The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, but it’s looking like it’s going to get even busier as the ‘World Of Top Gear’ exhibit opens in June.
The museum already features a collection of amazing road and race cars, motorcycles, memorabilia, and interactive displays charting the history of motoring in Britain. Now, alongside the classics will be a setting that resembles the show’s studio hangar in which guests will interact with some of the actual vehicles that have featured in the show’s challenges over the years including the amphibious cars, stretch limos, homemade police cars and many others. There will also be video displays that will let visitors see the show from behind the scenes.
Rumours that the Stig will be driving the shuttle bus to nearby Southampton are, as yet, unfounded.
Press release follows:
BBC Worldwide and the National Motor Museum today announced plans for a major new exhibition at Beaulieu, one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions. The new exhibition, ‘World of Top Gear’, will be centred on the world’s biggest and most popular motoring entertainment show – Top Gear.
This unique agreement between the National Motor Museum and BBC Worldwide will enable visitors to experience first-hand the unrivalled atmosphere, drama and humour of the World’s Greatest Car TV Show.
The exhibition to be called ‘World of Top Gear’, will recreate the feel of the famous Top Gear Hanger and will showcase some of its iconic features, in a special display area at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, set in the heart of the New Forest.
The first of its kind, the new exhibition will feature actual vehicles from Jeremy, Richard and James’ most ambitious – and foolhardy – challenges over the last 12 series, including amongst others, their amphibious cars – what is left of them – and their attempts at creating unique limousines.
Fans of the adrenaline-packed adventures and irreverent humour from the long-standing show will also be able to get an unrivalled glimpse behind-the-scenes, with stories from the presenters, and interactive clips from some of the best moments over the years.
Adam Waddell, MD, Top Gear at BBC Worldwide said: “We’re always looking at innovative ways for fans to enjoy the Top Gear brand. This exhibition is a world-class first for us, giving car enthusiasts a terrific immersive experience at one of UK motoring’s most historic and best-loved homes.”
The National Motor Museum’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn, said: “We are delighted to be working with Top Gear. The Top Gear brand is a natural partner for the National Motor Museum, and shows how Beaulieu is as interested in modern motoring as it is famous for preserving motoring history.”
The exhibition is now on fast track development and scheduled for opening during June, in readiness for the busy summer period at the attraction.
