Franschhoek Motor Museum - Museum Explorer SA

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Franschhoek Motor Museum, located in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, is a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts. The museum features a collection of over 220 vehicles, ranging from antique cars to modern supercars, and offers a glimpse into the history of the automobile.

About the Museum

The Franschhoek Motor Museum is situated on the L’Ormarins wine estate, owned by the Rupert family. The museum was founded by Johann Rupert, the CEO of the luxury goods company Richemont, who is also an avid car collector. The museum opened its doors in 2004 and has since become one of the top tourist attractions in the Western Cape.

The museum is divided into four sections, each showcasing a different era of motoring history. The first section features vintage cars from the early 1900s, including a 1902 De Dion Bouton and a 1914 Stutz Bearcat. The second section focuses on pre-war cars, with highlights such as a 1926 Bugatti Type 35 and a 1931 Bentley 8-Litre. The third section covers post-war cars, including a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and a 1964 Shelby Cobra. The final section features modern and supercars, with highlights such as a 2005 Ford GT and a 2015 McLaren P1.

Interesting Facts

The museum’s collection includes the personal cars of famous South Africans, such as former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
The museum has a workshop on-site where visitors can watch the restoration and maintenance of vintage cars.
The museum offers driving experiences for visitors, allowing them to drive some of the classic cars on the estate’s private roads.
The museum is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by vineyards and mountains, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings at the estate’s tasting room.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Tourist Experiences

Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.

Conclusion

The Franschhoek Motor Museum is a fascinating destination for car enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of the automobile. With its extensive collection of vintage, classic, and modern cars, as well as its unique features such as the on-site workshop and driving experiences, the museum offers a truly immersive experience. And with its beautiful setting on a wine estate in the Western Cape, it's the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.