Mahymobiles
Mahymobiles
4.5
About
SEE A CENTURY OF AUTOMOBILE HISTORY !When Ghislain Mahy bought his first car in 1944, he had no idea that this 1921 Ford T would be the first car in a collection of more than 1000 vehicles by the year 2000. The first vehicles of the collection were stored for more than half a century in Ghent, at the old “Winter Circus” building. 230 of our mechanical gems were transported to the Brussels “Autoworld” museum in 1986, where they are still on display. The other, approximately 750, vehicles had to wait until 1997 for a new home to be found. This turned out to be the old “Ernaelsteen” factory in Leuze-en-Hainaut, where we are today. The new site is called “Mahymobiles”. This private collection, unique because of the diversity of vehicles included, shows automotive history from it’s humble beginnings at the end of the 19th century to the present day.Amble through the world history of automobiles from 1895 to the present day (300 veteran and vintage vehicles) and gain mechanical knowledge in the educational area. In other areas of Mahymobiles you will discover exceptional collections of miniature cars, historic bicycles & motorcycles, a children’s mini circuit, a gallery dedicated to the evolution of the coach building and a special display on world famous ‘raids’.Come and visit “Mahymobiles” car museum regularly, so you will be able to see for yourself the evolution and continuing expansion.
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hans-jaguar
Santa Comba Dao, Portugal22,329 contributions
Apr 2022
As a classic car lovers we never got the opportunity to vist the “Mahymobiles”, we did it during this visit.
In the year 1932 he established himself as a second-hand car dealer, and in the year 1938 he was the first in Belgium to open a rental service for cars without a driver.
In the year 1944, Ghislain buys, together with an FN motorcycle (the oldest 4-cylinder in the world), a Ford T, for the sum of 150 BF. This model was a piece of childhood memory!
Afterwards, the purchases followed one another: a Benz Karpatensieger 1915, a Fiat Limousine 1921, a Wanderer 1915, a beautiful Belgian Fondu 1906, a Rolls Royce 1920.
And from that moment the collection grew. In October 1954, at the opening of the old circus, converted into a garage, he already owned 35 old cars. Over many years, Ghislain Mahy continued to collect hundreds of vehicles (over 950 in total). These were housed in the former winter circus. So now the “Collection Mahy”, unprecedented in diversity, can be seen as the unique in the world! Veteran, vintage and classic cars, movie stars, trucks, buses, chassis, miniatures, pedal cars, bicycles, bikes, steam machines, carriages... basically everything relating to road transport since 1895 is on show at Mahymobiles. Over 300 vehicles are on display. Each has a fascinating story or a special place in motoring history and everything exudes passion.
In the year 1932 he established himself as a second-hand car dealer, and in the year 1938 he was the first in Belgium to open a rental service for cars without a driver.
In the year 1944, Ghislain buys, together with an FN motorcycle (the oldest 4-cylinder in the world), a Ford T, for the sum of 150 BF. This model was a piece of childhood memory!
Afterwards, the purchases followed one another: a Benz Karpatensieger 1915, a Fiat Limousine 1921, a Wanderer 1915, a beautiful Belgian Fondu 1906, a Rolls Royce 1920.
And from that moment the collection grew. In October 1954, at the opening of the old circus, converted into a garage, he already owned 35 old cars. Over many years, Ghislain Mahy continued to collect hundreds of vehicles (over 950 in total). These were housed in the former winter circus. So now the “Collection Mahy”, unprecedented in diversity, can be seen as the unique in the world! Veteran, vintage and classic cars, movie stars, trucks, buses, chassis, miniatures, pedal cars, bicycles, bikes, steam machines, carriages... basically everything relating to road transport since 1895 is on show at Mahymobiles. Over 300 vehicles are on display. Each has a fascinating story or a special place in motoring history and everything exudes passion.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dd220786
Ghent, Belgium395 contributions
Jul 2021
A most astonishing collection of oldtimer cars, motorcycles and bicycles . Very friendly staff.
