We Had One of Those!

01 August 2024

Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum have unveiled “We Had One of Those!”, a new addition to a day out for the summer holidays allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the cars from their past.

Open daily until the 1st September, “We Had One of Those!” is a brand-new interactive experience designed to evoke fond memories and stories. Visitors are encouraged to interact with and learn more about popular cars from the 1960s through to the 1990s by sitting inside them, exploring their features, and reminiscing about the role vehicles like these played in their lives.

On display in the new nostalgic car dealership forecourt, located just outside the National Motor Museum, are classics including a Volkswagen Beetle for the 1960s, the car everybody loved to hate in the 1970s – an Austin Allegro, a Vauxhall Cavalier for the 1980s and a Ford Fiesta for the 1990s – so many people’s first car.

Volkswagen Beetle, Austin Allegro, Vauxhall Cavalier and Ford Fiesta at Beaulieu

Each car is filled with nostalgic items, from beaded seats inside the Vauxhall Cavalier to fluffy dice hanging in the window of the Austin Allegro. These items and vehicles are sure to bring back the sights, sounds, and even the smells of motoring history.

Beaulieu is keen for visitors to share their own memories and stories about the vehicles they and their families owned during these periods. A notice board and postcards will be available for people to leave their anecdotes, creating a display of shared experiences. Additionally, the #WeHadOneOfThose hashtag will allow visitors to share their stories and photos online.

Jon Tee, Head of Visitor Operations says “We are excited to bring “We had one of those!” to our visitors and give them a display they can really get involved in. We’re encouraging our guests to truly explore the cars by opening the doors and windows, having a look under the bonnets, sitting inside them with their family, and remembering the journeys they had in cars like these.”

This new interactive feature complements the National Motor Museum’s newest display Streets Ahead: Motoring in Mid Century Britain. A transformed street scene showcases the decades following the Second World War when Britain underwent a period of rapid social, cultural and economic change from the 1950s to 1970s through a charming toy shop, motoring clothing shop and old-school travel agent.

“We had one of those!” is included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu and is available throughout the summer holidays, along with other special school holiday activities from motoring parades and living history, to falconry displays and more. Plus, visit all the other attractions Beaulieu has to offer, including Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey Ruins and the surrounding Grounds and Gardens.

Whether exploring the New Forest on holiday or simply looking for a day trip with the family, Beaulieu is the ideal destination to enjoy a marvellous day out, together.