It was a sad day for car racing fans when on the 5th of November 2018 the Donnington Grand Prix Collection closed its doors for the very last time.
Starting as the F1 passion of Tom Wheatcroft in 1973 it had become the largest collection of F1 cars and memorabilia in the world.
Unfortunately, Tom's passion did not extend to the next generation and in 2018 the collection was being sold off or returned to the owners for the exhibits that were on loan.
Over the years I had made the 4-hour journey up to Castle Donington race circuit a number of times either when I was racing or watching friends race at the circuit and always enjoyed a visit to the Donington Collection. So when I heard it was going to close its doors I called another petrol head mate and we organised to meet up and go about two weeks before the doors finally closed for one last visit.
Many of the on-loan exhibits had already been removed in fact while we were there race cars from one of the halls were being pushed out onto a trailer.
This was the McLaren hall being cleared.
If you ever followed F1 you won't be surprised to hear this was James Hunts 1975 Hesketh
One of my all-time favorites Nigel Mansells, Big Red 5, the 1985 Williams Honda FW11
Also part of the museum was the only complete collection of Vanwall F1 cars in the world.
A 1969 Lotus 49 a beautiful little race car 
A bit more oddball a 1999 Penske wind tunnel model, I would love this in my lounge.
One of F1s might have beens the 1969 Cosworth 4 wheel drive project.
Not all F1 cars were good looking this 2004 Williams needs a nose job.
Halls full of F1 history sadly gone forever.
The new generation's passion is WW2 memorabilia I don't think I'll be coming back.
Well, Hivers I hope you enjoyed that nostalgic look around an F1 museum that has now very sadly been closed.