Motor Museum seeks new custodian as founder retires again!

Published: 28/05/2024

A new owner is being sought for Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, housed in a 1930s art deco style former bus depot, in the Dartmoor National Park.

The museum’s founder has now decided to retire from his “retirement project”.  He hopes that someone with a similar passion and drive will take this “project” on and continue to develop and curate the collection well into the future.

If a new custodian is not forthcoming by mid-July, then it is likely the collection will be auctioned later this year.

The museum was founded by Frank Loft, opening in 2013 as a “retirement project”.  At this time the collection totalled about 70 vehicles.  Since then two further phases of development have allowed the collection to grow significantly to over 80 motorcycles, 75 cars and an abundance of associated memorabilia.

In 2018 the museum was shortlisted in the top ten “Classic Destinations” by Practical Classics magazine.
   
Whatever happens, the museum is still open and will remain open to visitors until at least the end of August.

If a new custodian is found, then it is likely normal seasonal opening hours will stay as currently advertised.

The sale will be structured as two separate elements, firstly the sale of the building, potentially for other uses, and secondly the collection itself.

This has been a difficult and emotive decision for the founder to take, however having now made the decision, he is looking forward to his second “retirement”.

He would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to the success of the project along the way, and to all who have enjoyed visiting.

Interested parties should make any initial enquiries via the two agents representing Frank:

With regard to the building, contact Tony Noon of Noon Roberts Property Consultants, Exeter: tn@noonroberts.co.uk Telephone 01392 691007

Tora Edmonds of Richard Edmonds Auctions will act in respect of the collection of vehicles and memorabilia. info@richardedmondsauctions.co.uk Telephone 01249 444544