Situated within the Dartmoor National Park, the Old Bus Depot in Moretonhampstead is now home to a collection of over 150 historic vehicles. The Museum first welcomed visitors in June 2013 after founder and curator Frank Loft, had spent twelve months renovating the 1930s Art Deco style building to house the original collection of seventy vehicles.

Since opening, the display areas and the collection have expanded. There are currently over one hundred and fifty vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and light commercials dating from the pre-1920s to the 1990s. The displays of automobilia, vintage toys and models, along with a resource library are also much appreciated by visitors.

Our oldest exhibit (apart from the founder!) is a 1905 “Baby” Wolseley which took part in the last “Old Crock’s” race held at Brooklands in 1939. It is one of two survivors of the 52 built.  Contrasting this, is our 10 seater 1914 De Dion Bouton Charabanc, used as officer transport in the Great War. 

Rare examples from the inter- war years include a 1922 Wolsley 7 Tourer, a 1924 AC Royale with a polished aluminium body, anzani engine and less than 7000 miles from new. 

Moving on through the decades our collection includes many iconic, familiar examples.  A 1960 Austin Seven Mini Saloon is the youngest of the minis on show. An excellent 1967 Hillman Imp provides opportunity to see the Routes group response to the Mini. 

The Jaguar marque is represented by a 1959 XK150, a 1961 3.8 Mark II and a D type recreation.  An impressive MGC-GTS competition car from 1967 and the 1970 Ford Lotus Cortina MK2 also gain much interest.

More unusual exhibits include three “specials”, a 1934 3.5 litre Bentley, a 1950 Bentley  MK VI with a Harry Rose body, and a 1959 Jaguar MK IX Beaman, one of only five built. 

The motorcycle display covers a similar period to the cars. The earliest is a 1914 James Wall Quadricycle. Such a contrast to the series one Honda Africa twin which took part in the 1989 Dakar Rally! There are over seventy motorcycle related exhibits to see, including combinations and three wheelers.

We think our eclectic collection and the visitor experience is aptly summed up by this visitor’s Trip Advisor posting:

“Such a great little Museum in a small country town with everything you need to make a really pleasant visit. The collection is amazing – hard to believe there are so many exhibits in what seems such a small place. Great introductory talk, well presented histories with each vehicle. We’ve been twice before but seems there’s always something new or something you didn’t spot first time. Love it!”

2023 Opening Times. 

5 DAYS A WEEK: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun

Tuesdays 21 March - Sunday 29 October 2023

Doors open 11.30am, Last entry 3.15pm

SEE WEBSITE OR TELEPHONE FOR WINTER OPENING HOURS