HISTORIC COLLECTION THAT FOUND A STATELY HOME
The late Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, third Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, did more than open a motor museum, pursuing a lifelong passion for automobiles and doing much to preserve older cars and encourage their following. His enthusiasm was obvious when I met him on his first visit to New Zealand in 1964.
In what has been a year of significant anniversaries, in 2019, the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, formerly the Montagu Motor Museum, celebrates 60 years since first opening its doors — although a handful of cars were displayed in Palace House from 1952.
The outstanding automotive collection housed at Beaulieu near the New Forest in Hampshire stands as a worthy tribute to Lord Montagu, one of the most controversial and iconic aristocrats of the 20th century. Edward Montagu had a full life. His passions included British heritage, music, sport, and film. He was also a member of the House of Lords for more than half a century.
Lord Montagu was a great motoring man, and his extensive world travels included three visits to New Zealand in support of the cause of historic motoring. Photographer Jack Inwood and I joined several vintage and veteran car enthusiasts at Auckland’s Whenuapai airport to welcome him in March 1964. On this debut visit, he wanted to bring “the international side of the movement” to New Zealand, and said that, despite our isolation, there was no reason for clubs here to feel out on a limb. He was impressed by the claim that New Zealand
