SWEDISH ROADTRIP TO BEAULIEU’S INTERNATIONAL AUTOJUMBLE DISPLAY

 Resurrected 1954 Wolseley 4/44

A resurrected 1954 Wolseley 4/44 that has been unused for 30 years is to be driven all the way from Sweden to take part in a special Golden Oldies display at Beaulieu’s International Autojumble on September 7^th & 8^th.

The Wolseley is one of more than 50 pre-1970 classic cars that have already been booked for the display, which will celebrate the golden age of motoring in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Sold new in Sweden but off the road for three decades, it has been renovated by Nostalgia Magazine and is ready to tackle the gruelling trek across Europe. With rust repairs completed and brakes and carburettor rebuilt, the charming British classic saloon car has been given a full service ready to motor back to the country where it was originally built.

The diverse Golden Oldies line-up is part of the weekend’s award-winning International Autojumble, with more than 2,000 stands packed with classic car spares, motoring books and automobilia.

Sure to turn heads in the display is a powerful 1922 Bentley 3/4.5 Litre with a remarkable racing and wartime past. It competed at prestigious motorsport venues including Shelsley Walsh, Brooklands and Le Mans during the 1920s and ’30s and was converted into an auxiliary fire engine during WWII. With its fire-fighting gear removed in peacetime, it is a fine example of the legendary pre-war sports car.

Also taking part are sports cars including a 1969 Marcos 3-litre, 1927 Delage DMS, 1959 Ashley Special and 1969 Mercedes 280SL, joined by luxury classics including a 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, 1928 Cadillac LaSalle 7-seater luxury sedan and 1969 Daimler V8 250. More down-to-earth is a 1952 Land Rover Series I, which was originally used by the RAF on airfields for towing gliders, a 1928 Austin Seven Chummy, 1943 Morris Z van, 1966 Sunbeam Rapier Series V, rare 1966 Vauxhall Viva HA SL and a once-common 1963 Ford Consul Cortina Mk1.

Owners who would like to take part in the display with their pre-1970 vehicles and enjoy a complimentary weekend of event bargain-hunting should get in touch with the Beaulieu events team to be considered – entries must be pre-booked and places are limited. Show entry is free for accepted vehicles and successful owners will receive a pair of three-day entry wristbands. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble or call 01590 614614 for details on how to apply.

Another show highlight is the Bonhams auction on Saturday September 7^th, which will see a 1927 Rolls-Royce originally owned by King Edward VIII, 1952 Rover from All Creatures Great and Small and 1908 Napier from Downton Abbey go under the hammer. Admission to the Bonhams sale room is by catalogue only. To register in advance see www.bonhams.com/auctions/25455.

Other show features include Automart with an impressive selection of up to 200 vehicles – from immaculate examples to restoration projects. While Dealermart will feature a selection of top condition classics from traders.

A Sunday highlight is Trunk Traders, as enthusiasts sell assorted motoring jumble from their garages, sheds and lofts, providing a great opportunity to find bargains. Places are limited, with only a few final pitches remaining.

For more than 50 years, International Autojumble has been an unmissable date on the classic car calendar for enthusiasts to track down elusive spare parts to keep their cars on the road.

One-day and two-day visitor tickets are available, with a limited number of premium tickets giving early entry to the showground an hour before the event opens to the public, plus priority parking. Tickets are available in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble or call 01590 612888.

Event tickets include entry to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 Years display, World of Top Gear with a new collection of cars from the latest series, On Screen Cars, Palace House, the Secret Army exhibition, Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens.

Exhibitors and Trunk Traders can book their stand online at www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble/exhibitors or contact the events team at events@beaulieu.co.uk or 01590 614614.

 Bentley in wartime fire engine role for Chichester Fire Brigade

BEAULIEU’S FIRST SIMPLY MERCEDES EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

People's Choice winner Stuart Haynes' 1966 Mercedes 600 Grosser

BEAULIEU’S FIRST SIMPLY MERCEDES EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Beaulieu’s first Simply Mercedes exceeded all expectations with as many as 424 luxury cars making a magnificent line-up in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

A total of 845 rally participants enjoyed the luxury saloons, limousines, glamorous sports cars and rugged utility vehicles from the classy 1950s up to the latest models, in a rally on Sunday, August 18th.

Beaulieu Events Co-ordinator Sophie Boyes said: “For Simply Mercedes’ first year, we had expected around 300 cars to join the show, so to have over 400 Mercedes' drive in to take part in the rally was astonishing. It was brilliant to see the event come together on the day and it far exceeded our expectations.”

Motor racing entrepreneur Jonathan Ashman joined a celebration of 40 years of the G-Class and G-Wagen at the event and talked to visitors about test driving the first right-hand-drive G-Wagens in the 1970s.

Classic Mercedes enthusiasts were treated to the rare sight of a W136 saloon with its pre-war styling, as well as the late 1950s W121, early 1960s W110 with its dramatic tail fins, glamorous 1960 190 SL Roadster and 1964 W113 ‘Pagoda’ drop-top.

Models from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond were also well represented, from a subtly modified and lowered 1973 W114 coupe to immaculate examples of the 190E executive saloon, plus R107 and R129 roadsters and coupes.

The modern Mercedes on show included the jaw-dropping Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door super saloon, impressive Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster and CL500 grand tourer.

At the heart of the rally, Mercedes-Benz Club South Region turned many heads with a wide variety of its members’ prestigious cars.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Mercedes of the show in the People’s Choice Award with Stuart Haynes, from Worthing, winning with his incredible 1966 Mercedes 600 ‘Grosser’. One of the most iconic luxury vehicles of the 20th century, the huge metallic blue 600 impressed event-goers with its luxurious features.

Stuart said: “I always aspired to own one. In the five years that I’ve owned it, I have completely restored the car.” He was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Financial Director Phil Johnson.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Keith Maiden, from Poole, and Lee Harvey, from Bournemouth.

Keith has owned his 2018 Mercedes G350 since it was new and personalised the 4x4 with the addition of a roof tent, camping kitchen gear and extra storage space. He said: “It always does everything with ease and is really versatile.”

Lee has owned his 2012 Mercedes C63 AMG for five months and in that time has fitted it with a K&N induction kit. He said: “I really love the car’s power and looks.” Both runners-up were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Mercedes was Beaulieu’s ninth Simply rally this year and will be followed by Beaulieu’s final Simply event, Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details of Beaulieu’s events calendar see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

TITANS OF TECHNOLOGY JOIN RECORD-BREAKING BEAULIEU SUPERCAR WEEKEND

TITANS OF TECHNOLOGY JOIN RECORD-BREAKING BEAULIEU SUPERCAR WEEKEND

Bugatti Chiron in Prestige and Hypercar display

Performance cars from the cutting-edge of motoring technology made a record-breaking Beaulieu Supercar Weekend which attracted an intoxicating mix of nearly 1,000 plug-in, hybrid and petrol supercars.

An all-time high of 963 supercars and 16,800 show-goers – 1,900 more than last year – enjoyed the A-Plan Insurance-sponsored event in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Brand new feature EV Evolution brought together lightning-fast electric cars, from the BMW i8 and latest Tesla models to the Audi e-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace and hybrid Lexus UX 250h. The special feature marked the start of the modern electric car movement with the Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf, while diminutive Sinclair C5 three-wheelers were the veterans of the line-up and also firm favourites.

Demonstration runs on both days of the event kept the action moving, as incredible machines were put through their paces. Scores of supercar fans lined the demonstration straight and watched the giant screen as the raw power of the Koenigsegg Agera R hypercar was unleashed. Also, put to the test were more nimble, lightweight cars such as the Caterham Seven and Lotus Exige S, powerful stallions such as the Maserati MC Stradale and latest Aston Martin DBS, as well as a classic Ferrari Dino GT and range of Ferraris.

Show-goers were able to win a seat in the runs, with the Sporting Bears Motor Club raising nearly £3,000 for Hampshire child bereavement charity Simon Says by raffling rides in its members’ supercars.

Some of the greatest highlights of supercar history joined the Prestige and Hypercardisplay on the lawns of Palace House. Examples of the landmark Jaguar XJ220 and iconic Ferrari F40s were parked alongside a Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Miura S, Toyota 2000GT, Noble M600, McLaren Senna, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, McLaren P1 and more dream machines.

