Many years of painstaking detective and restoration work have assembled at St Stephen-in-Brannel, the most comprehensive collection of vintage and veteran cars in the South West.
Automobilia is housed on three floors of a fine old 1 9th century watermill and two outbuildings. It aims to give shape and structure to the development of the motor car from the horseless carriages of 1904 to the classic sports cars of the '60's.
Unusually, the top floor of the cars' main showcase is dedicated to "Autojumble" - a kind of veterans' parts warehouse where elusive components may be found to complete a restoration, or encourage a new beginning. An audio-visual presentation traces the history of the collection and explains the extraordinary mixture of dedication, coincidence and piece-by-piece restoration] that have saved the older cars for posterity.
Each car on display is there on merit - for its popularity, eccentricity or originality in engineering or construction. And naturally there are stars - a Marendaz, a Skinner Union, a one-off Bentley from "W.O's" heyday - which makes this a must for all true enthusiasts.
Displays of motoring memorabilia spice the main exhibits and a large number of reproduction and modern motoring accessories can be purchased in the museum shop in Reception.
Alternatively, the Grille Room on the ground-floor of the Mill offers the chance to sit down and discuss the exhibits over a home-made cake, a hot snack or full meal.
FACT FILE DIRECTIONS OPENING TIMES PARKING FACILITIES AUTOMOBILIA | ![]() |