When you think of the National Trust you probably think about all those lovely historic properties that they own and that you can visit whether you are a member or not. However, how many of you classic car enthusiasts realise that the National Trust own a wonderful collection of classic cars that you can view and admire at a number of their delightful properties?

Out of the National Trust’s 4 million members there must be quite a lot of people who not only love old properties but are also keen on vintage cars.

Of course those fantastic, nostalgic properties also make a wonderful backdrop for your classic car club to hold a rally. In fact the likes of the Jaguars Owners Club, Lagonda Club and the Wolseley Register are frequent users of such grounds.

The National Trust is also proud owner of bicycles, sedan chairs, horse and hand drawn fire engines, carriages and coaches.

It should come as no surprise to you to read that their classic cars are restored to pristine condition by experts.

Rudyard Kipling once owned Bateman's that houses a 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 classic car

Bateman's is a National Trust property once owned by Rudyard Kipling

There are too many to mention all of them but their crowning glory must be a blue 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I that used to belong to Rudyard Kipling that is on show, from behind a glass screen, at one of his homes – Bateman’s which is in Burwash, East Sussex.

At Avebury Manor in Wiltshire, that was owned by Alexander Keiller who was a member of a marmalade family, you can drool over an open top 4.0-litre 1914 Sizaire Berwick Torpedo Tourer.

The National Trust arranges special events such as the likes of frequent Millionaire’s House Parties at Upton House that is situated close to Banbury in Oxfordshire. National Trust staff with the support of volunteers recreate luxury house parties a part of which includes a display of classic cars on the magnificent drive.

Jane Scarff who is the property administrator said: “Classic and vintage cars are a great attraction for us. At Upton, a motoring theme is very much in line with the history of the house, which was once the house of Lord Bearsted, founder of the Shell oil company.

“We also have a Shell exhibition, with posters, but it is the car rallies, organised with car owner clubs, that prove one of the biggest draws.”

You can find out more by visiting the National Trust’s website.