Category: British Motor Museum

1. Aston Martin - A Century of Craftsmanship' exhibition opens 20 July at the Heritage Motor Centre‏

   Posted on 10:44am Monday 15th Jul 2013

   'A new exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 20 July 2013 at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, near Warwick.  Visitors can learn the behind-the-scenes story of Aston Martin’s first 100-years and the craftsmanship involved in making these iconic cars.

   ‘Aston Martin - A Century of Craftsmanship’ features material from the collection of Roger Stowers, Aston Martin’s former historian. The Collection was donated to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited in 2001.  This is the first result of a two-year Project, which was awarded a generous grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  Aston Martin Lagonda and the Aston Martin Heritage Trust are also supporting the Project.

   The display will take a fresh look at Aston Martin’s history through its long tradition of craftsmanship. This is a chance to see unique documents and photographs, some of which have not been publically available until now.  There will also be a small display of Aston Martin cars which will change throughout the life of the exhibition.

   Located on the Mezzanine floor, this exhibition runs from the 20 July 2013 until December 2014 and will evolve during this time, to feature new material and exhibits. Admission to this new exhibition is included within the standard museum entry fees.

   www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

2. Heritage Motor Centre to host Morris Centenary Rally‏

   Posted on 10:45am Thursday 11th Jul 2013

   The Heritage Motor Centre is to host a special centenary Rally celebrating 100 years of the Morris motor car on Sunday 14 July.

   Organised by the Bullnose Morris Club, the Rally is a tribute to William Morris, also known as Lord Nuffield and famous for his creation of the Morris car. Over 100 Morris cars manufactured from 1913 - 1987 are expected to join the Rally.

   Many examples of Morris cars through the decades will be on display outside the Museum from 10am - 4pm. As a special tribute to the event, Museum visitors will also be able to view 6 Morris Oxford Bullnose models with White and Poppe four cylinder engines that are 100 years old.

   For more information on the event please contact John Bishop, Club, Groups & Rallies Senior Co-ordinator on 01926 645032 or [email protected]. 

    www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

3. Motorcycle Rider Skills Workshops

   Posted on 3:34pm Tuesday 2nd Jul 2013

   A two-part course designed for riders who want to enhance their skills and take their riding to the next level, working towards the DSA Enhanced Rider Certificate, a national DSA qualification, which is recognised by most leading Insurance companies and could earn you a discount on your premiums.

   PART ONE: A one day course at the Heritage Motor Centre

   ·         Welcome and safety briefing / Morning Coffee

   ·         Theory including Collision causation factors and the main areas where bikers crash.

   ·         Basic machine checks

   ·         Slow riding and machine handling

   ·         Cornering techniques/principles

   ·         Lunch (one course including Tea or Coffee)

   PART TWO:  Mutually agreed assessment on another day

   ·         Dedicated two hour assessment ride out on a 1;1 basis

   ·         Debrief from assessment

   ·         DSA Enhanced Rider Certificate.

   Price: £105.00 per person

   24 August & 5 October 2013, 9:30am -5pm

   Includes hand outs and guidance to take away, limited to 12 places.

   www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

4. Classic Virgins Wanted!

   Posted on 1:02pm Monday 1st Jul 2013

   The Heritage Motor Centre is pleased to announce a new experience day providing an introduction to the classic car scene for potential or first time owners. The ‘Classic Virgins Day’, is to be held at Gaydon on Saturday 28 September.

   The day will give participants the theory of classic car ownership including choosing a classic car, finance, insurance, club support etc. The day will also include some “hands on” experience in the workshop to enable new owners to tackle basic maintenance with greater confidence. Experienced tutors will guide the participants through basic maintenance issues of lubrication, carburettor and fuel pump, ignition and brake adjustment.

   In the afternoon participants will ride in a range of classic cars through the Warwickshire countryside with a rendezvous at the Tool Connection showroom in Southam. Cars have been made available by a range of club members giving their time and, more importantly, a chance for those taking part to sample the thrill of classic motoring.

   Bob Wilkinson, Course Director, said “I’m excited about this event and sharing our enthusiasm with those considering buying a classic car. For the rides I have assembled a group of classic cars covering a range of values and styles – sports cars and saloons from several decades. The participants will be in a better position to make an informed decision about becoming a classic owner without the sales pressure which usually goes along with buying a first car. The day will be an enjoyable experience to give as a birthday present for a family member or a friend considering becoming a classic car owner”.

   Emma Rawlinson, Lifelong Learning Officer at HMC said “Car clubs have been concerned about getting the next generation of classic car owners involved in the hobby. This experience day will hopefully be just the thing to attract them. Gaydon’s central location and facilities make it ideal for such an event”.

   The cost is £50 per person including lunch, refreshments and museum entry. Please note the event is open only to those over 18 years of age. For more information about the Heritage Motor Centre please visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 641188.

5. Volunteers at HMC finish the restoration of a 1958 MGA chassis‏

   Posted on 1:05pm Thursday 27th Jun 2013

   A team of 25 dedicated volunteers at the Heritage Motor Centre have completed the restoration of a 1958 MGA Twin Cam Coupe chassis.  The work began in November 2012 and the restoration was completed in May 2013.  The MGA will go on display in the Museum on Tuesday 25 June.

   The MGA dates from 1958 and has been part of the Museum’s reserve collection for a number of years.  Originally a complete car, it was one of only 300 or so Twin Cam coupés made by MG and is thought to have been shown either on the Earl’s Court Motor Show stand or at the New York Motor Show. Subsequently sectioned and painted in an array of colours as a technical demonstration for apprentices and students alike, it eventually became a museum piece. Over the past seven months, the volunteers have painstakingly stripped down, cleaned, restored and repainted the MGA, retaining some of the unusual livery that the car has acquired over its lifetime.

   Now the restoration is complete the team will embark on two new projects. The first to restore a Rover gas turbine instructional unit which was designed to train students at technical colleges and universities and the second to restore a 1960 Standard Ensign which was the last model to roll off the line at Canley before the Standard marque disappeared in 1963.

   Sonja Dosanjh, Volunteer Co-Ordinator at the HMC stated “The team has thoroughly enjoyed working on this fascinating project. They have worked incredibly hard restoring the MGA to its former glory and the results have been worth the many months of dedication and commitment that the team has put in and we now look forward to our next few projects”.

   www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk