By Dave Worrall
Further to my meeting with Michael Dezer recently, Cinema Retro can announce that the world-famous Cars of the Stars and Bond Museum of Keswick, England, have been acquired by the American-based businessman who owns extensive residential and hotel properties in New York, Las Vegas and Miami, including the Trump International Beach Resort.
Dezer has a passion for everything associated with automobiles, and recently purchased two buildings on an 11-acre site to house his personal collection of more than 600 vehicles plus the 100 or so cars and motorcycles currently in transit from England. At some 220,000-square feet, it will be one of the largest car museums in America.
Dezer's car collection includes classic and vintage cars from all over the world - a 1928 Duesenberg (worth about $1 million) being just one of the many amazing vehicles that he owns. Now, he can add Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Lady Penelope's pink Rolls Royce from Thunderbirds, various Batmobiles and, of course, the huge collection of James Bond cars, gadgets and props to his ever growing inventory! For James Bond fans, this museum, which will also include vintage memorabilia, posters and props, will undoubtedly become the No.1 'OO7 attraction' in the world.
The Dezer Collection Museum & Pavilion is due to open in October this year, and will incorporate a mini bowling alley, an ice cream and candy store, a retro-style diner (Dezer is a big fan of the Fifties era) and even a 1950s style drive-in theatre is being considered. The two buildings will also house an event center (capable of seating up to 1500) that can be hired for both private and corporate functions, and parking space for 700 cars, making it one of the most accessible and premium attractions for both tourists and businesses alike.
The museum's web site can be found by clicking here
Stay tuned to the Cinema Retro web site and magazine for future updates.