File:1963 Austin Mini Downton.jpg

English: 1963 Austin Mini Downton

British Daniel Richmond set up his company in the Wiltshire village of Downton to modify production Mini Coopers. Competition engines and conversions provided the main body of work and the reputable Mini Downton found its way into the ownership of many of the rich and famous. The Aga Khan, Prince Metternich, Steve McQueen, Dan Gurney, Lord Snowdon and Enzo Ferrari all boasted examples within their vehicle collections. Richmond became one of the elite who plotted the Mini's competition success, attending regular meetings with the likes of Alec Issigonis, John Cooper and BMC Competitions Manager, Stuart Turner. DWV 596C has been described as “Probably the best Mini in the World”. It was restored by Steve Smith who sadly died in 2009. It is displayed as a lasting tribute to his meticulous restoration of this lovely car. Capacity: 1071cc Valves: Overhead Maximum Speed: 100mph Power Output: 68bhp @ 5750rpm Manufacturer: Austin Motor Co. Ltd, Longbridge, Birmingham Owner: N. Marshall

Housing a collection of over 250 automobiles and motorcycles telling the story of motoring on the roads of Britain from the dawn of motoring to the present day, the award winning (Winner - The International Historic Motoring Awards of the Year 2012) National Motor Museum appeals to all age groups. From World Land Speed Record Breakers including Campbell’s famous Bluebird to film favourites such as the magical flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and rare oddities like the giant orange on wheels. Don’t miss exciting extra features such as the Motorsport Gallery, Wheels and Jack Tucker's Garage - A permanent, multi award-winning 1930's garage has been created within the Museum, complete down to the last nut and bolt and rusty drainpipe. Whilst the building is a complete fabrication, everything in it - all the fixtures, fittings, tools and ephemera - are genuine artefacts collected over a period of 25 years.