BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM
The British Motor Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British Cars; it boasts over 400 cars in its collection which span the classic, vintage and veteran eras. Situated in the small village of Gaydon, Warwickshire, just off junction 12 of the M40. The Museum building is a spectacular piece of architecture with an art deco design, whilst the Collections Centre building is a modern contrast. Together they stand proudly in a beautifully landscaped setting of 65 acres, which rolls out onto the Warwickshire countryside.
Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985, EX-E was an Austin Rover design study and marked a new direction for the MG marque, with the exterior by Gerry McGovern under the direction of director, Roy Axe.
Intended as a road car but having potential to be developed for competition, the mechanicals were derived from the MG Metro 6R4 rally car, including the 250 bhp V64V 3-litre V6 engine. The four wheel drive transmission was also borrowed from the 6R4.
The structure of the highly aerodynamic body is a bonded, high strength aluminium frame, with plastic exterior panels. The all-glass roof was a striking feature, showing aerospace influences, while the luxurious interior incorporated a highly sophisticated instrument and control system.
The Minor was Issigonis' first complete car design. Features included unitary construction, rack and pinion steering, independent front suspension with torsion bars and small, 14 inch, wheels.
Codenamed 'Mosquito', Issigonis' first design was narrower but was later widened by four inches, leaving a distinctive line down the bonnet and cover plate in the bumper.
The Morris Minor was the first British car to sell one million units. This is the first production Minor. Morris re-acquired it in 1961 in exchange for a 'Minor Million' built to mark the production of the millionth Minor. To launch the Minor Million, a competition was held to find the oldest Minor surviving, and that oldest Minor turned out to be the first!
The trophy collection of a two-time World Champion …… quite impressive with some beautiful trophies.
Mk 1 Lotus Cortina raced by Jim Clark when he secured the British Saloon Car Championship in 1964, a time when the drivers drove anything and everything!
Lotus Elan S/E coupe, owned by Jim Clark, notice the left hand drive as it was kept in Paris !
Cockpit of the Lotus 25 R6.
The final resting place of Jim Clark, in the cemetery of Chirnside Parish Church, Chirnside. I think it says much about the man that on his headstone, it refers to him as “Farmer”, before listing his racing success.