THE HERITAGE MOTOR Centre at Gaydon has a new name ahead of a new look.
The world’s largest collection of historic British cars has been re-named the British Motor Museum, and will be undertaking a major refurbishment of the museum this winter as well as unveiling a new £4million Collections Centre.
The change of name is geared towards reflecting the national and international significance of its collections.
An investment of £1.1million by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust will transform the museum, which will close to visitors from November 30 to allow the refurbishment to take place.
Bosses say the changes will result in a more “visually exciting and immersive display” at the museum, which first opened in 1993.
An introductory gallery within the new visitor entrance will set the scene and flow into distinctive new themed zones, including ones for movie cars, prototypes and sports cars.
The current ethos of allowing visitors to get up close to the exhibits will not change but there will be different ways to view the cars – with many on raised plinths and some at eye level.
Families and enthusiasts alike will be able to stroll along the Time Road, look under open bonnets, and enjoy new interactive content including sound, film and touch screens.
The Collections Centre will store around 250 vehicles from the reserve collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
Many of the vehicles are one of a kind and most have never been seen by the public. A new team of volunteers will take visitors on a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour to view both the cars and the conservation work in progress in the historic vehicle workshops.
Julie Tew, managing director at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce these exciting new changes which will significantly enhance our status and appeal.
“The museum refurbishment and the new Collections Centre will enrich our visitors’ experience and showcase our collections to their full potential. Not only will our prized collection of 300 historic British cars be far more accessible, but our museum will give people the chance to learn more about the past, present and future of the British motor industry, its technology and its people.”
The revamped museum and Collections Centre are set to re-open to the public next February.
Visit britishmotormuseum.co.uk for further details.
