Blog Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Great British Car Journey

Help Luke win VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2023 Award

February 5, 2023 Andrew Talbot

Great British Car Journey’s classic car apprentice – Luke Henshaw – has been nominated for the prestigious VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award. And we want you to vote and help Luke win the award.

Luke (18) is just one of 10 finalists throughout England who are in the running for the prestigious award.

Last year the title was won by Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay. George was the first ever winner of the award in Derbyshire and the Peak District, and now the area has the unique opportunity to win again.

Luke Henshaw, Great British Car Journey’s classic car apprentice

Organised by national tourist board VisitEngland and supported by The Mirror, the Tourism Superstar competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.

The winner is decided by a public vote. The competition invites members of the public to visit mirror.co.uk/travel to watch a short film created for each of the 10 finalists and then to vote for their favourite. People have just six weeks to vote and help Luke, Derbyshire and the Peak District win the award.

Luke has worked at the classic car visitor attraction since it opened in May 2021 following his successful application to the Heritage Skills Academy (HSA) in Bicester. He is now one of only a few apprentices in the country who are training to become qualified craftspeople and heritage professionals to ensure the appropriate conservation, repair and maintenance of historic assets.

Luke, who lives in Mansfield and attended Brunts Academy, described the apprenticeship as a ‘dream come true’.

As part of his role at Great British Car Journey, Luke ensures nearly 150 classic British cars – which range in age from 1903 to 2000, are in working order. Luke also helps to keep a fleet of 38 cars maintained and fully roadworthy for the Drive Dad’s Car experience.

Luke is no stranger to awards. Last year he won the Tourism Young Achiever Gold Award in the 2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

Delighted to be shortlisted for the Tourism Superstar Award, Luke said: “I am absolutely blown away. I love working at Great British Car Journey. Being able to combine my passion for classic cars with a career is just brilliant. I get to work on them every day, learn new skills and also talk to other classic car enthusiasts who visit. I also love that my role enables me to inspire visitors of all ages to learn more about these unique vehicles, helping them have an enjoyable time here.”

Richard Usher, owner and founder of Great British Car Journey, added: “Luke is already a superstar to us. If he wins the VisitEngland title, then it will very much be the icing on the cake for all of us.

“Luke has impressed us from day one. He is keen to learn, enthusiastic and also a really personable young man who all the team enjoy working with and our visitors also enjoy talking to. He surprises many of our visitors with his knowledge of not only the cars at Great British Car Journey but classic cars in general. His youth belies his knowledge and the enthusiasm for these wonderful vehicles.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, added: “Luke is a fantastic role model and a brilliant ambassador for the tourism sector, demonstrating the rewarding careers and great opportunities available for young people in the industry. He is clearly passionate about inspiring visitors of all ages to have a memorable visit and we’re delighted to see him reach the final. Now we urge Derbyshire residents, businesses and visitors alike to get behind Luke and vote!”

The winner of the award will be announced during English Tourism Week 2023 (Friday 17 – Sunday 26 March 2023).

Each of the finalists are highlighted in a short video on the Mirror website. Simply watch the video, then vote for Luke. Voting is open until midnight on 20 March 2023.

To vote for Luke Henshaw to win the 2023 VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award complete the form here.

Help us solve the mystery of our latest exhibit

January 18, 2023 Andrew Talbot

A new car at Great British Car Journey has the attraction’s team scratching their heads.

The latest exhibit to join the 140-strong collection of classic cars – a 1974 Vauxhall Victor FE that has travelled just under 100 miles in 50 years and is in pristine condition – comes with a mystery to solve.

The car was discovered following the owner’s death – a Mr Milner. It was purchased by him in the summer of 1974 from Mercury Garage in Ilkeston. Six years later the car was taken to Derby to undergo Ziebart rustproofing – a popular option at the time – and then put back into storage. It was finally unearthed following Mr Milner’s death.

Before being stored away, the brightwork had been removed, covered in oil and bagged up and the interior was covered in polythene; all of which served to keep the vehicle in pristine condition over the years.

A range of spare parts for the vehicle, a number of petrol storage containers and a Haynes manual were all found in the boot of the car and remain there where it is on display at Great British Car Journey.

The museum’s social media has blown up since details of the mystery car was shared on it, with people speculating that Mr Milner bought the car, didn’t like it so confined it to storage; the odometer is broken; that it was Bully’s Star Prize on the 80s gameshow Bull’s Eye, and even alien abduction of the owner!

