Detour Pit Stop #68: Franschhoek Motor Museum, Western Cape, South Africa
Photo Sudhir Matai
On the run into the scenic town of Franschhoek, about 45 minutes outside of Cape Town lies probably the best automotive museum in all of South Africa.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum (FMM) opened its doors early in 2007. It was the culmination of a lifelong passion for cars by the Rupert family, of Richemont fame.
Based at the foot of the Drakenstein mountains the Franschhoek Motor Museum is set on the rolling lawns of the L’Omarins Wine Estate. The museum consists of four halls for a total of 2,700 square metres of display space, each area dehumidified and climate controlled to preserve the precious and ageing collection of rare and collectibles contained within.
The vehicles on display are a mix of two- and four-wheelers, essentially providing a visual walk through automotive history. Cars range from a very early model Ford Model-T all the way up to and including several high-end exotics from Maranello and Stuttgart. Among the rarities are a few iconic race cars that feature the liveries of tobacco brands once owned by the family.
Interspersed between the motorcycles, old and new, are cabinets of memorabilia along with historical posters and photos from the world of motoring and motorsport. The cars on show are part of a larger collection, which means that the displays are changed with regularity so even locals have to make return trips to see it all.
Once done wandering the halls, car enthusiasts can enjoy a cup of coffee and a sandwich or arrange a wine tasting at the relaxed info centre surrounded by yet more motoring regalia. If ever you find yourself in the Cape, I highly recommend adding the FMM to your list of must-visit places.
Words and Photography Sudhir “Banzai” Matai Twitter | Instagram
