Category: British Motor Museum

1. Special 007 cars & secret agents at the Heritage Motor Centre

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 28th Apr 2010

   The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, is organising a whole host of exciting activities for families during May Half Term. From James Bond Week and Spy School to the Gaydon Spring Classic and Metro 30^th Anniversary, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

   ‘Bond Week’ , which takes place from 29 May – 6 June, will offer visitors the chance to see an exhibit of cars from the James Bond films. Making a special guest appearance will be the Aston Martin DBS from the opening scene of Quantum of Solace, the BAD1 Jaguar XK & the Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day . Each day children can enjoy a free activity and make their own spy de-coder to solve cryptic clues around the museum. 

   On Thursday 3rd June, children can enjoy ‘ Spy School’ to make their own spy gadgets and learn the art of secret message writing. This free, drop-in activity will take place from 11am – 3pm in the Education Room. Normal museum admission prices apply and children can take home what they make.

   Running daily during the half term week, visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities including Go Karts, Mi niature Roadway and the centres very own 4x4 Experience. Sessions run daily, weather permitting, from 11am – 4:00pm and are open to non-museum visitors.

   Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars gather for a fantastic day out at the ‘ Gaydon Spring Classic’ on Sunday 30 May from 10am – 5pm. Those arriving in a vehicle older than 20 years old can benefit from a reduced museum entry fee of just £5 per person - the museum entry fee at the time of opening in 1993. Also taking place that day from 10am - 4pm is the Metro 30^th Anniversary, a special event which celebrates 30 years of the Austin Metro, 20 years of the Rover Metro and 15 years of the Rover 100.  Visitors can see for free a display of Metro models from 1980 -1998 plus an exhibition of Metros in motorsport and nostalgic 1980's music, quizzes and competitions.

   Sunday 30 May also plays host to the‘ Two Stroke Rally’ from 10am – 4pm.  The event, which is open to owners of two stroke vehicles, will feature cars, vans, commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Primarily a static display, owners will have the opportunity of testing their vehicles unique abilities and visitors will be able to watch for free.

   ‘Boot 4 Ben’ , a charity car boot sale, takes place on Monday 31 May and is open to the public and traders. Gates open at 9am and close at approximately 3pm. All proceeds raised from the pitch fees will be split equally between BEN, the automotive industry charity, and BMIHT. Further 'Boot 4 BEN' car boot sales will also takes place at the HMC on Monday 30 August & Sunday 19 September.

     Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “With our special Bond Week, Spy School and a host of exciting and nostalgic motoring events, the Heritage Motor Centre has something for everyone to enjoy this May half term”.

   Visitors can take advantage of the museums ‘Gift Aid' scheme by choosing to Gift Aid their entry on arrival and receive a 12 months entry ticket at no extra cost. Visitors can then return for a whole year - for free! (terms & conditions apply). Museum entry is: Adult £9, Concession £8, Child (5-16), £7 Family, £28 (2 adults and up to 3 children). Prices per ride for the Go-Karts are £6 for adults, £4 for children and concessions. Rides for the Miniature Roadway cost £3.

    

   To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

2. Hundreds of Porsches converge at the Heritage Motor Centre

   Posted on 12:00am Tuesday 27th Apr 2010

   Hundreds of Porsches will converge at The Heritage Motor Centre for ‘The Porsche Show’ on Sunday 6 June from 10am – 4pm. Now in its 3^rd year, the f riendly, informal show is dedicated to all things Porsche and includes plenty of fun activities for all the family.

   Visitors will be able to wander around hundreds of Porsche models spanning every generation. Specialist trade vendors, magazines, insurers and car cleaning companies will also be present. A bouncy castle and fun centre will be provided for children’s entertainment.  Catering and bar facilities will also be provided; alternatively the grass area provides the perfect setting for picnics.

