Is this Europe’s best car museum?

We leave our jaws on the floor in the remarkable Manor of the Automobile museum in rural France

Le Manoir de L’AutomobileIn the case of The Manor of the Automobile – or Le Manoir de L’Automobile – looks can be deceptive. Arriving from the pretty Brittany village of Lohéac – and ignoring the obvious clue of the circuit on the right-hand side – you might think you’ve arrived at a farmhouse for Cidre Breton and crepes.

But behind the pretty facade is one of the most remarkable car museums in Europe, with more than 400 vehicles of all types, ages and nationalities on display. Our recent visit to the Conservatoire Citroen presented us with the perfect excuse to drop in on this magnificent museum.

The French connectionLe Manoir de L’Automobile

Through the dimly-lit reception area and past the obligatory shop, you’re presented with a hall of French veteran and vintage cars, appropriately named the Hall of Ancestors.

Around thirty years ago, The Manor of the Automobile was still a farm. Michel Hommell, who had been collecting cars since the age of 18, purchased the site with a view to housing his ever-growing collection in one place. It took 15 years to complete, with the vehicles displayed in 15,000m2 of exhibition space.


More French fancies on Motoring Research: 


Citroen Traction AvantLe Manoir de L’Automobile

Turn the first corner and you’re greeted with the sight of a pair of Citroen Traction Avants. It’s considered to be the godfather of the modern automobile and was the first mass-produced front-wheel drive car.

A pair of PanhardsLe Manoir de L’Automobile

Today, the Panhard name exists as a part of Renault Trucks Defense, but the French carmaker stopped building cars in the late 60s. Some 130,000 PL17s were sold, before production ceased in 1965.

AlpineLe Manoir de L’Automobile

The display of Alpine cars is the first hint that the museum might be about to send your jaw hurtling towards the polished floor. It’s a sea of Alpine Blue and yellow headlights, flanked by backlit dealership logos.

Alpine A110Le Manoir de L’Automobile

The Alpine A110 was based on the Renault 8 Gordini and proved to be a formidable force on the world rally stage. A new version was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show and will hit the roads before the end of the year.

Jaguar XJR-11Le Manoir de L’Automobile

From the days when tobacco sponsorship was still permitted and delivered a number of iconic deliveries. The Silk Cut Jaguar XJR-11 must be up there with the Marlboro McLaren and John Player Special Lotus.

Audi Quattro S1Le Manoir de L’Automobile

The Manor’s Group B display is worth the $12 entry fee alone. If the Audi Quattro S1 doesn’t grab you…

Nissan 240RSLe Manoir de L’Automobile

How about this Nissan 240RS? The rear-wheel drive Group B rally car was powered by a 2.4-litre engine and was Nissan’s entry from 1983 to 1985.

Lancia 037Le Manoir de L’Automobile

It’s a Martini Racing overload, with Markku Alén’s Lancia 037 and a Lancia Delta S4. Alén and Lancia were joined at the hip throughout the 1980s.

Renault 5 Maxi TurboLe Manoir de L’Automobile

In 1986, Carlos Sainz and Antonio Boto finished second in the Spanish Rally Championship in this Renault 5 Maxi Turbo. Check out the videos on YouTube for the vehicle in action.

MG Metro 6R4Le Manoir de L’Automobile

Also in 1986, Didier Auriol won the French National Championship in this MG Metro 6R4.

Ford RS200Le Manoir de L’Automobile

Kalle Grundel drove this Ford RS200 to third place in the 1986 Swedish Rally, his best ever Group B finish.

Peugeot 205 T16Le Manoir de L’Automobile

It needs no introduction, does it? The Peugeot 205 T16 won the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986.

Le Manoir de L’Automobile also includes halls dedicated to Ferrari, Lamborghini, French cars, Formula 1 and more. Look out for our full gallery on MSN Cars soon.

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
Gavin Braithwaite-Smithhttp://www.petrolblog.com
Writer with a penchant for #FrenchTat. Owns 15 vehicles of varying degrees of terribleness. Also doing a passable impression of Cousin Eddie in an Italian-German beige motorhome. Doesn't get out much.

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