The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu hosts many automotive attractions on one estate. So while this U.K. museum is heavily promoting its new James Bond car feature, it is worth noting that there is another exhibit of British gadgetry that’s just as popular but far less sophisticated.
The World of Top Gear takes many of the show’s old project cars that were once growing moss on a back lot, and they have brought them to the Beaulieu to grow moss on their indoor and outdoor public displays.
Featured on the grounds are Top Gear’s greatest hits including the indestructible Toyota Hilux, Renault Espace convertible, Jaguar XJS train, ski jump Mini, caravan blimp, and the original reasonably priced Suzuki Liana as well as the squashed Chevy Lacetti. Also part of the museum are full sets of the budget challenge projects such the amphibious vehicles, police cars, wise men convertibles, and mobile homes (including the remains of Clarkson’s Citroen CX that was recovered from the bottom of the cliff.)
The Top Gear Reliant Robin Space Shuttle is even on display. Well, not the blown up one, but the backup shuttle to the spacecraft that ended in epic ball of flames. (see many more cars in the full photo gallery)
No other place currently brings together more of the comically-produced projects from the TG boys. This is the only time some people get to be close enough to see and smell (not recommended) these old projects. Anyone who has ever wondered if the craftsmanship really has the chewing gum consistency that often appears on TV will not be disappointed.
In true Top Gear fashion, each display declares that every car has an estimated value £2.3 million, including the waste pile that used to be Clarkson’s high rise Citroen mobile home. So if any of these cars actually went to auction their declared value would live up to show’s the motto of “ambitious but rubbish.”
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