DCC Visit to Gaydon Motor Museum & Blenheim Palace

Just before Easter, a small and very enthusiastic group from the Distillers Car Club set off for Gaydon, just outside Banbury to explore what is proudly known as the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. With over 300 beauties on display—from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust—it was a petrol-head’s paradise.

We were guided by a wonderfully cheerful, witty, and incredibly knowledgeable host who brought the story of the British motor industry to life. Along the way, there were plenty of nostalgic moments, with some of us fondly recalling our youthful days behind the wheel of our very first Mini… and, of course, that unforgettable company car—was it a Ford Cortina? Oh yes, it was!

In the afternoon, we motored over to Blenheim Palace near Woodstock, where we spent a delightful couple of hours soaking up the grandeur and history. We explored its many treasures (though sadly, the infamous golden toilet was nowhere to be seen. It’s hard not to marvel at how such opulence ever got past the watchful eye of Queen Anne, who famously scolded Sir John Vanbrugh for his rather extravagant vision.

Thankfully, he stuck to his guns, leaving us with a truly magnificent Palace and stunning gardens to enjoy today.

All in all, another fantastic trip for the memory banks. Thank you Steve for organising. Next stop: the Mike Hawthorn Museum—watch this space!

Paul Finch DCC Club Secretary