   The ticket, which costs £11 for adults, £10 for children, £10 for concessions and £38 for a family, also includes entry to the museum where visitors can wander around the world's largest historic collection of British cars. Discounted advance tickets can be booked through the Ticket Hotline by telephoning 01926 287728 or online at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk. Camping is also available for the evening of Saturday 5 June and costs £13 in advance or £18 on the day.

   Emma Rawlinson, Event Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We’re delighted to be hosting The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Clubs TIPEC10 'Porsche Show' The event is an absolute must for Porsche enthusiasts and anyone who loves these iconic sports cars ”.  

   The Porsche Show is just one of many exciting and unique motoring events held at The Heritage Motor Centre in 2010.

   To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

3. Heritage Motor Centre wins prestigious industry award

   Posted on 1:34pm Wednesday 3rd Mar 2010

   The Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, has won a prestigious award at the Renaissance West Midlands Best of the West Awards 2010. The results were announced at a ceremony on Friday 26 February at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham. The Centre scooped the ‘ Best Temporary Exhibition Award’ for the Mini 50th Anniversary Exhibition which took place in 2009. The annual awards programme aims to reward excellence and highlight best practice in museums and galleries in the West Midlands.

   Tens of thousands of visitors travelled to the Heritage Motor Centre to visit the major exhibition which celebrated the life and times of Britain's favourite little car.  ‘ 50 Years of the Mini’ opened on 10 May 2009 and ran until 23 December charting the history of this great British car. The exhibition featured iconic cars from the museum's collection; including the first Morris Mini produced at Cowley in 1959 and told the story of the design, production and development of the car that became a symbol for the "Swinging Sixties". Due to its success and popularity visitors are still able to access the exhibition until after Easter 2010.

   Tim Bryan, Head of Collections at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted and honoured to have won such a prestigious Best of the West industry award.  It is a fantastic achievement for everyone concerned to be recognised and rewarded for our Mini Exhibition which attracted visitors from all over the world. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work, commitment and dedication in ensuring the exhibition was an outstanding success”.

   To find out more about the Heritage Motor Centre please visit the web-site at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

4. Beware of the dark forces at the Heritage Motor Centre

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 4th Feb 2010

    

   Daleks and Storm troopers are to invade the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon on Sunday 21st February from 10am – 4pm. ‘ Who Wars’ will see life size iconic characters from Dr Who and Star Wars roaming the museum in between the world’s largest historic collection of British cars. Fans will have the chance to meet their beloved screen characters including Darth Vader, Jabber the Hut, Scarecrow Men and the infamous Daleks.

    

   Throughout the day Who Wars themed activities will take place in the Education room including the chance to make Star Wars mini figures, or build a Tardis. Characters from both legendary screen hits will battle it out in a Who Wars Question Time to test their 'galactic' knowledge. The Question Time will be MC’d by Who Wars very own Doctor, with the opportunity for members of the audience to ask their own questions. Visitors will also have the chance to buy official merchandise from specialist trade stands and have their photographs taken with the characters.

    

   During half term week the family can enjoy a host of fun filled activities. On Thursday 18 February children can take part in special craft activities from 11am - 3pm. Or they can ride as a passenger and experience the extreme capabilities of an off-road vehicle on the 4x4 Experience (5 yrs+). Sessions will take place daily (13-21 February), weather permitting, from 10.30am – 4:30pm and are open to non-museum visitors.

    

   Emma Rawlinson, Events Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We are delighted to be hosting Who Wars which will give fans the opportunity of meeting these legendary characters as they roam around our prized collection of cars. The Heritage Motor Centre has a whole host of fun activities to keep everyone entertained during half term week. ”

    

   Normal museum entry fees apply for Who Wars. A family ticket costs just £28 for 2 adults & 3 children. Prices per ride for the 4X4 Experience cost £6 for adults and £4 for children and concessions.

    

   Who Wars is just one of a whole host of family events taking place at the Heritage Motor Centre during the school holidays in 2010. To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk