About Cars of the Stars

In 1982, while filming the television series 'The Spoils of War' Granada Television approached Keswick painter and sculptor, Peter D Nelson and asked if they could borrow his MG TC for use in their production. It was as a result of this that several years later Mr Nelson conceived the idea of building a motor musuem, featuring celebrity television and film vehicles. After purchasing the Royal Oak Garage in the centre of Keswick, which required total refurbishment, he began a two year search for cars with film and television connections and the dream finally became reality when this unique museum opened to the public on 1st May 1989.
Early in the planning stage of the museum's, I decided that presentation was paramount. Row after row of gleaming cars squashed together was not what I intended. I wished to show off each of these rare cars to its maximum advantage and in context with its film and television career. Therefore each vehicle is displayed in its individual film set, with atmospheric lighting and sound playing a part. Houses and mountains were constructed, muddy battlefields and bomb sites were built, all giving a further dimension to the display. The result is a feat of nostalgia for the visitor and a glimpse into the fantasy world of television and film.