A big hit with Beaulieu visitors were the Supercar sound-offs, as cars with awesome engines, including a Shelby Daytona Cobra replica, Ultima GTR, Audi R8, Ford Mustang and Nissan GT-R, competed for the loudest cheer from the crowd for the best-sounding exhaust note.

The SUV Secret Garden was filled with high-performance luxury off-roaders. Stylish Lamborghini Urus, Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Range Rover SVR took their places alongside the rugged Toyota Hilux Invincible 50, BMW X7, Lexus RXL, Toyota C-HR Hybrid, Volvo XC90 D5 and Mercedes GLC 250.

Other show highlights included a live demonstration by PopBangColour artist Ian Cook, who used remote control cars to drive paint across his canvas for a supercar portrait.

In the events fields, McLaren Owners UK turned heads with an impressive display of over 60 cars, while other club displays celebrated the Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Marcos, TVR, Morgan, Maserati and Ferrari. Retro Rallycross showcased historic rallycross racers, while the lightweight but powerful Ariel Atom 4 and Ariel Ace contrasted with Jaguar’s extreme new XE SV Project 8.

Beaulieu Supercar Weekend is part of a calendar of Beaulieu motoring events which continues with VW T Chill on August 9th - 11th, Simply Mercedes on August 18th and International Autojumble on September 7th - 8th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Beaulieu Supercar sponsors A-Plan Insurance is one of the UK’s largest independent high-street insurance brokers and was established in 1963. The company provides a complete range of competitive insurance products to consumers and small businesses through its network of 90+ branches across the UK. A-Plan prides itself on the highly personal and tailored service it offers to its clients and on its expertise across a wide range of specialist vehicles from hot rods and American imports to the most prestigious supercars. Not only are they experts in this type of specialist insurance but also huge enthusiasts. For more details see www.aplan.co.uk.

BEAULIEU’S 50TH FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR CELEBRATES FIRST MOON LANDING

BEAULIEU’S 50TH FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR CELEBRATES FIRST MOON LANDING

Beaulieu’s 50th Fireworks Spectacular will take you Out of this World on Saturday 26thOctober when the event celebrates the anniversary of the first moon landing.

Beaulieu’s first fireworks event was held in the same year as the lunar landing of Apollo 11 and so the half-centenary event will be choreographed to an impressive space-themed playlist.

In association with Wave 105, Fireworks Spectacular will start half-term holidays with a bang, with entertainment for all of the family at one of the biggest fireworks displays in the south. 

Event-goers can arrive early from 3pm to enjoy all of the features of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. Traditional fairground rides will include a big wheel and popular gallopers, children’s swing boats and a coconut shy, while rides on the Monorail will be offered into the evening.*

From 7pm on the Wave 105 stage, radio presenters will get the evening off to a dynamic start with live entertainment running before and after the fireworks. The fireworks display will get underway at approximately 7.30pm and hot food and drinks are available inside and out.

Tickets can be bought in advance online before 5pm on October 24th, at £13.50 an adult, £8.75 a child and £38 a family. Tickets can also be bought on arrival from 3pm on October 26th. For tickets or more details see https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/beaulieu-fireworks/ or call 01590 612888.

Visitors with general attraction Beaulieu tickets who arrive earlier in the day are welcome to stay and enjoy the fireworks, while entry with event tickets is from 3pm.

Event admission also includes entry to the Beaulieu attraction until 5pm, with the exception of World of Top Gear which closes at 3pm. The National Motor Museum, with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, will stay open until 9.30pm.

* Old time fairground and monorail rides are subject to availability and will be offered at good-value extra charges.

MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY JAPANESE

Beaulieu's Jon Tee presents prize to Peoples Choice runner up Aaron Britton

Beaulieu’s Simply Japanese marked 30 years of the Mazda MX-5 and 50 years of the Nissan GT-R, as first-class examples of these iconic performance cars joined the bumper display of 1410 Japanese cars, which was up 49% over the 2018 total of 947 cars.

As many as 2547 show participants enjoyed the sunshine and the packed display in the grounds of the National Motor Museum on Sunday 28th July, which saw all manner of Japanese cars join the show, from original-spec stunners to modified examples.

