The museum was developed from the collection of local classic car collectors, Richard and Hasel Atwell. In 1981 the collection was brought together under one roof with the completion of the smallest of the three buildings. Following the construction in 1989 of what is now the Main Hall, the Museum, (unofficially first known as the Downside Motor Museum), was forged. In 1997 a Charitable Trust was formed to take over the operation of the Museum. The contents are varied, from a number of everyday classics to rare cars and lorries. Amongst these are a 1934 Alvis Speed 20, 1938 Daimler EL24, 1936 Rover 14hp Sports/Saloon and a 1951 Dennis Fire Engine. Richard Atwell has always had a strong interest in North American cars, so there is an interesting array of Ford, GM, and Chrysler products from across “The Pond”. There is also a good variety of rare motorcycles, carrying the legendary names of Ariel, Brough, BSA, Douglas, Triumph, Velocette and Indian, to name but a few.
