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Category: British Motor Museum
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Visitors and enthusiasts can see hundreds of these beloved British cars at the National Metro & Mini Show supported by Peter James Insurance, hosted by the British Motor Museum on Sunday 1 June. This ever popular show is regarded as a favourite in the event calendar for owners of Metros, classic Minis, and modern MINIs to celebrate these iconic small car marques.
The show will also feature Concours and Show ‘n’ Shine competitions, offering visitors the opportunity to see the judges assess the cars against their Concours criteria. The competition is free to enter for vehicle exhibitor ticket holders, and entry forms are available from the website. There will be classes for Classic Mini, Metro and Modern MINI. Previous categories have included Coolest Car, Best Car Badge/Emblem, Cleanest Car and Best Colour Scheme. Visitors can also enjoy an arena where clubs will be giving talks about their cars and what makes them special. What’s more, there will be a Retro Singing Group to entertain visitors with some 1960s, 70s and 80s hits.
On the same day, the Ford Transit Van Club will also be hosting a celebration of 60 years of the Ford Transit at the Museum. Visitors can see a display of over 75 Transits from across the years including the earliest from 1965. This early Ford Transit appeared in the 1998 Avengers Film painted black, and has now been restored back to its original white colour.
Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “There really is something for everyone, whether you love everyday classics, weird and wonderful designs and special editions! Popular with enthusiasts, the National Metro & Mini Show, supported by Peter James Insurance, is also a great hit with families. If you, your parents or grandparents owned a Mini or Metro, the displays are sure to bring back nostalgic memories. If you love these little cars, this event is a must!”
Hot meals, sweet treats and refreshments are available at the Junction 12 Café, or ice creams and burgers are available outside. Tickets for the show include entry to the Museum and Collections Centre, giving visitors the chance to see over 400 cars from the collection, including the last Rover 100 produced, which is signed by 1200 people involved in the Metro production, along with the very first Mini ‘621 AOK', the very last classic Mini produced at Longbridge ‘X411 JOP' and the Monte Carlo Rally winning Minis of 1964, 1965 and 1967.
Anyone wishing to park their Metro or Mini as part of the show displays can do so online for just £12. This includes entry to the show for the driver and one passenger for the weekend. Additional tickets are available to purchase if extra passengers are required. Advance ticket prices are £17 per adult, £9 per child (5-16 years), Under 5 free, £15 per concession and £46 for a family.
Camping is also available on Saturday 31 May for those that want to make a weekend of it. Advance camping tickets cost just £26 per pitch (max. 4 people per pitch). Camping tickets can be booked with your show entry tickets.
To find out more information about the show, please call 01926 895300, or visit the website at: https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/national-metro-and-mini-show
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The hugely popular Gaydon Land Rover Show will return for its 11th year on 3 & 4 May at the British Motor Museum. The dedicated show will once again showcase hundreds of Defenders, Series 1 – 3, Discovery’s and mighty Range Rovers from 1948 to the present day and is the ultimate celebration of the best 4x4’s.
The organisers are expecting a range of Land Rover clubs to attend this year. At the centre of the show will be the Arena where Dave Barker will lead an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team, providing live commentary and inviting owners, restorers, club members and enthusiasts to share their stories behind their treasured vehicles. Trade stands will also be available, selling Land Rover clothing, models, tools and accessories - perfect for enthusiasts and admirers alike!
Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated “Join us for one of the biggest events of its kind - an exciting weekend dedicated to the legendary Land Rover marque! The show is one of the biggest days in the calendar for Land Rover fans and families and the only show where you will find the number one pre-production Land Rover ‘HUE 166’ or ‘Huey’. It’s a great day out for all the family with a brilliant atmosphere, displays, live music, parades, and club celebrations”.
There will also be live music from vintage singing trio The Barn-Ettes' on the Saturday. The Museum and Collections Centre will also be open where visitors can view the wide range of Land Rovers in the collection. Some of the most historically significant Land Rovers are available to see, not least the first pre-production Land Rover. There are also many Royal Land Rovers and even film stars such as the Defender 110s from Skyfall and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Camping in the grounds is available on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 May in the evenings for those wanting to make a weekend of it in a motorhome, tent, or caravan. Camping is just £26 per pitch per night when booked in advance.
Anyone wishing to park their Land Rover as part of the show displays can do so online for just £12. This includes entry to the show for the driver and one passenger for the weekend. Additional tickets are available to purchase if extra passengers are required. Advance Show tickets cost £17 per adult, £9 per child, £15 per concession, £46 for a family of four and £52 for a family of five.
To find out more information about the show please call 01926 895300 or visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/gaydon-land-rover-show
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VauxALL, a celebration of all Vauxhall, Opel and Bedford models, is commemorating seven iconic models from the marque’s history. In its third successive year, VauxALL is the fastest growing Vauxhall/Opel event in the UK, with more than 35 clubs and over 800 exhibitor vehicles expected at the British Motor Museum on Sunday 18 May.
Three models are celebrating their ‘Golden Anniversary’ at the show - the Cavalier, Chevette and Opel Manta ‘B’. Some of the best surviving examples of these models will be on display at VauxALL, proudly sponsored by Cherished Vehicle Insurance Services.
The Cavalier, first introduced in 1975, enjoyed success in the UK for 20 years before it was replaced by the Vectra, which is also celebrating a milestone year. The Chevette was the marque’s small family car with a production run of nine years before being replaced by the Astra.
Also celebrating it’s ‘Golden Anniversary’ is the Opel Manta ‘B’, which replaced the original Manta in 1975 and remained in production until 1988. This model’s predecessor Manta ‘A’ and successor ‘Calibra’ are also celebrating milestone years - 55 years and 35 years respectively. Also celebrating a milestone is the Lotus Carlton, with several examples on display for the 35-year anniversary.
The final model being recognised at VauxALL is the Vectra. The replacement for the Cavalier in the UK was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1995 and saw several petrol and diesel engines over its 15 years lifespan, before the name was retired for the new Insignia in 2010.
Tim Watson, show founder and event commentator, commented: “Having seven models to commemorate is a sign of the marque’s success. I’m sure many people will have memories of at least one of the models we are celebrating this year. It’s important we recognise cars like the Vectra. Whilst it was designed to be an ‘everyday car’, to overlook a model that sold in its thousands is a disservice to the model and the marque. All mainstream cars, like the Vectra and Cavalier, have lifecycles, with most being scrapped and recycled at the end of their serviceable lives. Enthusiasts that keep examples alive enable us to rekindle memories that cars like this can hold and share with younger generations.”
Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, commented, “It’s fantastic to be hosting this exciting show for a third year to celebrate the Vauxhall marque. Tim’s passion for the brand is unquestionable, and I’m sure the show will be the biggest VauxALL yet!”
A firm favourite returning is the main arena, where professional commentator ‘Our Tim’ Watson will be interviewing guests, discussing the clubs and sharing stories of Vauxhalls. There will also be a range of trade stands that supply parts, car care products and models.
Show tickets also include the opportunity to explore the Museum and Collections Centre, home to over 400 historic British cars, including the Vauxhall Heritage Collection, a selection of cars and vans from across the storied history of Vauxhall, from the first 5hp four-seater car from 1903 to the 587 bhp VXR8 GTS-R of 2017.
All Vauxhall, Opel and Bedford models are welcome to join the display areas. A vehicle exhibitor ticket is just £12, including a vehicle display pass and admission for the driver. Extra tickets can be bought for additional passengers for just £12 each for adults and £7 each for children. Visitor show tickets cost £16 per adult, £9 per child, £14 per concession and £43 for a family. Camping is available on the evening of Saturday 17 May. Book in advance and save £10 with camping for just £25 per pitch (max 4 people). Pitches are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To find out more information about the show, please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/vaux-all
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The newest exhibition at the British Motor Museum is “The Gallery 2025”, a continuing collaboration with Historic Car Art, which will run until 26 June 2025. Visitors will be able to enjoy a collection of motoring-related pieces from a variety of Britain’s most creative automotive artists and sculptors.