The popular Mazda MX-5 and Nissan GT-R were well represented in their anniversary year, showcasing these successful models at their best. Other favourites with show-goers included the Toyota MR2, Mitsubishi Evo, Nissan Cube, Honda Civic Type R and more, while displays by car clubs including SouthCoastJap, Hampshire Honda Crew and Celica-Club were at the heart of the show.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Japanese car of the show in People’s Choice Award, with Daniel Smart from Poole winning with his 1995 Nissan GT-R R33. In just one year of ownership, Daniel had rebuilt the engine, upgraded the brakes and carried out a whole host of improvements to his high-performance V-spec coupe. He was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Aaron Britton from Portsmouth and Lee Smith from Poole. Aaron’s 1972 Datsun 240Z turned many heads with its impressive blue paintwork. “I’ve done a lot to it, so it’s pretty much had a full restoration,” Aaron said. Lee had owned his 2015 Honda Civic Type R from new, having carried out work to the engine, body, wheels and interior. “I’m a petrolhead by nature and I’ve been doing up cars since I was 12 years old,” Lee said. Both Aaron and Lee were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Japanese was Beaulieu’s eighth Simply rally this year. It will be followed by the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

GLOBE-TROTTING HONDA JOINS BEAULIEU’S MOTORCYCLE STORY

GLOBE-TROTTING HONDA JOINS BEAULIEU’S MOTORCYCLE STORY

Rhonda the Honda at Beaulieu

A Honda motorbike ridden 74,000 miles around the world by record-breaking adventurer Steph Jeavons has joined The Motorcycle Story in the National Motor Museum, giving Beaulieu visitors the chance to see this well-travelled machine.

After the four-year solo around-the-world adventure – which saw Steph become the first Briton to ride on all seven continents – her trusty 2013 Honda CRF250L is taking pride of place in the display.

Affectionately nicknamed Rhonda the Honda, the plucky motorbike took Steph through 54 countries including Thailand, Chile, Turkey, Panama, Canada, Egypt, Australia and even Antarctica. Today, it wears its battle scars with pride, still bearing the stickers from its epic journey and a stone guard bearing the names of all of the countries it has visited.

Author, journalist and adventurer Steph rode across the hottest, driest, wettest and coldest environments, with challenges ranging from tackling the frozen landscape of Antarctica to getting caught in a Himalayan landslide. During her travels, she also politely refused six marriage proposals!

The journey took in some of the longest and highest roads and tested the Honda’s reliability to the limit. Yet despite its lightweight in contrast to the heavier, larger capacity motorbikes usually favoured for long-distance adventures, the 249cc Honda proved to be very reliable. Steph suffered from just four punctures in four years, with only a broken sub-frame in Indonesia and a faulty starter relay in Tanzania to slow her down. Visit www.stephjeavons.com to find out more about her journey.

Rhonda the Honda can be seen as part of a visit to the National Motor Museum, home to a wide range of historic bikes and scooters in The Motorcycle Story that spans from the early days of motorised transport up to popular urban culture.

A ticket to Beaulieu includes entry to the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear with new cars from the latest series, On Screen Cars, Palace House, the Secret Army exhibition, Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

TV AND FILM CARS TO JOIN DAILY PARADES AT BEAULIEU THIS SUMMER

TV AND FILM CARS TO JOIN DAILY PARADES AT BEAULIEU THIS SUMMER

Motoring stars from TV and film will join the amazing line-up of vehicles in daily parades at Beaulieu this summer – from July 20th to September 1st.

The gadget-laden Jaguar XKR from the James Bond film Die Another Day which duelled with Bond’s Aston Martin on a frozen lake, famous three-wheeler Del Boy’s Reliant Regal Supervan from Only Fools and Horses and the fantasmagorical Chitty Chitty Bang Bangcan all be seen in action in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Also taking part will be a rare 1960s Amphicar convertible that is just as at home on land as it is on water and the 1959 Standard Ten Gold Star named Bluebell, which captured the hearts of thousands of classic car enthusiasts when it was saved from scrappage scheme destruction.

Inside the museum, see Beaulieu’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years with the original Child Catcher carriage, Truly Scrumptious’ Humber 8hp, Lord Scrumptious’ Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry, the film’s wonderfully inventive machines of Rowland Emett, a replica Grandpa Potts’ hut and exciting Chitty memorabilia.

In the World of Top Gear see eye-catching new exhibits with vehicles straight from the set of filming the latest series with new presenters Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris.