Richard Usher, founder and owner of Great British Car Journey, said: “We would love to know more about this Victor and why the owner never used it. It really is a one of a kind story that we’re desperate to know more about.

“If the name of Mr Milner or the car description rings any bells, please get in touch with us as we would love to solve the puzzle of this mystery car.”

The award-winning visitor attraction and Drive Dad’s Car experience are open throughout the year. Currently operating reduced winter opening hours, Great British Car Journey will open seven days a week during half term from Saturday 11 February until Sunday 26 February.

Plan your visit here

Founder’s Blog – January 2023

January 8, 2023 Andrew Talbot

Well Done Spireites!!

Twenty five years ago, when I was responsible for Sales and Marketing at Chesterfield-based Auto Windscreens, I was very involved in British football. Auto Windscreens was the shirt sponsor of Derby County, Birmingham City, Bristol City, Dunfermline Athletic and one or two more UK clubs as well as sponsoring the Auto Windscreens Shield (previously sponsored by arch-rivals Autoglass), which culminated in a final at Wembley which I attended on at least three occasions.

The Shield was a knockout competition for teams playing in what were then League Divisions Three and Four and I went to the old Saltergate ground a few times to see Chesterfield play in the early rounds.

I have never played football in my life and, until yesterday (Saturday 7th January), I had not been to a match for well over 20 years…but what a match!

An early goal from “The Baggies” (West Bromwich Albion), who play in “The Championship” so are ranked way ahead of non-League Chesterfield, looked ominous but Chesterfield were soon level and with only a few minutes to go they were ahead by three goals to two. There was sustained pressure WBA and in the end a mistake in defence (one of very few) allowed them to equalise so there will be a replay which I think will be at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich.

It was a thrilling encounter and my heartiest congratulations to Town who played brilliantly and were never over-awed by their very strong opponents. I am seriously thinking that I need a ticket for the replay!! Go you Spireites!!!

Watch the match highlights here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAj73H1Gl_E

EPC-UK donates life-saving defibrillator to Great British Car Journey

January 3, 2023 Andrew Talbot

A lifesaving defibrillator has been donated to Great British Car Journey.

The defibrillator has been donated to the museum by EPC-UK, a leading UK company in the field of commercial explosive and blasting services based in nearby Alfreton.

To ensure easy access, the new defibrillator is situated within the attraction’s main display at Ambergate. Staff at Great British Car Journey have also received training on how to use the life-saving piece of equipment.

There are around 60,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests that occur every year in the UK. Research has shown that deploying a defibrillator within 3–5 minutes of collapse can result in survival rates as high as 50–70%.

The donation was prompted by Great British Car Journey’s driving instructor, Tony Bird who assists with the Drive Dad’s Car experience at weekends. Tony is also an employee of EPC-UK where he is the Driver Training Manager and Emergency First Aid Instructor.

He explained: “I’m only too aware, through my professional role, of just how vital CPR training with access to a defibrillator can be in an emergency cardiac arrest situation. Having the right skills and equipment can enable an individual to instigate an immediate and often life-saving response until a paramedic or ambulance team arrives.

“I spoke to EPC-UK’s Head of Human Resources, Julie Wootton, who champions and organises our defibrillator fundraising efforts, and requested one of the donations be made here. Supporting my passion for both the museum and public safety, she didn’t hesitate to help.”

The defibrillator donation to Great British Car Journey is one of 25 that EPC-UK has made to date to benefit public-use facilities, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the company’s employees, partners and associates.

Julie Wootton said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to provide the museum with our latest, fundraised piece of defibrillator equipment, enabled as a result of money raised at our 2022 EPC-UK Charity Golf Day. Our employees, partners and associates will be nominating more public use organisations, like Great British Car Journey, who will benefit from receiving both a defibrillator and user training from EPC-UK.”

With thousands of people visiting the attraction each year, the new defibrillator is a welcome addition to the popular attraction. Richard Usher, founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey, said: “We are delighted, thanks to the kind generosity of EPC-UK, to now have a defibrillator at Great British Car Journey. In the same way that British car designs transformed motoring across the world, so too has another Great British invention – the portable defibrillator. It seems a fitting fact that the very first model created in 1965 by Frank Pantridge operated from car batteries.”

