Patrick Hawkins, the passionate classic car enthusiast behind the internationally renowned County Classics Motor Museum in Taunton, has passed away suddenly at the age of 68.
Patrick founded the museum in November 2023 after dedicating years to restoring a dilapidated former department store into a vibrant showcase for vintage automobiles. The grand opening was highlighted by a special appearance from Richard Hammond, former Top Gear host, who traveled to Somerset to officially cut the ribbon.
The museum quickly captured worldwide attention, soaring to Tripadvisor’s top 10% of visitor attractions thanks to Patrick’s meticulous attention to detail and the pristine condition of the exhibits.
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Tragically, the museum announced on August 6th that Patrick—affectionately known as Pat—had died unexpectedly. Sharing their tribute on Facebook, the museum described him as “one of the nicest, kindest, and most generous souls you could hope to meet.” They noted how Pat personally welcomed visitors from across the globe and took great pride in the museum’s spotless presentation.
Pat’s journey began early. By age 11, he was already buying, improving, and selling cars, paving the way for a successful series of automotive businesses. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, including a life-saving heart operation performed by a surgeon flown in from the USA, he remained determined to give back to Taunton and the Somerset community he cherished.
The County Classics Motor Museum, a testament to Pat’s resilience and passion, was built amid the challenges of supply chain issues and rising costs during the pandemic. It stands as his enduring legacy.
Earlier this year, Pat spoke of his “huge success” with the museum and shared his aspiration to expand the collection, eager to display many more classic cars in the future.
In response to the unexpected loss, the museum temporarily closed but is set to reopen on Tuesday, August 12th, honoring Patrick’s wishes. Visitors and fans are encouraged to leave their tributes to Pat in memory of his remarkable life and achievements.