For more high-octane fun, spectacular Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on August 3rd and 4th offer the chance to get up-close to some of the world’s most exclusive and desirable cars as they unleash their horsepower on demonstration runs. Super sound-offs, an appearance of the new extreme Jaguar XE SV Project 8, car marque Marcos 60thanniversary display and more than 100 Aston Martins are the highlights of this year’s event, which is sponsored by A-Plan Insurance.*

Throughout the summer at Palace House, see costumed actors perform play lets with motoring marvels including the 1904 De Dion Bouton. Pick up collectors’ cards for the historic characters you meet, then join traditional games on the lawns before heading inside for a singalong around the grand piano. Make sure you visit The Art of Belinda, Lady Montagu– her story in stitches, the new exhibition which celebrates the painting, drawing and needlework of Lord Montagu’s mother.

Lord Montagu’s falconer will give demonstrations of his magnificent birds of prey in Beaulieu Abbey Cloister, with the chance to learn more about this ancient art in the Abbot’s Mews falconry exhibition. Then for a selfie photo opportunity, try on a habit and talk to the costumed monk in the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-3pm on August 6th- 29th, younger visitors can also get hands-on with free creative workshops in the National Motor Museum. Family craft activities will be inspired by the National Motor Museum Trust’s collections and celebrate the 90th anniversary of World Land Speed Record-breaking Golden Arrow. See nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/ for more details.

Summer activities are included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu, which includes entry to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, Secret Army exhibition, Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens.

Tickets to Beaulieu can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345. If there is too much to do in a day, then tickets include a return-for-free visit within six days.

* Event tickets to Beaulieu Supercar Weekend are available separately. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/beaulieu-supercar-weekend/.

BEAULIEU’S RECORD SIMPLY JAGUAR IS A ROARING SUCCESS

BEAULIEU’S RECORD SIMPLY JAGUAR IS A ROARING SUCCESS

An all-time record of 474 Jaguars made Beaulieu’s Simply Jaguar the biggest and best yet, with luxury and sports cars from the British motoring legend roaring into the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

With an extra 59 cars to last year’s event, the fourth Simply Jaguar on Sunday (July 14th) was packed with a variety of eye-catching cars. The number of event-goers was also up from 860 last year to 940 this year.

The iconic Jaguar MkII, which was made famous by ITV’s popular Inspector Morsedetective series, was well-represented for its 60th anniversary year. It was joined by examples of its MkI predecessor and the class-leading XJ6 that replaced it.

Two pristine Jaguar SS saloons, dating from 1936 and 1937, were the oldest cars on show, while an equally impressive sight were examples of Jaguar’s stunning XK120, XK140 and XK150 post-war sports cars and impressive D-type replicas. Other crowd favourites included the much-loved E-type and XJ-S, plus the modern-day XK and F-type, while the Jaguar Driver’s Club and Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club were both well-represented by members.

Show-goers voted for their favourite Jaguar of the show in the People’s Choice Award with Paul Baker, from Oxford, winning with his 1966 E-type roadster. An eye-catching machine in gunmetal with a blue hood, the E-type has received plenty of attention during Paul’s two years of ownership. He said: “I’ve done loads to it, including a full respray, new roof and an engine rebuild. It’s a style icon and I always aspired to have one.” Paul was presented with a Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack by Beaulieu’s Financial Director Phil Johnson.

Also scoring highly were runners-up Paul Whitfield, from Hook in Hampshire, and Alastair McIntyre, from Pinner in London. Paul’s 1956 Jaguar XK140 gave an impressive shine on the hot summer day. Paul said: “I just keep polishing it. I’m captivated by the colour combination of red with a beige interior and I love the 1950s style.”

Alastair has owned his 2016 Jaguar F-Type SVR, in Corris Grey paintwork, for two years. He said: “I’ve fitted new wheels and suspension to the car. I love it simply because it’s a Jaguar!” Both Paul and Alastair were presented with Autoglym prizes.

Simply Jaguar was Beaulieu’s seventh Simply rally this year. It will be followed by Simply Japanese on July 28th, the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

FAMILIES STAY COOL AT BEAULIEU’S VW T CHILL WEEKEND RALLY

   FAMILIES STAY COOL AT BEAULIEU’S VW T CHILL WEEKEND RALLY

VW Transporter fans will be chilling out in style at Beaulieu’s VW T Chill as they set up camp with their much-loved campers and commercials in the grounds of the National Motor Museum for a relaxing weekend from Friday 9th to the main show day of Sunday 11th August.

