The UK is famed for its range of car museums, where visitors can see beautiful motors on display. A must-see venue is the Coventry Transport Museum because it contains some of the most unique cars in the country. Noteable models include the Thrust SSC and Thrust 2, the fastest cars in the world. There are plenty of other exhibits and we’re investigating what can be seen when you step inside the building.
The Transport Museum contains all manner of vehicles, with the first exhibit being put together in 1937. This took the form of a private collection of cycles, given to the City of Coventry by Samuel Bartleet. The first collection of cars was added in 1952. Prominent exhibitions started in 1960, with them being shown in the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. As the collection grew, the vehicles were placed in different local sites.
In 1980, the Transport Museum opened its doors because the collection had outgrew the space within the Herbert Art Gallery. Today, it houses a range of cars, motorbikes, cycles, books and automobilia.
Exhibitions
A new industry
This exhibit contains a number of motorbikes and cars from 1900 to 1914. Examples include a 1912 Siddeley-Deasy, which cost £685 at the time.
Growth of the motor industry
This exhibit is built around cars from 1918 to 1939. There’s a focus on art deco designs, with many cars featuring curved roofs, sloping windscreens and sweeping wing lines.
Motor City UK
This exhibit was put together to celebrate Coventry’s status as the UK’s Motor City. This happened during the 1950s, when the country became the world’s second largest car manufacturing industry.
Jaguar heritage
Housing a range of Jaguar cars, this collection is made up of vehicles provided by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. The trust was founded to preserve the heritage of Jaguar for educational purposes.
Coventry champions
Coventry champions celebrates people who made a name for themselves in the world of cars and motorbike racing. Coventry car firms like Rootes enjoyed success with their rally team. A 1954 Sunbeam MK III rally car is on display in the collection.
4D Simulator
The 4D simulator is built around the experience of breaking the land speed record, set by the Thrust SSC.
These are just some of the exhibits that are on display at the Coventry Transport Museum. Admission is free and there’s fun to be had for the whole family. For more information you can go to the website.
