The Abarth Museum at the Château de Savigny-les-Beaune presents the collection assembled by Michel Pont (who died in 2021), a former racing driver (on the circuit and hill climbs). After the purchase of an Abarth 1000SP at the end of the 60s, Michel Pont remained loyal to the Scorpion brand in racing. He kept all his racing cars, and added other cars, exclusively Abarth, creating the largest Abarth collection in France. Christophe Pont, one of Michel’s sons, has taken over the management of the collection. The estate, which is also a winery, offers several other museums and exhibitions (see below).
Cars
About thirty cars are on display on the first floor of an outbuilding of the castle. All of them are equipped with engines prepared by the “sorcerer” Carlo Abarth. The collection includes the different types of cars manufactured or prepared by Abarth: “Sport” prototypes, Formula Italia and F2 single-seaters, “100% Abarth” coupés, Osella prototypes with Abarth engines, and several Fiat models that have passed through the Abarth workshop.
Not to mention the French brand Simca, which also served as the basis for several Abarth models. In addition to Michel Pont’s 1st 1000SP, the 2000 OT long tail and his last racing car, a 3L V8 from 1971, are among the museum’s gems. There are the Abarth 850 and 1000, developed on the basis of the Fiat 500 and 600. Widened fenders, prominent radiator, raised rear hood, these spectacular cars raced on the track and on the road in the 1960s.
Less well-known but very powerful, the Abarth “Bialbero” (double camshaft) coupés have also won many circuit races and hill climbs. In the 1970s, the 124 Abarth, based on the Fiat 124 convertible, was also successful. The museum is decorated with many objects related to the history of the automobile and the history of Abarth, as well as with the many cups won by Michel Pont during his racing years.
Besides cars
Michel Pont was an avid collector, especially of everything that rolls and flies. In total, there are no less than 6 other museums and collections that you can visit at the Château de Savigny-les-Beaune, in the open air or in dedicated buildings. One of the most impressive and rare collections is undoubtedly the hundred fighter planes of all origins installed in the park behind the castle. Almost all Dassault, Ouragan, Mystère, Mirage jet fighters… are on display, alongside American Crusader and Starfighter, Russian MiG and Sukhoi, British Vampire… Several cabins, engines and landing gear, sheltered in the buildings, complete the aeronautical collection.
Nearly 200 motorcycles are on display on the upper floors of the castle, from the 1910s to the 1970s. The collection is eclectic, with the regional brands Terrot (well-known) and Durandal (rarer), the English Norton, Rudge and Vincent, some Italian MV Agusta and many other brands that have often disappeared today.
Another collection, straddle tractors specific to working in the vineyard, has its place here, since on the one hand we are in a wine region, and on the other hand Michel Pont’s father had developed the 1st tractor of this type just after the war. One large tent houses a small collection of fire trucks, while another houses a small telecom museum with 2 life-size satellite models.
Several thousand miniatures and models of cars, motorcycles and planes are spread over the various exhibition rooms…
You may also visit the 14th and 17th centuries cellars and the Cuveries and take the opportunity to taste the wines of the domain, and why not leave with a few bottles. Enough to ensure an eclectic visit and cater to all tastes!
Practical information
Opening
| Open every day | |
| From April to October | 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
| From end of October to end of Mach | 10 a.m. – 5:30 p. |
| Last entry 1h30 before closing | |
| Closed on December 25 and from January 1st to 21 |
Rates
| Adults | 13,00 € |
| Youth (10-16 years | 8,00 € |
| Students (under 26) | 10,00 € |
| Children (under 10 years old) | Gratuit |
| Group (from 20 pers.): Check with the museum | |
| The ticket gives access to the entire collections, the castle and the park | |
| Large free parking |
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