Shine on you crazy diamonds

THE National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, in the New Forest, was in the pink in March when Nick Mason, drummer extraordinaire and collector of supercars, officially opened the museum’s latest showcase Autoglym Supercars, with museum founder Lord Montagu, and welcomed guests to the machines that have captured the dreams of many a small boy (and girl).

This latest exhibition, sponsored by valeting specialist Autoglym, is enough to get anyone in a lather and the cars on show include a Ferrari Enzo (kindly supplied by the Pink Floyd percussionist himself), Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Countach, Aston Martin V8 Coupe, Light Car Company Rocket and showpiece McLaren F1 GTR.

I felt comfortably numb in the presence of these awesome dream cars. Shining examples of the supercar scene, each has its own story to tell and its roots firmly planted in the historical depths of the motoring scene.

The exhibition hall, which for the past year has housed the Art of Citroen exhibits, has been transported to the present day and now takes on a similar style to the Top Gear studio, with darkened walls, studio lighting and chrome framework, which combine to bring out the best in the priceless cars on show. A large video wall plays footage from the Top Gear archive and various manufacturers, set to a specially commissioned soundtrack. And, just for good measure, there are a few superbikes in the exhibition too, including Ducati, Suzuki and Harley Davidson.

Whether you are a supercar aficionado or not, you can’t afford to miss this gathering of exclusive sports cars, as you will rarely find these cars together under one roof and be able to see them in the metal (or should I say in the flesh?) And it’s some money’s worth too, I’m sure you’ll agree. The Bugatti Veyron alone cost a whopping £840k.

Autoglym has been the popular choice of valeting products by Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus and Morgan, to name a few. Since its retail range was launched 21 years ago, Autoglym has also become the favourite wash and wax for classic and new car owners around the world.

So it was only natural the mirror-shine specialist should sponsor the Supercar exhibition – seeing as its super resin polish gives the supercars their sparkling bodywork.

Also on hand at the launch offering rides around Beaulieu was exclusive driving club Group 20, with three of its own 75 supercars, a Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari . Other cars in the Group 20 stable include the Pagani Zonda, of which there are only 25 in the world, Bentley GTC,

The Autoglym Supercar exhibition, which runs until March 2008, can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk.

Wish you were here!