The defibrillator handover took place during a EPC-UK teambuilding event at Great British Car Journey. Senior managers from the company enjoyed an off-site management meeting at Great British Car Journey, which included a Drive Dad’s Car experience. The team drove the 1938 Wolseley, a classic Mini, Ford Capri, Morris Marina, Austin Allegro and Jaguar V12 from the Drive Dad’s Car fleet.

Ben Williams, Managing Director of EPC-UK, drove the Wolseley. He said: “I liked the idea of driving a pre-war car, also, it’s given me an excuse to wear my peaky blinders’ hat!”

EPC-UK MD Ben Williams got to wear his Peaky Blinders cap in our Wolseley.

Ben Coppock, General Manager Blasting and Explosives at EPC-UK, drove the Jaguar V12. He said: “I’ve never driven a Jag or a V12 so this has been my chance to enjoy this classic slab of British engineering.”

Ben Coppock with our ‘classic slab of British engineering’.

Great British Car Journey is the ideal venue for a a unique and nostalgic corporate event, which is perfect for bringing teams together and both interesting and challenging experiences. Whether it’s a stand-alone event or part of a conference or annual outing, our packages are suitable for groups of up to 80 people and include entry to the museum with an interactive tour, as well as the opportunity to drive at least one of the 38 cars in our ‘Drive Dads Car’ fleet.

Learn more about our corporate packages here or to book a personal drive, visit Drivedadscar.com.

The award-winning visitor attraction and Drive Dad’s Car experience are open throughout the year. Visit www.greatbritishcarjourney.com to find out opening times.

The little-known Austin connection to Wentworth Woodhouse

December 20, 2022 Andrew Talbot

2022 celebrated the centenary of the Austin Seven, the little car that made motoring accessible and affordable.

While Lickey Grange in Bromsgrove is best known as the home of Herbert Austin, founder of the Austin Motor Company at Longbridge, perhaps less well known is Austin’s connection to Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the grandest stately homes in the country.

Situated in the village of Wentworth in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, the 300-room house dates back to the Jacobean era.

This grand house must have been quite an eye-opener for Herbert Austin, who arrived as a bright, inquisitive four-year-old when his father took on the role of farm bailiff in 1870.

His family remained living on the estate throughout Herbert’s formative years as he attended the local village school and then Rotherham Grammar School.

Although Austin had long since departed Wentworth Woodhouse, a connection to the grand estate still existed. One of Austin’s contemporaries in the motor industry included a Yorkshire-based company called Simplex, a car and motorcycle manufacturer operating from 1907 to 1920 from its base in Tinsley, Sheffield. The company received financial backing from aristocrat and coal magnate Earl Fitzwilliam, owner of Wentworth Woodhouse. Like all car manufacturers during this period, they provided an expensive product for the few who could afford it.

Unfortunately, the post-war depression brought financial ruin for many of Austin’s contemporaries, including Simplex. However, Austin’s concept for a small, affordable family car saved his company from a similar fate. In 1922 Austin launched the immortal Seven, a car which was produced all over the world in different guises and in vast numbers. The first BMW car, the BMW Dixi was a licensed Austin Seven. In France the Austin Seven was known as Rosengarts.

It wasn’t particularly stylish or comfortable, but it was reliable and, crucially, affordable, creating a blueprint that was copied by Austin’s contemporaries, opening up the freedom of the road to millions of new car-owning families.

The Austin Seven heralded a golden era for British car manufacturers so that by the 1950s Britain was the largest car exporter in the world.

It is no surprise therefore to learn that this wonderful little car begins the story of Great British Car Journey.

The museum has a large collection of Austins, including an Austin Seven Sports 65, Opal 12, and 14 to name but a few. All are in full working order; illustrating perfectly why Austins were known as ‘Britain’s dependable car’.

Former Bangers and Cash star Sarah Crabtree and motorsports presenter Paul Woodford recently took a number of Austins for a drive at Ambergate. You can watch the hilarious series of films documenting their drives on the Great British Car Journey YouTube channel here – https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishcarjourney.

While seeing these cars in situ within the exhibition at Great British Car Journey is memorable, the best way to truly immerse yourself in the Austin experience is to take the ultimate nostalgic journey back into the past by getting behind the wheel of one of these fabulous machines.

