Category: British Motor Museum

1. SKYFALL's DB5 now on display at the HMC!

   Posted on 8:50am Wednesday 2nd Oct 2013

   The Aston Martin DB5 which appeared in James Bond’s SKYFALL™ is now on display at the Heritage Motor Centre until spring 2014.

   The model on display was the actual car that was used for most of the driving sequences in the film which stars Daniel Craig as 007. The car is privately owned but on loan to Eon who produces the Bond films.  The HMC also has the Land Rover Defender 110 double cab pick-up, driven in the opening sequence of SKYFALL, amongst its collections. Although on display at the HMC, the car will be show-cased at the Classic Motor Show on the 15, 16 and 17 November at the NEC.

   Ever since its first appearance in Goldfinger in 1964 with Sean Connery, the DB5 has become the archetypal 007 car and one of the most iconic British cars in the world. A DB5 has appeared in four out of the five most recent 007 films. Prior to filming SKYFALL the car was prepared in just seven weeks by Aston Martin Works, transforming a green car into the familiar silver of the MI6 agent’s favourite automobile.  The car was not fitted with any of Q’s trademark gadgets; however visitors can see a black line on the roof as the outline of the panel for the ejector seat. In the film, the DB5 met a fiery end outside Bond’s Scottish childhood home but fortunately this was only by use of a model and camera trickery.

   A natural development of the DB4, the DB5’s four seater coachwork was built by the Italian design house, Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. The car used ‘Superleggera’ aluminium body construction, in which alloy panels are fixed to a tubular frame built onto a platform chassis. The car has a 4 litre engine and a top speed of 142 mph. The price from new was £3,650.

   Stephen Laing, Curator for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to have the Aston Martin DB5 and Land Rover Defender amongst our prized collection. We have been privileged to have displayed many iconic and famous film & TV vehicles over the years including Batman & Robin’s Batcycle, Lara Croft’s Land Rover Defender from ‘Tomb Raider’, James Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from ‘Quantum of Solace’ and Dr Who's 'Bessie' a Siva Ford tourer built for the 3rd Doctor Who”.

   Museum entry fees apply: Adults £12, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £10 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children). Buy one day and get 12 months free if you Gift Aid your entrance.

   www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

2. A chance to learn about the history of RAF Gaydon‏

   Posted on 8:03am Tuesday 24th Sep 2013

   The Heritage Motor Centre is to give visitors the chance to learn all about the history of RAF Gaydon at a special lecture on Saturday 2 November.  The lecture, to be given by John Bishop, local historian and HMC employee, will give visitors an insight into the history of the airfield plus there will be an opportunity to visit the old RAF Gaydon Control Tower now the Observation Tower - part of the Jaguar Land Rover site.

   Gaydon was one of several RAF airfields in the Midlands which enjoyed two separate periods of existence, one as a wartime training base and the other when it was rebuilt and put back into service for very different aircraft. From 1942 - 1974, RAF Gaydon was home to Wellingtons during WW11 and V Bombers during the Cold War RAF at Home days and later, Varsities and Valettas part of the Navigation school.

   John Bishop has worked at the Heritage Motor Centre for 17 years and is responsible for promoting and selling the Centre to Clubs and Groups.  John’s favourite motor-sport is Rallying and he has taken part in several car based charity events including the Convoy for Heroes World Record attempt in 2012 in his Freelander.

   John stated “I’m delighted to be giving this lecture on the history of RAF Gaydon. I’ve always lived in the area and find the subject fascinating, so much so that I organised the 60th Anniversary event in 2002 and set up a small exhibition in the Museum at HMC. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with other liked minded enthusiasts.”

   The lecture costs just £30 per person and includes a visit to the former Control Tower, lunch (one course including tea/coffee) and entry to the Museum.  The lecture takes place from 10:30am – 3pm and must be pre booked as places are limited. For more information about the HMC please visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk or call 01926 641188.

    

    

3. Heritage Motor Centre to host brand new "Classic post-war Motorcycle Show"

   Posted on 3:35pm Saturday 20th Jul 2013

   Heritage Motor Centre to host brand new "Classic post-war Motorcycle Show"

   The Heritage Motor Centre is launching a brand new show this year for enthusiasts of postwar 1945 motorcycles.

   The “Classic post-war Motorcycle Show” will take place on Sunday 25 August and is expected to attract over 700 bikes from a host of motorcycle clubs and private individuals. Although the HMC currently organises the annual nostalgic Banbury Run for pre-1931 motorcycles & 3 wheelers, it appeared there was a gap in the events calendar to showcase motorcycles from the post war era.

   In addition to the display of these marvelous machines including BSA, Triumph, Matchless, Norton, Kawasaki and Yamaha, visitors can also chat about biking experiences with fellow bikers plus wander around a bike jumble and trade stands as well as enjoying refreshments and a live band.

   Tom Caren, Show Manager for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to be launching a new show to showcase post-war motorcycles.  The post-war classic motorcycle scene is a popular area for enthusiasts of both British and foreign motorcycles. With over 700 bikes on display, these nostalgic machines will be a fantastic spectacle to admire plus being a great day out to meet other like-minded enthusiasts!”

   Onsite camping is available on the Saturday night and visitors are advised to enquire at the time of booking. Motorcycle entries are £7 per person. Spectator prices are £12 for Adults, £10 for Concessions, £8 for Children (Age 5-16) and under 5’s are free. For advanced tickets please call 01926 645029.

   www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

4. 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

5. 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