A FORMULA 1 car driven by one of the greatest racers of all time will be the star attraction in a car museum in the centre of Taunton when it opens next year.

The car, which was driven by Michael Schumacher and also Ricardo Patrese, will take pride of place in the former County Stores, in North Street, which closed in January.

Businessman Pat Hawkins, who will have the car on loan, has already moved several of his vehicles from the 1960s to the 1980s into the premises and hopes to add more for enthusiasts to view.

Among other gems in the collection will be an ex rally Mk1 Escort, a Toyota MR2 Mk1, an Escort 1.3 Ghia, a full race Mini, an Austin Maxi 1750, a Hillman Avenger, a Capri and a Rolls Royce Shadow 1.

"The museum needs to have cars that will create interest for the younger generation, something they can relate to," said Mr Hawkins, who has been in business in Taunton for more than 30 years since his teens.

"I want there to be an atmosphere that people feel relaxed in while they look around the cars."

Mr Hawkins is currently gutting and refurbishing the building, where groceries, gifts, newspapers and cakes used to be sold, ahead of the planned opening of the County Classics Motor Museum in February or March.

He bought the iconic building for more than £1million and is spending a further £250,000 on repairs and improvements, including a new roof.

Walls are being knocked through, an entrance from Hammet Street is being opened up, a £40,000 lift is being installed, a turntable will be sited on the ground floor and a hoist to get the cars onto the first floor is being added.

The venture, which Mr Hawkins hopes will gain charitable status, will also feature a reproduction of a 1960s style garage office with memorabilia from that era, a store for old parts, a mock up of a workshop from 50 years ago with petrol pumps, engine tuners and gear box pumps

There will also be a number of classic motorbikes on show, while visitors and members of the public will be able to relax over a cuppa in a cafe.

Entrance to the museum is expected to be £7.50.

Taunton Post Office is currently run on the ground floor at the back of the building.

Mr Hawkins has been in negotiations with the Post Office to keep the service on the premises.

He said: "A deal has been made in principle for it to stay, possibly in the old gift shop."

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