Mauritius will soon become home to one of the most significant car collections in the world, as Milestones Limited, a Mauritian company, is constructing a purpose-built museum in Beaux Songes, Black River, to house and display a collection of over 200 classic cars, which is expected to become a major new tourist attraction for the island.
Milestones Limited, a Mauritian company, is constructing a world class motor museum in Mauritius which is being built in Beaux Songes, in the west of the island.
The Milestones Museum will house and display over 200 vintage and classic cars which is one of the most significant collections in the world. The project represents over MUR 6 billion of direct investment into the Mauritian economy.
It is anticipated that the Museum will become a major new tourist attraction for the island. It will also allow for the development of ancillary services for classic car maintenance and restoration. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026 and the Museum will open as soon as possible thereafter.
Milestones is owned and funded in perpetuity by the Star & Key Foundation, a Mauritian foundation. entirely funded by Terry Smith, who has donated the car collection to it and will supervise the construction and operation of the Museum.
Commenting on the initiative to establish the Museum in Mauritius, Terry Smith said:
“I have a lifelong interest in cars and want this amazing car collection to be shared by the people of Mauritius and attract tourists to the island which I have made my home. Our team has visited major motor museums globally and we plan to make the Milestones Museum the best in the world, both in terms of the cars and the facilities, without any reliance upon public funding.”
“This is a collection of seminal cars. Cars which marked or popularised developments in the automotive industry, cars that influenced future design and engineering and the popular image and experience of cars. Cars which have particular significance. Maybe they won races. Or starred in movies or TV series. Cars which were on posters in childrens’ bedrooms. Cars which represent milestones in the development of transport, racing, enjoyment and society, hence the name of the collection “Milestones”.
A unique collection which encompasses movie cars, supercars, rally cars and more
The collection of over 200 vehicles brings together a diverse set of world class vintage classic cars, ranging from a 1903 Oldsmobile Curved dash, the world’s first mass production car, as its oldest car, through to a 2012 Lexus LFA supercar.
It also encompasses a number of classic cars which have made their mark in the worlds of entertainment and motorsport, including:
- Movie cars: James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger; the Ford Gran Torino from the Clint Eastwood movie of the same name; the Rolls Royce and Bentley from The Thomas Crown Affair (original and remake); Morse’s Jaguar; The Prisoner’s Lotus 7 and the Village’s Mini Moke; The Saint’s Volvo P1800; the Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger from Bullitt (the movie with the first car chase); the Alfa Romeo Duetto for The Graduate; the Dodge Challenger from Vanishing Point; the Lincoln Continental from The French Connection; the Ford Bronco from Three Days of the Condor; Ford Zephyr from Z Cars and the Pontiac Aztek from Breaking Bad.
- Supercars: a Gullwing Mercedes; McLaren F1 (note: NOT a Formula 1 car but a rare supercar for the road); Ferraris Dino, 512BB, 308 GTB Vetroresina, 456 GTM, Testarossa and F40; Porsche 550 Spyder, Carrera GT and 959; Jaguar XJ220; Bugatti EB110; a Lamborghini Muira Countach and a Diablo; a Honda NSX; and a Lexus LFA.
- Race cars: Vauxhall 30/98; Bugatti Type 35; Ford GT40 (seen in the movie Le Mans 66 or Ford v Ferrari) Jaguar C Type and D Type; and a Porsche 550 Spyder, all of which are Le Mans winners.
- Rally cars: Audi Quattro; Mini Cooper; Lancia Delta Integrale, Lancia Stratos and Lancia 037; Talbot Sunbeam Lotus; Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Makinen; and a Subaru WRX STi Prodrive, winners of the World Rally Championship.
- Failures; cars which were flops but from which we can learn about industry and managements: Ford Edsel, Hillman Imp, Alfasud, VW Phaeton, and the Austin/Morris 1800.
Landmark building designed by local architect
The Museum will be built on a 31 arpent site in Beaux Songes which has been purchased for this purpose, with a 14,000 sq. metres landmark building designed by local architect Edouard Koenig. The Museum will house a coffee shop, restaurant, cinema and gift and bookshop alongside the vehicle displays.
Speaking about his role in the design of the Museum, Edouard Koenig said:
“I am proud to be given the opportunity to work on this world class project. We are seeking to create a unique building which is as exceptional as the collection to be housed in it.”
Local firm Milestones Construction Consultants Ltd. will undertake the roles of Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor. Managing Director Mark Cridlan commented:
“It is an honour to have been chosen and given the opportunity to be the Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor on this unique and one-of-a-kind project in Mauritius. We are working closely with a dedicated team of Consultants and Contractors to ensure that the project is completed to the standards and expectations of Milestones Ltd.”
The lead contractor appointed to build the Museum is local firm REHM Grinaker Construction Company Ltd. Managing Director Neil Cloete stated:
“It is fitting that Milestones Limited has selected a 100% Mauritian owned construction business to turn its vision into reality. REHM Grinaker, whose Mauritian roots trace back to 1991, is proud to be the contractor chosen to deliver this iconic building which will no doubt become a must-see attraction for both local Mauritians and international tourists alike.”
“The Museum element of the project requires adherence to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED mirrors REHM Grinaker’s own initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and to be a more responsible and environmentally aware business,” he added.
Creating a world class visitor experience in Mauritius
Commenting on the future contribution of the Museum to Mauritius, Wayne Harley, Curator of the Milestones Museum, said:
“We aim to make the Milestones Museum a world class tourist attraction but also an asset for the people of Mauritius, creating jobs and training local personnel to acquire the expertise to maintain some of the finest vehicles ever made and to provide a world class visitor experience.”
Wayne was formerly the Curator of the Franschhoek Motor Museum in South Africa, and has over 20 years’ experience in the running of such a facility.
Offering his perspective on behalf of the Economic Development Board, Chief Executive Officer Ken Poonoosamy concluded:
“The EDB has been pleased to support the creation of the Milestones Museum which represents a significant foreign direct investment in Mauritius and a wonderful opportunity to create a world class tourist attraction.”
About Terry Smith
Terry Smith is a businessman and Mauritian citizen, who has been running an international fund management business from Mauritius since 2014. Terry is committed to supporting economic growth in Mauritius, where he is a Board Member of the Economic Development Board, and he has also supported youth and sports in local communities since his arrival on the island.
