Mansell museum closes for expansion of car dealership

Mansell museum closes for expansion of car dealership

In 2012 the former Formula One world champion announced that he would be refurbishing the Full Service Centre Garage in First Tower and, alongside his son Leo, would be turning it into a car showroom.

At the time, the sportsman also said that he had turned down offers from Silverstone Circuit and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu to house his prized collection, which includes the Ferrari in which he won the 1989 Brazilian Grand Prix, the Williams car he raced to five victories in the 1991 world championship as well as the many trophies he amassed over the years.

The collection also featured one of Usain Bolt’s running shoes, one of Wayne Rooney’s football boots and other items, which attracted around 10,000 visitors each year.

A statement on the business’s website thanked everyone who had visited the museum since its opening.

It said: ‘Due to the continued growth of the Mansell Collection Car Dealership, the second floor of our premises – which is currently home to the Nigel Mansell Museum – will become a car showroom.

‘This will enable us to better showcase our two great franchises, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

‘The last six years of the Nigel Mansell Museum has been extremely successful, welcoming over 10,000 visitors every year. This is something that we are extremely proud of. We have a number of options for the future of the museum which we are currently reviewing.’

Writing on the travel review website Trip Advisor, Martin F, from Hampshire, said that he hoped the attraction would reopen at a new location.

‘I visited with my son during our last visit to St Helier back in January [2018] and it was excellent – very informative and interesting exhibits along with a good commentary from Nigel himself,’ he wrote.

‘I was planning to visit again this time but unfortunately the collection has closed to allow expansion of the car franchise.

‘Hopefully they will find a new venue for this great attraction.’

And another reviewer, Michelle, added that the museum was not just tailored to Formula One fans.

‘Although I am a Mansell fan, the rest of the group also really enjoyed this museum. It is full of other stuff besides F1 and I spent a good couple of hours here,’ she wrote.

‘I enjoyed the audio tour narrated by the great man himself – what a lovely person.’

Asked if the organisation had any plans for the Mansell Collection, the business declined to comment beyond its statement.

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