Drive Dad’s Car is an opportunity to experience motoring as it was. There are a number of Austins on the Drive Dad’s Car fleet, including an Austin Seven Ruby Saloon as well as the more modern Austin classics, including Mini, 1300 GT, Allegro and Metro. All are available to take on an instructor-accompanied drive, with all cars equipped with digital cameras to capture the experience.

Relive memories of your motoring youth, or perhaps do something that you never could as a child – Drive Dad’s Car. Just pull out the choke, turn the key and take the ultimate trip down memory lane.

Entry to the Great British Car Journey visitor attraction is included with every Drive Dad’s Car experience. To arrange a classic driving experience at Great British Car Journey, please visit www.drivedadscar.com

Adult admission to Great British Car Journey starts at £16 and tickets can be purchased online here

Founder’s Blog – November 2022

November 22, 2022 Andrew Talbot

I was absolutely blown away by the attendance at what was going to be our last Gathering of 2022 on Saturday 19 November.

This was the first time we have run the event in daytime, and it attracted a phenomenal crowd of classic cars, and many visitors took time to visit the attraction as well as the café and gift shop. Our enthusiasts are obviously made of stern stuff and although some cars will have been laid up for the winter, it appears that our club motto of ‘Classic Driving Pleasure’ is an all-year-round pursuit for many.

As a result, we have decided to have one last event in 2022 on Sunday 18 December. This will be the last chance to mingle with classic enthusiasts over a festive beer or mulled wine.

At the festive Gathering, as our own version of Black Friday, all attendees will be entitled to 10% discount off any last-minute shopping in the gift shop. As usual tickets will be £5 either in advance via Eventbrite or on the gate.

The first Gathering event of 2023 will be on Monday 2 January (Bank Holiday Monday). Get rid of the excesses of Christmas and New Year with a gentle drive to Ambergate. At this event we’ll also be announcing a new name for all future Gathering events. Read on to find out more….

Help us come up with a new name

Next year The Gathering returns but under a new guise – and we want you to help us come up with a new name for it.

All suggestions for a new name will be entered into a free prize draw, and the winner will receive a 12″ x 18″ Autocar canvas of their choice.

You can enter the competition a number of ways – at The Gathering on Sunday 18 December, by email to to info@greatbritishcarjourney.com or via Facebook Messenger.

Entries close on Sunday 18 December. We’ll then compile a shortlist and put it to a public vote on Facebook. Voting closes on 31 December and the winning name will be announced at the event on Monday 2 January 2023.

Get your thinking caps on!

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday 18 December.

Richard Usher

Founder, Great British Car Journey

Great British Car Journey secures Autocar archive merchandise deal

November 4, 2022 Andrew Talbot

We’re delighted to announce that Great British Car Journey has completed an agreement with Haymarket Media Group to reproduce images and articles from the Autocar archive, which spans more than 125 years of automotive history.

The deal, secured by the Derbyshire-based classic car visitor attraction, follows the digitisation of more than a million pages of Autocar magazine, which has been published since November 1895.

Great British Car Journey is the first organisation to be licensed to reproduce and sell images from the Autocar archive.

Autocar is one of the world’s oldest car magazines, and the weekly’s archive is made up of around 6000 magazines.

The images from the newly digitised archive will be reproduced on a range of on-demand wall art, including framed and unframed canvases and prints as well as metal plaques.

The images are all available to order in a range of sizes through Great British Car Journey’s new online store.

Great British Car Journey founder, Richard Usher has selected an initial 75 front covers, dating from 1925 to the mid-1960s. They feature a range of British marques and models that have either disappeared from, or are rarely seen on, UK roads, including the Austin Seven, Morris Minor and the classic Mini.

The selected front pages are mainly hand drawn colour illustrations. “They are stunning images and evocative of a bygone era,” said Richard.

The images are available in four different sizes and prices start from just £16.99 and can be viewed and purchased from here.

Great British Car Journey was opened to the public in May 2021. Its new online store and partnership with Haymarket represents an exciting new development for the business.

Richard said: “This is a tremendously exciting development for Great British Car Journey. We are excited by the opportunity to present the Autocar archive and to share it with other car enthusiasts.”

Rachael Prasher, Managing Director of Haymarket Automotive, added: “Day-to-day we inevitably tend to focus on our future, but we are incredibly proud of our past, and it makes perfect sense for us to partner with a company that understands the history of the brand and the industry so well.”

“Autocar front cover is famous as the billboard for car manufacturers who want to show their latest model to the motoring public. Many of the marques that appeared on the Autocar front covers can now be found within the visitor attraction.”

