from the collection – a 1934 Derby Bentley.
The auction will be held at the museum with viewing for lots beginning on 14 May and motorcycles and memorabilia going under the hammer the following day, when there will be further chance to see the cars being auctioned on 16 May.
Charterhouse director, Richard Bromell, said: ‘We have known Frank for many years and he has bought cars from our sales. We are excited and honoured at being chosen to auction his collection. There are many cool cars.’
The museum also contains a plethora of automotive paraphernalia, all of which must go.
‘These places should be valued as integral parts of any community’
‘This was a joy to visit. It’s a family-run affair on a small scale with an eclectic mix of exhibits. It really ticked all the boxes. The fact that this sort of place becomes too difficult and too expensive to run is a reflection of society because these places should be valued as integral parts of any community. I think this is probably why no-one has stepped forward to take it on because all I can see is a money pit. It’s a real shame.’
Danny Hopkins
Editor, Practical Classics