It houses some of Britain’s most iconic cars, including record-breaking vehicles driven by the Campbell dynasty.

Now the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, is planning to set a record of its own – by creating the longest line of toy cars in the world.

Lord Montagu, 87, is determined to smash the existing record of 9,795 toys, set in Guatemala less than two months ago.

He has launched a campaign to collect at least 10,000 model cars, which will be placed end-to-end in a one-kilometre queue that will start and finish at the main museum building on May 5. The toys will then be sold in aid of Naomi House children’s hospice near Winchester.

Museum bosses have joined forces with supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, to enable customers to donate toys. Several schools are also taking part.

A museum spokeswoman said the initiative had the backing of the Guinness Book of Records. She added: “Beaulieu are already taking donations and there will be collection points in local Sainsbury’s stores from Monday. Visitors to the museum can also bring their cars with them on the day.

“Only commercially-available toys can be used in the attempt. They can be any type, including tractors and quad bikes, but larger toy cars designed for children to sit on are not acceptable.”

Sainsbury’s spokesman Phil Bridgwater said: “We’re delighted to be involved and I’ve no doubt our customers will rise to the challenge.”

Customers can place their unwanted toys in cardboard collection bins donated by waste collection firm Biffa.

And Chandler’s Ford-based Quayline Digital is printing 22,000 advertising leaflets free of charge.