by Gary / 0 comments - Orginally published:15th January 2019
British cars at their best
A day out to remember a proud heritageI guess the heyday of the British car industry is over. Sure, cars are still made in Britain, but the big names in the industry are under foreign ownership. However there was a day when there was a Great British car industry, and the British Motor Museum celebrates that.
The museum is just outside the village of Gaydon, close to Stratford-upon-Avon (15 miles/27km).
You should give yourself a few hours to explore the history of a once-great industry.
It's a great day out for anyone interested in British motoring heritage.
Why not Pin it for later?
Welcome to the British Motor Museum (2018 Prices)
Where is British Motor Museum?
How to get to British Motor Museum
- By Car
The British Motor Museum is Just 1.5 miles from Junction 12 of the M40 and has ample parking on-site.
- By Train
You can get trains to Warwick, Leamington Spa & Banbury, but then you'll need to get a taxi to the museum.
Discovering the Britsh Motor Museum
Let's start at the beginningOnce you have bought your ticket at the main entrance and entered the lobby, you'll come across an exciting selection of cars, some icons: the original Mini, the most beautiful E-Type Jaguar, the workhorse, the classic Land Rover and, of course, a Rolls-Royce.
The iconic E-Type Jaguar
However, there was a rally at Austin Maxi; who knew? I immediately recognised that the museum was going to dish up a little more than the obvious.
A rally prep' Austin Maxi
British Motoring Heritage
The oh so familiar smellJust off the entrance lobby is a mock-up of a 1930s garage; the smell of oil and grease is immediately familiar to anyone who has been around the workings of a car. We were reminded of days past when we'd maintain our own little Austin Mini.
The John Carter Garage
As a reminder of how the world has moved on, I no longer 'service' our car, nor can I. Now, it is the work of specialists.
Other motor museums we have visited
On our travels, I have, on occasion, popped into a car museum or two.
Both were in Germany, and whilst we were visiting the German Christmas Markets, they were the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart and the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt.
Memories of British Motoring
A touch of nostalgiaNext to the garage is a period cinema. It shows film clips of the heyday of British motoring; it's also an excellent chance to take the weight off your feet.
We have just begun our tour, so we'll pop back later.
The Motoring Cinema
When we do, we're treated to the story of Triumph's success at the Le Mans 24 hours race in the mid-'60s with the brave little Spitfire.
Where to stay nearby
Hotel Indigo
This delightful 4-star hotel is just a short stroll to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and historic centre. It has charming décor and wonderful rooms.
Swan's Nest Hotel
This 17th-century hotel is located by the riverside overlooking the RSC. A short walk across the River Avon and you're in the beautiful town centre.
The story of the British Motor Industry
Entering the main hallThe Design & Concepts section greets you. Now, I pride myself on having an acceptable knowledge of the British motor industry, but there were concepts here of which I was never aware.
Prototypes on display
Around the back of the hall runs the Time Road. This takes you on a 100-year journey from 1896 to 1996, with landmark vehicles on the road.
Looking back on Time Road
This timeline highlights key cars in the British motor industry's journey, along with the historical events that they inspired.
Where would the swinging '60s be without the iconic mini?
Step to the future on Time Road
Stepping past the exhibits, you come to sections dedicated to Jaguar, Land Rover, our great British sports cars and accomplishments in Motorsports.
A broad range in the British Motor Museum
And that iconic Mini, in full 1967 Monte Carlo Works Rally spec'.
This was the giant slayer that ruffled so many feathers.
It was not until the Audi Quattro arrived in the early 1980's that such a disruptive influence was felt.
The classic Mini Cooper
I then found a personal favourite car of mine, the Rover P5B. This example belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II; my father had a similar car when I was growing up.
A Rover P5B - A favourite of mine
Then you find yourself in a section I love: Film & TV Car's. There's stuff here I recognise straight away.
One of the Land Rovers from 'James Bond—Skyfall', A Reliant Robin three-wheeler in 'Only Fools and Horses' livery, and the 6-wheeler FAB 1 Pink Rolls-Royce from the 2004 live-action Thunderbirds movie, to name but a few.
A Land Rover from James Bond - Skyfall
You have swept the semi-circle that makes up the main entrance, but it's not over yet.
More info
Please visit the British Motor Museum site for more information on the latest exhibition, prices, and events.
Exploring the British Motor Industry
The Next LevelThere's a further exhibition space on a small mezzanine floor. On our visit there was a display of some vehicles from the TV Show, 'Car S.O.S', a collection of classic cars restored for owners who have hit troubles in life.
A restored Aston Martin DB6 from Car S.O.S
The restoration work is outstanding, and the car is the star. Each restoration task has a touching story attached to it.
Another Car S.O.S project - A Ford Capri 3100
Also on this level is the café should you wish for a little refreshment. You may want to because there's more to come.
More at the British Motor Museum
The Collections CentreNow, depending on the level of your inner geek, there's also a warehouse with over 300 cars not in the main museum, along with the Jaguar Heritage Trust collection. You can even peek down on mechanics working in the Restoration Workshop.
Looking down on the workshop
The collection on the first floor is precisely that, there are limited descriptions, and the cars are closely parked together. However, there are some real gems in here, like this 1914 Austin 20HP Vitesse Phaeton.
A classic in the Collections Centre
It made me smile as I wandered the rows of this iconic British brand and how it reflected so many different sides of British life. From the Mark II Jaguars favoured by the villans of the 1960s, chased down by John Thaw in 'The Sweeney' TV series, to the very same model driven by the cultured and sophisticated Inspector Morse, played by John Thaw in the series of the same name in the 80s & 90s.
A Heritage Jaguar
Each example is in pristine condition, as you would expect, and looking at these beautiful creations, it's not dissimilar to a stroll around an art gallery.
All types of Jaguars
Well, all things come to an end. It has been an enjoyable, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable three hours, and I'm fully geeked out.
Have You?
Visited the British Motor Museum? Or do you have a favourite British car, it doesn't have to be flash, something from your childhood?
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