Returning by popular demand, the laid-back rally will bring together all ages and versions of the legendary VW Transporter, from the iconic split windscreen and bay window Type 2, through the much-loved Type 25/Type 3 to the modern-day T4, T5 and T6.

There will be family-friendly activities to join in with throughout the weekend at one of the south’s leading visitor attractions in the heart of the New Forest. It is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow owners, make friends and socialise. On Saturday 10th, rally-goers can join the cruise-out to the picturesque maritime village of Buckler’s Hard, with a classy VW convoy which is sure to get heads turning, then test knowledge in the pub quiz, before warming by the communal fire pit.

On the main show day of Sunday 11th Beaulieu attraction visitors can join the experience, with the chance to see these amazing vehicles at Show and Shine on the Events Arena. Owners will be polishing and decorating their gleaming Transporters to go on display, with prizes for the most eye-catching machines.

Live music by singer-songwriter Izzii Moulsdale will provide entertainment, while the theme for this year’s fancy dress competition is Vanimation. Dress as a favourite animated or cartoon character to be in with a chance of scooping the Best Fancy Dressprize. There will also be prizes for winners of the VW T Chill colouring competition, with under-5s and under-10s categories.

Participant tickets, for those taking part in a VW Transporter, are £16 an adult and £8 a child, with camping tickets at £32 per pitch. Campers’ entry into the showground is from 2pm on Friday 9th to 6pm on Sunday 11th, while VW Transporter owners are welcome to simply join the rally for the Sunday Show & Shine if they prefer. Participant tickets include entry to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the grounds and gardens. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/vw-t-fest.

All other visitors, who would like to see the Show & Shine on Sunday 11th, are able to buy a general attraction entrance ticket and enter Beaulieu through the Visitor Reception building from 10am.

MAGNIFICENT MOTORS FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY MERCEDES DEBUT

MAGNIFICENT MOTORS FOR BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY MERCEDES DEBUT

The stylish luxury cars of Mercedes-Benz will be the stars of Beaulieu's brand new Simply Mercedes on Sunday, August 18th when they meet for the brand new event in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Eagerly anticipated by German car fans, Simply Mercedes is open to all ages and models from the marque’s distinguished history. From sporty roadsters and luxury saloons to rugged off-roaders and hard-working commercial vehicles, all are invited to park up in the rally which will honour one of the world’s most respected car makers.

Expect to see a selection from landmark post-war models such as the stylish fintail and ‘Ponton’ saloons, through the iconic 300SL ‘Gullwing’, classic ‘Pagoda’ sports car and popular W123 saloons, to the modern-day A-Class, S-Class, G-Class and X-Class, as well as class-leading Sprinter van and the all-terrain G-Wagen and Unimog. All Mercedes are welcome to join the show.

The Mercedes-Benz Club will be out in force, bringing a selection of its members’ prestigious cars.

Visitors and event-goers will be able to vote for their favourite Mercedes of the show in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner receiving a Beaulieu trophy.

Make sure to explore the National Motor Museum, included in the event ticket, where show-goers can see a remarkable selection of historic Mercedes. The 1903 Mercedes 60hp, one of only five still in existence, is joined by the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 Model S once owned by actor Sir Peter Ustinov and the 2010 McLaren Mercedes MP4/21 replica of Jenson Button’s F1 racer.

Event tickets include entry to all of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its grounds and gardens.

For those driving a Mercedes and taking part in the show, participant tickets are £10 an adult, £5 a child (aged 5-16) if bought in advance online before 5pm on August 15th, or £12 an adult and £6 a child on the day. All other visitors can buy general admission tickets to Beaulieu at the standard attraction price. For tickets and information see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-mercedes.

Entry is from 9am - 3pm for rally participants. The Brabazon Restaurant will serve hot drinks and breakfast snacks from 9-11am. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu though the Visitor Reception building with a standard attraction admission ticket, from 10am.

The first Simply Mercedes will be Beaulieu’s ninth Simply rally this year, followed by Simply Smart on November 10th. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.