More Autocar covers will be offered for sale soon.

Richard explained: “We will be adding more Autocar covers to our online store in the future, however we were keen to get the store launched ahead of Christmas.”

The Autocar prints can be purchased online at https://greatbritishcarjourney.com/buy-merchandise/ or ordered within the giftshop at the Great British Car Journey.

Discover the Autocar range today

A stunning selection of Autocar images are available in a range of sizes as framed and unframed prints and stretched canvases.

purchase now

Get up close to Great British competition cars this half-term

October 4, 2022 Andrew Talbot

Great British Car Journey is celebrating the British contribution to World Motorsport this half term with an exhibition of iconic British-built race and rally cars from 15th October – 6th November 2022.

There will be a selection of motor sport cars on display at the award winning classic car vehicle attraction, including some from circuit racing and rally sport cars, as well as actual cars that have competed in Formula One, Le Mans and the World Rally Championship.

Visitors will be allowed close access to the cars and will even be able to sit in some of them.

Discounted entry to the exhibition will be available to families, with a family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children reduced by 25% to just £30.

The UK is a key player in the world of motorsport, hosting rounds of the Formula One World Championship and World Rally Championship to name but a few. It is also the home of many of the current teams in Formula One, such as McLaren, Williams and Aston Martin, while teams such as Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Alpine and Haas are also based in England. The British Grand Prix race is the oldest in the Formula One World Championship calendar. First held in 1926, the British Grand Prix has been held annually since 1948 and has been a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship every year since 1950.

Since the Formula One World Championship began, the UK has provided 10 different world champions, winning 19 titles between them, more than any other nation.

As well as the motorsport display, the ticket also gains admission to the full Great British Car Journey exhibition which features more than 130 British built and designed cars between 1903 – 2000.

Richard Usher the founder of the Derbyshire-based motoring attraction commented: “It is increasingly difficult for the public to get up close to real racing cars. This is a rare opportunity for visitors to see immensely fast race cars at very close quarters. It’s a chance for children to sit in some cars which have competed at the highest level at the world’s most famous venues.”

Click here to book your tickets for the Great British Competition Cars exhibition at Great British Car Journey

A tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

September 9, 2022 Andrew Talbot

On Thursday (8^th September) It seemed entirely appropriate that by chance I had parked our Daimler Majestic Major Limousine outside the entrance to Great British Car Journey for our Great British Car Club monthly meeting.

As the sad news from Balmoral percolated through the members, I could not help but reflect on how the Daimler marque mirrored the boundless qualities of the monarch who has presided over the UK for the whole of my life.

Her Majesty the Queen‘s first state car was a Daimler DE27 and in the following eight decades there was always a Daimler somewhere in the royal car store. Classic in the true sense of the word, dependable, under-stated, reliable and ever-ready to serve are just a few of the qualities I associate with both the car and with Queen Elizabeth II.

Powerful, solid, but with immense magisterial presence…the list is long and encompasses unglamorous but dutiful virtues which lie at the very heart of greatness.

Virtually all the cars on display and stored at Ambergate are Elizabethan in the temporal sense but few, if any, could aspire to the values espoused by our late Queen.

Today will be a day for quiet reflection on a life undeniably well-lived tinged with sadness that an era has passed.

Richard Usher

CEO and founder, Great British Car Journey

Rare classic Mini joins Great British Car Journey

August 1, 2022 Andrew Talbot

A rare classic Mini has gone on display at Great British Car Journey, the award-winning classic car visitor attraction in Ambergate, Derbyshire.

It is one of the last 500 Minis ever produced in 2001, is unregistered, has less than five miles on the clock and still has all its factory plastic coverings and stickers on its windows.

‘Alec’, a Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500 has been lent to the classic car museum by Calver resident Jennifer Ruth Harris.

Named by Jennifer after Mini’s legendary designer Alec Issigonis, the majority of Alec’s miles were put on the clock at Great British Car Journey where Jennifer drove him for the first time 21 years to the day since she bought him.

He has been perfectly preserved since rolling off the transporter from the Mini factory and into Jennifer’s parents’ garage 21 years ago.

Alec now has pride of place in Great British Car Journey’s 10-strong classic Mini collection in the exhibition. The protective plastic still remains on all the bumpers, petrol cap and seats, and the factory stickers have also been left on the windows. However, the protective transportation wax coating, which still remained when it arrived at the museum, has since been removed from the anthracite paintwork and polished by an Autoglym specialist.

