Sparkford Museum enlarged

Already enlarged since it was opened by Land Speed Record man Richard Noble in 1985, the Haynes Sparkford Motor Museum has had another extension of 12,000 sq ft added to it, this time opened by publisher John Haynes’ son Mark on his 21st birthday on April 21.

Situated close to Yeovil, the museum houses more than a hundred cars in “as new” condition in its well-lit halls, specialising in its “red” sports and GT cars and the largest collection of American cars in the UK. The latter includes the rare Haynes (no relation!) Light V12 (with massive engine), a rare 1913 Empire, and 1970s Cadillac Eldorado and Lincoln Town Car.

The oldest car presant is an 1898 Enfield Forecar, and as if to emphisise the American aspect the new extension is guarded by a 1915 Model T Ford, under a plaque advertising a long-gone Chevrolet Sub-Station. From Rob Walker’s Le Mans winning Delahaye to Lamborghini Countach, de Tomaso Pantera, Porsche 911RS, Ferrari Berlinetta and AC Cobra MkIl it is a glittering display, and a sixty-seater open video theatre has been added.

Haynes points out that his museum is a trust (to which both his sons are now enrolled), nearly all the exhibits belonging in perpetuity to the nation. Many are still in running order and can even be started up in the building, since underfloor exhaust-extraction has been installed. A big crowd attended the opening of the extension, and we saw Duncan Hamilton and Sammy Miller among our many Press colleagues.