Automuseum Old Timer Bossaert

About the museum

The Automuseum Old Timer Bossaert in Reninge was founded in the 1960s by Raoul Bossaert, who worked in ship breaking and demolition. During a demolition he found an old car in a barn, which proved to be the start of a large collection. Later his son Geert joined him and took over the day-to-day care of the museum.

The collection today comprises around 95 vintage vehicles from the period 1899 to the 1970s, supplemented by about twenty old motorcycles. The oldest vehicle is a Decauville from 1899. There are Belgian makes such as Minerva, Imperia, Excelsior and FN, but also vehicles from other countries, such as a Pierce Arrow, a Rolls-Royce, a Jaguar XK 140 and a Corvette from 1963.

Besides cars and motorcycles, the museum shows military vehicles, an Aeronca light reconnaissance aircraft from 1946, and collections of old radios, advertising signs and oil dispensers. The rooms are furnished with old advertising and mannequins in period clothing. Next to the museum are a café and a shopping centre.

Highlights

• Around 95 vintage cars from 1899 to the 1970s, with a Decauville from 1899 as the oldest car
• Belgian makes such as Minerva, Imperia, Excelsior and FN
• About twenty old motorcycles, including Sarolea, Gillet and a Suzuki RE5 with Wankel engine
• Military vehicles and an Aeronca light reconnaissance aircraft from 1946
• Collections of old radios, advertising signs and oil dispensers

Permanent exhibition

• Oldtimers en motorfietsen – Around 95 cars from 1899 to the 1970s and about twenty old motorcycles, displayed among old advertising and mannequins in period clothing.

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum describes itself as suitable for an outing with school, family, friends or a club.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the N8 between Ieper and Veurne, about 2 km beyond the village centre of Woesten (coming from Ieper) or 2 km beyond the centre of Oostvleteren (coming from Veurne). From Antwerp or Brussels: E17 and A19 towards Ieper, exit 5 Ieper-Noord, then the N8 towards Veurne. From Bruges or Ostend: A18 towards Dunkirk, exit 1a Veurne, then the N8 towards Ieper.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Next to the museum is a café with regional beers, pancakes, ice-cream sundaes and snacks; at the last check it was temporarily closed. A shopping centre also borders the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit