National Motor Museum’s Yorkshire weekend at Bowcliffe Hall ‘exceeds expectation’

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has hosted its first event ‘on tour’ – and more are promised. Bowcliffe Hall in West Yorkshire, owned by car collector Jonathan Turner, was the venue in August for an unofficial concours that included three prized gems from Beaulieu: its 1903 Napier, 1920 Sunbeam 350hp and ex-Graham Hill Lotus 49.

The event “exceeded expectations”, according to NMM chief executive Jon Murden. “It is the first time we’ve co-curated an event away from Beaulieu and it was an experiment to gauge interest,” he stated. “We’re already planning a return to Bowcliffe in 2025 and are considering other venues too.

“The NMM is a charity, so it was a fund-raising event, but it also served to spread awareness. We realise that for a lot of people Beaulieu in the New Forest is a long way to come.”

Lord Montagu, president of the NMM, and his wife were among the 400 guests. The event included seminars on car restoration and the NMM archive.