Haynes Motor Museum Visit

On 7 October a group of intrepid Salisbury Probus members ventured down the A303 to Sparkford, Somerset to visit the Haynes Motor Museum.  A venue visible from the A303 and one which many of us have passed by on numerous occasions.

In fact the museum houses the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorcycles, with over 300 vehicles celebrating automotive innovation and motoring history from around the world.  All brilliantly displayed and nurtured within fifteen modern spacious exhibition halls.¹

We assembled in the foyer café area.  Once fortified with excellent coffee we were greeted by Jez who was our nominated volunteer Haynes guide for the workshop tour which had been pre-arranged.  A most personable and knowledgeable man.  The information imparted was fascinating.  The Haynes workshops boast refurbishment expertise to an exceptionally high standard.  Today the workshops primarily service an elite specialised and wealthy market where owners can (and do!) pay a small fortune to renovate classic vehicles and the income subsidises the Museum Charity. 

One highlight was when Jez ventured to tell of the notoriously poor quality (my words) of classic Jaguar cars in particular.  A Jaguar owner amongst us (no names necessary) maintained his usual (?) sanguine persona without flinching whilst a number of us sniggered with amusement.  Respect to Ed for an uncharacteristic and restrained reaction!

The museum was founded as an independent registered charity by the successful automotive publisher, John Haynes OBE.   (Who doesn’t remember that essential Haynes Workshop Manual – see below -which, for many us, was an essential acquisition once a car was purchased!)

John collected cars that appealed to him, beginning with a 1930 Morris Oxford Six saloon. By the early 1980s his collection had expanded considerably and John bought a disused sawmill in Sparkford in 1984. It was here that, in July 1985, the Museum opened with a collection of 35 cars.   

In 1985 he made the decision to found the Museum and donate the vehicles to the Museum charity.  Haynes Motor Museum was born and has been the custodian of a unique and eclectic collection of vehicles ever since.  The Museum grew over time, with new exhibition halls built as John continued to add to the collection and funded its continuing development and growth. 

By the time John passed away in 2019, the Museum had become a world renowned institution and his legacy is clear to see. Following a comprehensive review in 2020, the Museum embarked on a transformative journey of change to ensure the future relevance to a broader audience and accessibility for all.

After our 45-minute workshop tour we were free to roam and explore.  Intriguing and delighful.  Recognising that there is just so much to take in, the Haynes admission fee gives the purchaser free re-entry for a year which will be gratefully accepted I’m sure.  Well worth a second visit or more.  I thoroughly recommend this venue.

As my pictures (above and below) hopefully demonstrate, the museum invites the visitor to step into a world where history is brought to life.  From the earliest modes of motorised car in 1898 to the cutting-edge vehicles of today the Museum tell the stories behind the people who designed them, made them and drove them and reflect on their impact on society. Each vehicle whispers tales of innovation and human endeavour. 

We concluded with a light lunch in the café. A great day out in rather bleak weather conditions.  All organised to perfection and with gentle consideration by our very own James Prain.  Well done, James … and thank you!

Godfrey Ball