archive early motoring picture of the 1000 mile trial with veteran vehicles in a line

Photographic Collection

The Photographic Collection contains over 1.4 million images. It illustrates the history of motoring from the earliest steam cars of the 19th century to new models being launched today.

How the Collection developed

The roots of the Photographic Collection can be traced back to 1962 when the 3rd Baron Lord Montagu of Beaulieu originally set it up. From 1972 the National Motor Museum Trust continued to expand this remarkable resource, and it continues to grow.

The Collection develops through enthusiastic collecting by staff, donations from the public and contemporary images. It comprises photographic prints, albums, glass and film negatives, lantern slides and transparencies. The original images were created by motor manufacturing companies and private enthusiasts, and include work by both amateur and professional photographers.

If you would like to visit the Photographic Collection for research purposes, an appointment can be made through our Motoring Research Service.

Motoring Picture Library

Images from the National Motor Museum Trust Photographic Collection are available for purchase online through the Motoring Picture Library, one of the largest motoring picture collections in the world.