The Guild of Motoring Writers, the world’s oldest and largest organisation for automotive journalists, has opened a new permanent exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire.
The expanded and updated display, in its own dedicated area within the famous New Forest museum, tells the story of the Guild, which was started by a group of motoring writers in October 1944, and was officially opened by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and Guild president Nick Mason.
In a series of storyboards, it covers aspects of the Guild’s history and its work. including its annual awards which have been running since 1949, training workshops for journalists, its many business and social activities plus the Guild’s links with Beaulieu.
There are illustrations of Guild activities from the past 12 months and also examples of the work of award-winning Guild photographers.
At the heart of the mini exhibition is a new display unit showcasing some of the Guild’s trophies and memorabilia. Exhibits include racing helmets worn by Sir Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill, which were presented to the Guild when they were named as the Guild’s Driver of the Year.
Other Guild memorabilia on display include: A bronze statue of a prancing horse first presented to Mike Hawthorn by Enzo Ferrari; Sir Stirling Moss’ first Silver Star from the British Racing Drivers Club; the Syracuse Grand Prix silver cup won by Peter Collins, a piston from John Cobb’s record-breaking Napier Railton and the original 1,000 mile trial silver trophy, today known as the Chairman’s cup.