Definitely worth a visit
Definitely worth a visit
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim S
15 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
SO many cars - really SO many, a fantastic collection with many in oily rag or as found condition (the best way to do it). Staff very helpful and actually let us examine one exhibit up close and get in (a 1930's bus) Preserving our past for the future - well done Mahy collection
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Brussels, Belgium63 contributions
May 2017 • Family
I joined a small group to visit this enormous collection of classic cars, some restored and others awaiting the treatment. With the number of rare vehicles, this is more than a life-long project and they have displayed all cars in all conditions so you can see what efforts are being made to save them.
We had an excellent English guide (Paul Vine), who is full of knowledge and passion for these exhibits, which made the visit even more interesting.
We had an excellent English guide (Paul Vine), who is full of knowledge and passion for these exhibits, which made the visit even more interesting.
Written February 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc Derveeuw
Ostend, Belgium423 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
As a young 10 year old I have seen the Mahy collection grow. I was privileged that my mother serviced her car at the Mahy garage in Ghent, in the winter circus where the cars were stalled, some of them restored,but many of them in the condition they were found. Mother mahy complained that her summer holidays were spent driving around in a car with a caravan and a car trailer,in case they would come across a collectable vehicle. One day, when I was 8, they found me behind the driving wheel of the Delahaye, my mother was upset but father Mahy gave me a smile. As the collection grew and moved to Houthalen, I kept my passion for classic cars but only visited them once. Every time I am in Belgium, I try to see the Mahy collection, where the Delahaye still stands. I attached the picture.
Congratulations to the volunteers who spend their time explaining the history and features of the cars. There is still a large hangar with private vehicles, which is not open for the public,only for insurance reasons. There is more in there than you can absorb.
Congratulations to the volunteers who spend their time explaining the history and features of the cars. There is still a large hangar with private vehicles, which is not open for the public,only for insurance reasons. There is more in there than you can absorb.
Written November 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clive D
Brussels, Belgium4 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
I have never seen a museum with so many old and not so old classic cars. There are around 1000 on the premises, which includes about 250 in the main exhibition hall. There are many American vehicles plus French, German, Belgium & British. We spent 2 hours there but this did not do justice to the exhibition. In addition there are motor bikes, bicycles and even the odd sledge
Enhance fee is €8. they are only open on Thursday & Saturday afternoons plus all day Sunday. Closed during the winter months.
Enhance fee is €8. they are only open on Thursday & Saturday afternoons plus all day Sunday. Closed during the winter months.
Written September 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
Dunstable, UK76 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
fascinating collection of interesting cars. The museum is not glamorous or but the cars certainly make up for that. Warm and friendly welcome from English speaking staff. Great to be able to view the storage area as well, dozens of cars awaiting restoration.
Written April 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emwee321
Brussels, Belgium4 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
This museum is not only for petrol heads a real discovery. Agreed that the accomodation is not as glamorous as Autoworld or other wealthier exhibitors but the variety of the collection and the historical richness are unique. The entire setup goes beyond the museum: a panoramic view on hundreds of stored cars waiting for restoration or find out how sleeve valves work in a cut-out Knight engine at the didactical area. And lots more: bikes, motorcycles, automobilia, a shop and even local beer at the cafeteria. It’s a blessing for Belgium that this wonderful collection is hosted in Leuze.
Written June 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cimmerianbloke
Rixensart, Belgium506 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
Not really a museum but a piling up of vintage cars, the Mahy collection is a nice effort and a perfect half-day trip for cars enthusiasts. You will see a lot of long forgotten models and will test your knowledge of old-timers. The price fee, at 7.5€ is a bit hefty though. However, if you love cars, this place will make your day.
Written April 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingMAHYMOBILES: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mahymobiles
- Hotels near Mahymobiles:
- (0.51 km) La Cour Carree
- (14.77 km) La Petite Bruyere De Renaix
- (9.48 km) Hotel Saint Daniel
- (12.93 km) Domaine Vertes Feuilles
- (4.87 km) Le Chataignier Centenaire
- Restaurants near Mahymobiles:
- (0.38 km) Le Chalet De La Bourgogne
- (0.92 km) Le Jadis
- (0.95 km) Plaisir Dit Vin
- (0.85 km) Restaurant Le Scenario
- (0.81 km) La Gloire de Motte à Faulx