Paul Jolly: One-of-a-kind motor show gets off the mark

The first ever official Haynes Motor Museum Motor Show was held recently, co-hosted by Edd China of Wheeler Dealer fame.

It celebrated 40 years of the Museum and the life and legacy of its founder, John Haynes OBE. The Haynes Car Manuals, for which he is famous, were invaluable books for DIY motorists in the 1960’s and 1970’s who learnt their own car maintenance and saved hundreds of pounds. Due to complexities of modern cars, these skills are no longer possible for most.

More than 3,000 enthusiasts attended with the Museum site transformed into 5 vibrant zones. The day offered something for everyone - from hundreds of classic cars and an action-packed live stage line-up to a classic car parade and family-friendly activities.

Over 300 classic cars and 11 car clubs were on display. Standout highlights include the MG SV car club and a beautifully presented 1959 Aston Martin DB Mk III. The Best in Show award went to a unique and meticulously restored Volvo Amazon Estate.

The buzz continued in the Outdoor Market, which was packed with food stalls and traders offering everything from alloys to jewellery. Live music added to the lively atmosphere throughout the day.

The Discovery Zones combined hands-on activities, educational displays and restored cars from the Haynes Heritage Engineering workshop. Organisations such as Automotive Youth and Ariel Motor Company played a key part, sharing knowledge and showcasing engineering innovation.

Around 80 miles from South Devon and handily located on the A303, this amazing car venue is only about 2 hour’s drive away. For anything comparable, you would need to travel as far as the NEC November Classic Car Show in Birmingham, the Gaydon British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, the British Motor Show in Farnborough or Beaulieu Motor Museum Hampshire.

For a wet and windy weekend, this venue offers brilliant indoor amusement and education for children of all ages and is accessible throughout the year so no need to wait for the next annual Motor Show.

The John Haynes Classic Motor Show will return on Sunday 6th September 2026, promising another unforgettable celebration of motoring history.