The Collector’s Eye

This captivating exhibition invites visitors to step into the mind of the collector and explore the many ways history, beauty, preservation, and passion converge through the world of antique automobiles.
The Collector’s Eye features three thought-provoking exhibits that each offer a unique lens into automotive heritage:
London to Brighton Veterans Automobiles
  • Discover the pioneers of motoring through a group of pre-1905 automobiles that participated in the legendary London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. These remarkable machines tell the story of the earliest days of motor travel, when innovation outpaced infrastructure and daring drivers embraced the future.
Preserve, Conserve, or Restore
  • This exhibit explores the crucial decisions collectors face when caring for historic vehicles. Should a car be preserved in its original condition, conserved to halt deterioration, or fully restored to its former glory? Visitors will gain insight into the philosophy and ethics behind each choice, guided by examples from the Museum’s collection.
Collectors, Collections, and Museums
  • Dive into the personal stories behind the passion. This portion of the exhibition showcases vehicles from several collectors, each offering a glimpse into what motivates an individual to gather, protect, and share pieces of the past. It’s a celebration of vision, obsession, and the art of curation.
“We’re thrilled to bring The Collector’s Eye to life,” said the Museum’s Executive Director, Mike Staggs. “This exhibition highlights not just the cars themselves but the people, ideas, and decisions behind them. It’s about what it means to collect—and why that matters.”