The Gallery showcases a number of leading motoring artists and sculptors including Jonny Ambrose, Emma Capener, Steve Goodwin, John Ketchell, Oliver Ray and Keith Woodcock. From time to time during the run of the exhibition, ‘live art’ will be taking place where the artists continue their artwork at the Museum for visitors to see.
Alongside the exhibition, the Museum will also be running a competition for young artists. The competition will be judged by a panel including Head of Collections & Engagement, Stephen Laing and Historic Car Art Gallery owner Rupert Whyte. As part of the prize, winning young artists will have their work displayed as part of The Gallery 2025 from 29 May to 26 June. More information on the competition and how to submit artwork can be found on the Museum website. The closing date for entries is 28 April 2025.
Historic Car Art has been operating from its rural Derbyshire base since 2004. It has been built over time from a passion for art, cars, automotive history and the racing exploits of drivers and manufacturers, combined with a great interest in how this has all been depicted over the years in both artwork and promotional advertising. Historic Car Art is now a leader in acquiring and supplying original automotive art and vintage posters, building collections for discerning private and corporate clients worldwide.
Rupert Whyte, Historic Car Art Gallery owner, commented “It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to work with the British Motor Museum again for this exhibition. There are so many talented artists working in the automotive art scene today, and it’s a privilege for Historic Car Art to be able to bring our work to a wider audience through this partnership. We hope visitors enjoy perusing this collection - no matter what kind of car fan they are, they’re bound to find a piece that will capture their imagination.”
Stephen Laing, Head of Collections & Engagement at the British Motor Museum, added: "We're delighted to collaborate with Historic Car Art to showcase the work of some of Britain's most talented artists. The community of artists in Britain taking inspiration from the automobile and motorsport has arguably never been stronger. There is such a wide array of styles and media, capturing the motor car in almost every era and situation”.
Access to the exhibition is included with standard Museum admission tickets. Museum entry is just £46 for a family in advance or £52 on the day, £17 for adults in advance or £20 on the day, £15 for concessions in advance or £18 on the day, £9 for children (5-16 years) in advance or £10 on the day and under 5s are FREE. Visitors also have the option to convert to an Annual Pass, at no extra cost.
To find out more information about the exhibition, please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/explore/the-gallery-2025
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The British Motor Museum has won silver in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category in the prestigious West Midlands Tourism Awards 2025. The awards were held on 18 March at a special ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The Awards celebrate the success and accomplishments of tourism businesses across the West Midlands region, promoting the impressive strength of their services, venues, people, experiences and accommodation.
The Museum is proud of its continuous work to incorporate accessibility and inclusivity into all its activities, from conception to execution. The recent addition of the ‘Austin and Morris’ Office’ displays, with holographic presentations, is a key example of this. Both historic offices are equipped with a tablet, which subtitles the speeches given in the offices, and the displays are equipped with induction loops to support people with hearing aids. Additionally, the Museum hosts accessible school and community visits, and runs a Travel Support Fund to enable schools from low-income areas to visit the Museum by helping them to save money on coach travel.
The Museum also offers Touch and Access Tours and Object Handling workshops, allowing anyone to interact with the cars and objects on display. More recently, the Community team has expanded its external relationships, notably visiting Warm Hubs for the first time, to give people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see the Museum the chance to engage with the collections. A new permanent Changing Places toilet has also been installed which is designed to accommodate those with accessibility needs, with specialist equipment, such as a hoist and space for carers.
Stephen Laing, Head of Collections & Engagement at the British Motor Museum said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have won silver in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category. We're so proud to be recognised for our efforts to make automotive history and culture accessible to everyone. A big congratulations to all who were nominated and a big thank you to all those who support the British Motor Museum!”
The West Midlands Tourism Awards are supported by the West Midlands Growth Company, the region’s official destination marketing agency. Pre-pandemic, the tourism sector contributed £13.1 billion to the West Midlands economy, attracting 134 million visitors, and supporting more than 137,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
For more information about the West Midlands Tourism Awards visit http://westmidlandstourismawards.com/
To find out more about the British Motor Museum - www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Photo of (left to right) Jim Ellison, Emma Rawlinson and Stephen Laing from the Museum collecting the award
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