Memorial Motors

Allow others to enjoy your much-loved car or motorbike and continue the story of its adventure.

• The car or motorbike would be auctioned with proceeds going directly to the museum, contributing to the preservation, conservation and learning programmes of one of the greatest vehicle, automobilia, and motoring archive collections in the world.
• Story and legacy timeline will be featured digitally on our website and in the museum.
• Acknowledgement in the museum.
• If your car fits our collecting policy, then there is a possibility it could go on display in the National Motor Museum.

Estate Sale & Clearance 

• Legacy Estate (to include Art, Antiques, Jewellery, Watches, Silver, Collectables) all saleable items will be auctioned and 100% of the proceeds will go to the museum.
• Story and legacy timeline will be featured digitally on our website and in the museum.
• Acknowledgement in the museum.
• Access to a team of specialists to advise on valuations, sale and property clearance.

The family of Thomas Hinson Kelly have kindly donated his classic Jaguar; a cherished family car in which he experienced many adventures. The proceeds of the car have helped fund the Museum’s charitable aims which includes investing in learning and education programmes.

Tom’s story was written by his son Tommy

“As a child I remember Dad owning a couple of unremarkable cars. The first I recall was a maroon (with a few filler patches) Austin 1800 (EMJ 666E) followed later by a 2.3 MKII Granada estate (CKX 666T) in standard beige paint. In the mid to late 80’s Dad treated himself to his first of two Jaguars. The first was an British Racing Green 3.6 manual XJS (B200 MPF) with pepperpot alloy wheels which he kept for a couple of years, but Dad being Dad yearned for a V12 version and traded in the 3.6 for the beautiful 5.3 automatic (F363 NPL) in burgundy/red colour. The icing on the cake in the form of Dad’s private plate A11 THK was soon added.

It was around this time that I was playing a lot of rugby for my school and Bedford Junior Colts and Dad was an avid supporter and attended pretty much most of our games. There was never a shortage of teammates to share the lift to and from the games and all loved being in the car and I knew Dad got a thrill out knowing that all the lads thought his car was the coolest one to get a lift in. Dad would even tolerate our rock or rap cassettes during the journeys.

I joined the Army not long after school and Dad, accompanied by Mum, drove his beloved XJS to Aldershot, in December 1991 to my passing out parade. It was a wet and windy day, conditions that the Jag rarely witnessed as Dad was very smart about ensuring she was looked after properly and not subjected to poor weather.

It was after the parade, in the mess where we could meet with our families, that Dad took great delight in telling me that the soldier on guard who was tasked with searching vehicles entering the barracks for bombs or suspect devices said something to effect of “you’re not going to get a bomb in there” on peering under the bonnet at the huge V12 which takes up the whole space.

Dad owned a number of other cars and most were very desirable. He had a Saab 9-3 convertible which had a sports package from Abbott Racing, a Subaru Impreza STI, BMW 330 and even his people carrier was a Vauxhall Zafira GSI but the Jag was the one he loved for over 20 years and his beloved weekender (weather permitting).

In recent years one of the adventures dad had was when he was asked by our friends if the Jag could be their wedding car. Of course dad agreed and was very pleased and proud to be asked. On the day of the wedding he drove the Jag from Bedford to Hackney in London, picking up the groom on the way. The church was in the back streets and perhaps the first time the Jag had encountered speed bumps! The car got stuck and although I didn’t witness this myself I heard that dad was seen lying on his back in the road looking under the car in his best wedding guest suit. Whatever he did to free the car fortunately worked and the groom made it to the church in time. Happy days !”

(4^th August 1959 – 27^th September 2023)

The family of Bob Glendenning have kindly donated his Lotus Elan SE Turbo. The car was taken to  auction and the proceeds will be gifted to the National Motor Museum Trust.

Bob’s story was written by John Tripp

“Bobs love of cars was well known. His first car was his dads Vauxhall Ventura but his passion was for unusual and fast cars. Over the years Bob had a Renault 5 turbo in the 80’s and a TVR Taimar for many years buying it from a local dealer just down the road where he lived with his mum and dad. With only 400 built, 200 for the UK market and 200 for the US market, his friend since school days John Tripp also owning one, it was rare to see one, but to see two at the same time was quite a sight. They went to many places in them, holidaying in Devon with their future wives, which did attract a few onlookers. Later in 2004 he bought his Lotus Elan which he kept until he passed away.

The Lotus was purchased in 2004 from Grant Shapps MP, the now Defence Secretary. It was his pride and joy looking after it was his passion with money no object. Being auctioned and proceeds going to Memorial Motors for the National Motor Museum Trust is what Bob would have wanted with his wishes in his Will that if possible, his car would benefit a Museum.

Bob was fastidious in keeping all records and history of the Lotus; including:

• Fully documented service history
• All invoices and receipts for over £20,000 for the 20 years he owned the car
• Every MOT certificate since 1999
• Full Service Notes showing engineering drawings
• Agreed valuations for insurance

Many of his friends remember Bob driving around the local area, shopping and visiting his mother and father who lived locally. The local Lotus dealer also remembers Bob who when dropping his car off for repairs or service would be chatting for hours about the car and the world at large.

Sadly, in his later years due to ill health he could not maintain the car as he had done with a passion. The thought that someone will restore the car to full glory will be a lasting memorial to his dear Sister Janet Savill and my friend John Tripp.”

The sons and daughter of Michael David Clark considered that Memorial Motors was the ideal legacy for their fathers 1929 Citroen Pick-up.  Richard Clark provided information on the history and restoration story of the vehicle.

The Citroen AC4 was discovered in a farmer’s barn the summer of 1980 in Bretenoux, Lot department, Southwestern France. It was recovered and imported to the UK in November 1980. Restored by Michael David Clark over 15 years with assistance from family members, Mike's two brothers John and Peter, Mike's wife Margaret and sister-in-law Shelia helped with the restoration along with many colleagues from Mike's workplace of over 40 years at London Transport, and contacts and friends from within the motor trade and Citroen UK.

The overhaul and restoration involved a complete body rebuild, new rear wooden frame, floor and canvas covering, electrical re-wiring, engine overhaul, new brakes system, specially sourced tyres, professional coach hand paint application in the original blue colour of the vehicle.

Citroen 1929 Pickup Type AC 4 – Registration SV 7488 (Chassis No. 48639, Engine 439270)

• Number of cylinders: Four
• Cubic capacity: 1 628cm3
• Bore and stroke: 72 x 100mm
• Power output: 30bhp @ 3 000 rpm
• Transmission: Rear wheel drive via three speed gearbox.
• Brakes: Foot operated pedal operating on drums front and rear with Westinghouse servo
• Suspension Front: semi elliptical springs Rear: semi elliptical springs
• Steering: Worm and roller
• Top speed: 80 kph
• Odometer: 26581 km
• French Registration: 317 AJ 46