Varied classic vehicle collection set for on-site auction after new custodian proves elusive for popular Devon attraction
The founder and curator of Moretonhampstead Motor Museum has taken the sad decision to close the doors after a new custodian could not be found for the popular Devon classic car attraction. Consequently, the museum’s collection of over 150 vehicles – thought to be worth over a million pounds – is set to be sold, with the vast majority to be auctioned by Charterhouse in May.
Frank Loft originally set up the attraction – located in the small Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead – as a retirement project. With an expanding collection of classics housed in barns, Mr Loft purchased the town’s old bus depot – a 1930s building with a wonderful art deco frontage. Following extensive reshipment to the building, the museum first opened in June 2013 with 60 exhibits. Over the years it expanded to house over 150 historic motor cars and motorcycles, complemented by a diverse range of artefacts and memorabilia.
When Frank first announced the closure in May last year, a provisional date for was given as the end of August 2024, with Frank looking forward to his “second retirement.” However, the museum’s popularity with visitors saw it remain open until November, as per previous years.
It had been hoped that this stay of execution would allow more time for interested parties to come forward. In December, Mr Loft said he was still hopeful that a new custodian or custodians could be found, but sadly that has not been the case. Taking to social media early last week, he said: “It is with immense regret that the decision to close the museum has been taken. As previously publicised, I had hoped a new custodian would take the venture on. Unfortunately, despite a good level of interest, nothing has come to fruition.
“We’re living in such a difficult world – it’s a fragile time for businesses and people worry about investments at the moment,” Frank explained to CCB. “Consequently, my collection will be auctioned this coming May.”
The stunning collection covers a broad range of mostly British vehicles, the oldest dating from 1905 the most recent a 23-plated Tiger GTA from Tiger Racing. There’s also a 16,000-mile Morris 1100, and even a Lilac Talbot Samba Convertible. It’s clearly been a hugely popular and valued destination, with an impressive 90 per cent of reviews on TripAdvisor awarding the attraction five stars. The variety of the collection – and Frank’s enthusiasm for it – made it a compelling place to visit.
Founder of Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, Frank Loft, is closing the doors after 13 years
On-site auction at Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
The vast majority of the collection will be auctioned on-site, with the sale set to be conducted by Charterhouse. Provisionally, viewing is set to take place on Wednesday May 14, with the automobilia and motorcycle sale on May 15, and the vehicles on May 16. Charterhouse has previous experience of on-site sales, and boasts all the necessary infrastructure.
“We originally sold Frank a lot of the cars, motorbikes and automobile in the sale, and we’re very pleased to help him disperse the collection,” said Charterhouse’s Richard Brommel “Unfortunately he wasn’t able to sell it as a whole, and there comes a point where he had to move on with his life.”
For more details on the sale, keep an eye on the Charterhouse website. Richard is also happy to happy to field any calls. Meanwhile, the building itself has been put on the market with Noon Roberts Property Consultants in Exeter, with offers in excess of £445,000 invited.
Frank won’t be leaving classics behind entirely. He plans to keep his 1934 Bentley, which is currently having the engine rebuilt. “I’m only going to keep about three,” he told us. “It’s a time in my life where I’ve got to be very sensible – it’s the old adage ‘the more you’ve got, the more you’ve got to worry about’, so it’s going to be a big rationalisation. You can only enjoy one at time and the Bentley brings a smile to my face every time I go out in it.”
