Tustin, May 30, 2002

Non Profit Organisation
The Marconi Automotive Museum is a non-profit organisation that through its activities supports the Marconi Foundation For Kids, that assists numerous children’s charities with financial support. The foundation was started by the museum founder and owner, Dick Marconi, in 1994 based on a philosophy imparted by his father – ”Learn, Earn, Return”. Having done the first, and succeeded in the second, he decided that it was time to complete the third phase, hence the incorporation of the charity foundation. The museum is open for public tours by appointment only, as it is also hired out as function centre for corporate and private gatherings, thus it is necessary to check that there is nothing in progress at the time of a proposed visit. All proceeds from these activities are channelled to the foundation for charitable use. For each visitor a very reasonable request of $5 is made as a donation to the charity.

... Gallery >>>

The Manoir de l'Automobile is a true automobile complex, with 3 circuits, an asphalt track, rough ground track for rallycross, and a karting circuit. There is also a race driving school andl and a museum of 14 000 m2, that has about 300 cars and 5000 model cars on display.

The highlight of the collection for many visitors is the F1 area, with a grid of around 18 F1 cars, including Ferrari, McLaren and French F1 cars like Matra, Ligier and AGS. Also very interesting is the rally Group B space, with Audi, Lancia S4 and 037 and Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 amongst the exhibits.

There is also a fine selection of ex 24 Hours Le Mans cars like the Courage C36 (LM 1997 with Mario Andretti/Michael Andretti/O.Grouillard), plus the 2 cars entered by Mr Hommell under his own banner, the Bugatti EB 110S (Cudini/Boullion/Hélary) in 94 and the Aston Martin DB7 LM in the 95 edition.

This museum is of interest to any motoring enthusiast because of the diversity of cars on display, from everyday examples like Peugeot and Citroen, through a wide selection of Alpine Renault models, supercars like Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, and pre-war cars, to the competition cars already mentioned.

If you visit this museum don't forget to go to the boutique and the bookshop, and of course don't forget a drink of the local beverage in the Cidre bar.

Admission
Adults 38FF / Children (10-16) 28FF
Children under 10yrs Free
Groups of 25+ adults 32FF per person
Free Parking
These rates are applicable during 2001

Opening Times
Open daily 10am to 1pm - 2pm to 7pm
Closed monday*
* Open every days during July & August.

How to find it
Situated close to the D177 road, the museum is about 30 kms from Rennes and 380 kms from Paris.

Manoir de l'automobile
Route de Lieuron
35550 Loheac, France