Haynes Motor Museum is located in the small village of Sparkford, just off the A303, a 92 mile road that passes Stonehenge on the way to the beaches of Devon and Cornwall.

The collection includes,

• The Dawn of Motoring: Introduces the oldest vehicles and motoring pioneers such as Volta, Benz, and Daimler.
• Veteran & Vintage: cars from the Victorian age to 1930, including names like Rolls Royce and Renault.
• Wheels Around the World: Displays cars from countries like the UK, Germany, and India.
• Minis & Micro: Highlights small, economical cars from 1936 onward, including Fiat, Mini, and quirky European ‘bubble’ cars.
• Great British Marques: Showcases British classics like Jaguar, Lotus, and Aston Martin.
• The American Dream: Features 100 years of American car history.
• British & World Motorcycles: Reviews British motorcycle history and Japan’s rise in the 1950s.
  

  The Red Room

• Hall of Motorsport: Examines the history of competitive motoring with brands such as Jaguar, Lotus, and Ferrari.
• The Morris Story: Pays homage to the Morris brand’s impact on affordable motoring and its association with MG.
• Memory Lane: Reflects on popular British cars from the 1940s to 1970s.
• Travelling in Style: Focuses on luxury cars, with Bentley as an example.
• Ferrari: The Man & The Machine: Explores Enzo Ferrari’s ambitions and the origins of the brand.
• The Red Room: Presents sports and grand-touring cars from various brands.
• Automobilia, Library & Archive: Displays motoring-related objects and an archive of printed material from the earliest days.
• Williams F1 – The Drivers and the Driven: Delivers insights into F1 racing, with a focus on Williams F1 and its achievements.

For those eager to engage further with the automotive community, Haynes Motor Museum hosts monthly gatherings, bringing together enthusiasts to share their passion over breakfast. Whether displaying their own vehicles or marvelling at others’, attendees can immerse themselves in a shared love for cars.

• Haynes Boot Fair: On the first Sunday of each month, Haynes Motor Museum hosts a Boot Fair starting at 8 a.m. This event is ideal for car and bike enthusiasts who want to begin their day with breakfast and automotive conversation. To attend, you must pre-book your tickets, as none will be sold at the gate.
• Somerscience 2024: Somerscience is a free annual STEM festival featuring a variety of interactive experiences such as shows, workshops, and an engaging science fair. Although the event caters to all ages, a separate museum entry ticket is required to explore the rest of the museum.
• Haynes Breakfast Clubs: Launched in 2015, Haynes Breakfast Clubs take place on the first Sunday of every month and provide a monthly gathering for car enthusiasts. This event offers the opportunity to connect over breakfast and enjoy the morning with fellow car lovers. Limited tickets are available for spectators without a car to display. Visitors can also tour the museum’s restoration workshop, Haynes Heritage Engineering, during the event to see the latest projects.

These events unite enthusiasts and also support the museum’s educational initiatives, such as teaching over 2,500 students annually about car mechanics and restoration.

The story begins with John H. Haynes OBE, a prominent figure in the automotive industry, left an indelible mark with his pioneering work in creating the globally renowned Haynes Manuals. Born in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, in 1938, Haynes developed a deep passion for cars from a young age, fostered by experiences riding around tea plantations with his father in their Morris 8 saloon.

John Haynes sitting in an Austin 7.

Haynes’ journey into the automotive world took a significant turn during his time at Sutton Valence boarding school in Kent, where he showcased his mechanical aptitude by converting an Austin 7 into a more agile and sporty model at the age of 16. This endeavour not only demonstrated his ingenuity but also marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial spirit.

After completing his schooling, Haynes embarked on a stint with the Royal Air Force during the 1950s, where his love for cars intersected with his professional life. It was during this time that he delved into competitive car racing, fuelling his passion further. Notably, his Elva Courier, a car he raced competitively, now stands as a testament to his legacy at the Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford, Somerset.

However, Haynes’s most significant contribution to the automotive world came with the inception of the Haynes Manuals. The idea stemmed from his realization that existing factory manuals were inadequate for the average car owner’s needs. In 1966, he published the first Haynes Manual for the Austin Healey Sprite, featuring step-by-step photo sequences linked to diagrams—a format that revolutionized car maintenance guides. The overwhelming success of this manual set the stage for a prolific publishing career.

Haynes manual for the Austin Healey

The Haynes Manuals, characterized by their meticulous detail and user-friendly approach, soon became indispensable for car and motorbike owners worldwide. Over the years, the company expanded its repertoire, covering a diverse range of vehicles selling over 200 million copies.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Haynes was recognized for his contributions to publishing and automotive education. In 1995, he was awarded an OBE for his services to publishing, followed by an honorary degree of Master of the University from The Open University in 2005.

Not content with just publishing manuals, Haynes indulged in his love for cars by amassing a remarkable collection and establishing the Haynes International Motor Museum in 1985. This educational charitable trust stands as a testament to his commitment to preserving automotive history and fostering a deeper understanding of the industry. From its opening to the present day, the museum continues to evolve, grow, and improve, ensuring that each visit is a unique and memorable experience.

John Haynes Elva Courier

the Museum is a reminder of the rich history and evolution of automotive engineering and culture. The museum has evolved into a multi-award-winning institution, captivating visitors with its extensive collection of over 400 cars and bikes meticulously displayed across 17 exhibition areas.

The museum’s mission goes beyond preservation; it is committed to educating and inspiring visitors about the world of automobiles. With the distinction of being an independent registered charity and an Arts Council England accredited museum, Haynes Motor Museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and dissemination of automotive heritage.

Visitors to the museum are treated to a journey through time, spanning from the inception of motoring in the late 19th century to the present day. The collection showcases a diverse array of vehicles, from iconic classics of the 1950s and 60s to prestigious Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, as well as contemporary supercars. Notable highlights include the renowned Red Room, which houses a treasure trove of vintage and veteran automobiles, and The American Dream Hall, featuring a stunning array of American automotive icons such as the Duesenberg Model J and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

Throughout his life, John H. Haynes remained a true gentleman, revered by family, friends, colleagues, and countless users of his manuals. He could often be found in the museum café talking to visitors. His passing on February 8, 2019, marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to thrive through the Museum and the invaluable resources he created for generations of automotive enthusiasts. As tributes pour in, it’s evident that John H. Haynes’s influence on the automotive world will endure for years to come.

John Haynes OBE 25th March 1938 to 8th February 2019

E&EO 18/04/2024