Manoir de l Automobile: The Manoir de l’Automobile, located in the quiet village of Lohéac in Brittany, France, is not your typical car museum. This automotive wonderland, spread over 161,000 square feet, houses over 400 cars and showcases a deep passion for automotive history that transcends the ordinary. It’s a place where both car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can dive into a unique world of rare, vintage, and one-of-a-kind vehicles, all housed in a museum that truly feels like a treasure chest of automotive history.
History of the Manoir de l Automobile
The Manoir de l’Automobile is the brainchild of Michel Hommell, a French entrepreneur, race car driver, and car manufacturer. His passion for cars led him to purchase a farmhouse in Lohéac in the 1970s. Initially, this was a place for him to unwind from his busy publishing empire in Paris, but as he started collecting cars, he realized that this passion could be shared with others. In 1988, the museum opened its doors, and since then, it has been captivating visitors from all over the world.
Michel Hommell’s personal collection and his desire to showcase rare cars led to the development of this magnificent museum. His car manufacturing venture, Hommell Automobiles, also has a dedicated space in the museum, which honors his legacy as an innovator in the automotive industry.
Noteworthy Vehicles and Exhibits
The Manoir de l’Automobile is filled with an eclectic mix of vehicles, from early 20th-century classics to modern supercars. But it’s the unique and rare cars that really set this museum apart. Here are some of the standout exhibits:
- De Dion Bouton Type L (1888): One of the earliest examples of automotive engineering, this vehicle marked the dawn of motorized transport. It’s one of the oldest cars in the museum and serves as a reminder of how far automotive technology has come.
- Hydromobile (1942): This Ford V-8-powered amphibious car is an incredibly rare and fascinating vehicle. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to travel both on land and water—an impressive feat for its time.
- VELAM Isetta (1957): A Isetta-based single-seater, the VELAM Isetta is a speed record-breaker from the 1950s, designed by the French company VELAM. This car is an excellent example of how automotive design could blend performance with innovation.
- Lamborghini Countach: No car museum would be complete without a Lamborghini Countach. The Countach was one of the most iconic supercars of the 1970s and 80s, known for its sharp angles and bold design. It symbolizes the height of Italian automotive performance and luxury.
- Renault 3: A budget-friendly alternative to the Renault 4, the Renault 3 was produced in limited numbers and reflects France’s postwar economy. Its simple design contrasts with the museum’s more luxurious offerings but is a fascinating part of automotive history.
- Formula 1 Cars: The Manoir de l’Automobile houses an extensive collection of Formula 1 cars, including race cars driven by legends like Jacky Ickx. These vehicles offer a glimpse into the high-octane world of motorsport.
- Rally Cars: The museum also features notable rally cars, such as the Volkswagen Race Touareg driven by Carlos Sainz in the 2010 Paris-Dakar Rally, showcasing the diverse nature of the collection.
The Hommell Legacy in the Museum
One of the most compelling aspects of the Manoir de l’Automobile is the homage paid to Michel Hommell’s own car manufacturing efforts. The Hommell Automobiles section of the museum details the story of his attempts to revive the Alpine A110 in the 1990s. The Berlinette Echappement, which debuted at the 1992 Paris Auto Show, was the first prototype created by Hommell’s company. Though the company produced only 242 cars before it closed in 2003, the Hommell Automobiles legacy lives on in the museum, with models like the Barquette and RS still on display.
The Atmosphere: Beyond the Cars
While the cars themselves are the main draw, the Manoir de l’Automobile stands out for its immersive atmosphere. The museum is set within a reconstructed castle, with each room offering a new experience. The Engine Chapel, one of the museum’s most unique features, is a round room where 20+ engines from various eras are displayed in a circle, all framed by car-themed stained-glass windows. The 9.1-liter straight-six engine from Renault (1924) is the focal point, and the room itself was painstakingly rebuilt from a nearby castle. This is just one example of how the museum blends history, design, and automotive engineering into a truly unforgettable experience.
What Makes the Manoir de l’Automobile Stand Out?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Car Collection | Over 400 cars, including rare, one-off models. |
| Unique Exhibits | Cars like the Hydromobile and Isetta-based VELAM stand out as oddities. |
| Themes & Displays | Cars are grouped by themes, such as Alpine models, Formula 1 cars, and rally cars. |
| Michel Hommell’s Legacy | Hommell’s Hommell Automobiles section tells the story of his car manufacturing endeavors. |
| Immersive Experience | The museum is set in a reconstructed castle and includes the Engine Chapel—a unique display of historic engines. |
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Manoir de l’Automobile Conclusion
The Manoir de l’Automobile in Lohéac is truly a hidden gem in the world of car museums, offering more than just an exhibition of rare vehicles—it’s a passion project, a celebration of automotive innovation, and a testament to the deep love of cars shared by its creator, Michel Hommell. From the historical significance of the De Dion Bouton Type L (1888) to the awe-inspiring Hydromobile—an amphibious Ford V-8 powered three-wheeler—you’ll find yourself exploring an array of fascinating, obscure, and sometimes even quirky vehicles that tell stories beyond what you can learn from books.
The museum’s layout—with thematic displays of Formula 1 cars, rally cars, and iconic sports cars—ensures a seamless, flowing experience where each room feels like stepping into a different chapter of automotive history. What makes it even more unique is the inclusion of Michel Hommell’s personal history as a manufacturer with Hommell Automobiles—something not commonly seen in other car museums. The collection of cars from his brand offers insight into a lesser-known yet significant part of France’s automotive legacy.
Moreover, the museum’s atmosphere adds a layer of magic to the experience. Walking through engine displays, with an Engine Chapel designed as a quiet, reflective space dedicated to the wonders of automotive engineering, only deepens the connection between the visitor and the vehicles. The attention to detail in how each car is displayed, accompanied by personal stories, memorabilia, and historical context, makes it clear that Manoir de l’Automobile is not just about showcasing cars—it’s about celebrating the spirit of automotive passion.
If you’re someone who loves the thrill of discovering the oddities of automotive design, wants to explore rarities that can’t be found anywhere else, or simply seeks to immerse yourself in the rich history of the automobile, this museum is a must-visit. The Manoir de l’Automobile is not just a collection of cars—it’s a museum of dreams for automotive enthusiasts, where every corner holds a new surprise and a deeper appreciation for the vehicles that have shaped the world of transportation and motorsports.