“Seeing Alec polished does make me want to drive him but I don’t think I will put him on the road. He’s too precious,” said Jennifer.

Originally bought to replace ‘Enzo’, an almond green Mini with a white roof and named after Issigonis’ best friend Enzo Ferrari, Jennifer always expected to put Alec on the road but never did. When the time came, she decided to rebuild Enzo and keep him running.

“It was during a visit to Great British Car Journey last November that we considered it might become Alec’s new home. Not only can everyone else enjoy Alec but I can pop along and see him whenever I want to.”

Richard Usher, CEO of Great British Car Journey added: “To say we were excited when we saw Alec is an understatement. He is incredibly rare and absolute perfection. We are honoured that Jennifer has chosen Great British Car Journey for its new home.”

Alec takes pride of place within the exhibition of more than 130 classic cars dating from 1902 to 2006 that were designed and manufactured in the UK. As well as the Mini, the exhibition contains some of the motoring industry’s long-lost marques and models, like Morris Minor, Austin Seven, Humber Hawk and Triumph Spitfire amongst many others. There are also two classic Minis available to drive in the Drive Dad’s Car experience at the attraction.

To find out more about Great British Car Journey and purchase tickets for an interactive experience celebrating British motoring visit greatbritishcarjourney.com. Or, for those looking for the ultimate trip down memory lane at the attraction drivedadscar.com.

Last Moggy Minor on display Great British Car Journey

July 1, 2022 Andrew Talbot

The last-ever Morris Minor saloon, which was manufactured in 1970, is on loan to Great British Car Journey.

The Trafalgar Blue two-door saloon has been lent to the the classic car attraction by Ray Newell, Club Secretary of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club (MMOC) which also restored car over a four-year period.

Ray Newell, Club Secretary of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club (MMOC) which restored car over a four-year period.

Ray, who lives in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, commented: “It is a fitting tribute to all those involved in the restoration – as well as the generous benefactors who supported the club in completing the undertaking – that the efforts of all concerned can be seen and appreciated by a much wider audience at Great British Car Journey.”

MMOC, which is headquartered in Derby, acquired the vehicle in 2016 and completed a four-year restoration project. Original components, including the engine and gearbox, were rebuilt after a specialist welder and fabricator handled the significant and essential structural repairs. The bulk of the remaining work was undertaken by volunteer club members.

Following its restoration, the last ever ‘Moggy’ was displayed at the MINI Plant Oxford in Cowley, Oxfordshire, where it originally rolled off the production line on 12 November 1970.

Now, it sits alongside famous marques and models in the attraction, including the classic Mini, Ford Escort and Capri, the Austin Seven and Metro – all cars that were produced in their millions but have long since disappeared from the nation’s roads.

Richard Usher, Founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey said: “Ray lives locally to us and has been a great supporter of the museum since its inception. I am delighted that he and the club have chosen the visitor attraction as a fitting venue. It’s a beautifully restored example and fits in perfectly here.”

The Morris Minor is among the most famous vehicles in British motoring history which were designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1942 before making its debut at the 1948 British Motor Show. It started a new generation of small cars, with drivers quickly falling in love with its light, rack-and-pinion steering which made it a delight to drive.

More than 1.6 million Morris Minors were manufactured between 1948 – 1970.

To see this delightful car for yourself as well as more than 130 other classic British cars on display at Great British Car Journey, book your visit and purchase your tickets here.

Or, for those looking for the ultimate trip down memory lane, pick from the 38-strong Drive Dad’s Car fleet and get behind the wheel of your favourite classic car. Visit drivedadscar.com to learn more.

Great British Car Journey wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

June 27, 2022 Andrew Talbot

Just 13 months after opening, Derbyshire’s indoor classic car visitor attraction has become a favourite on Tripadvisor.

Great British Car Journey, which is based in Ambergate, has been recognised by Tripadvisor with a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award winner for its excellent visitor reviews.

The award celebrates businesses that have received great reviews from travellers around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months.

The attraction consistently receives five-star reviews on the world’s largest travel guidance platform with one recent reviewer even claiming, ‘I would give it 10 stars if I could’.

The attraction, which opened on 22 May 2021 in the middle of the pandemic, has wowed more than 40,000 visitors who have travelled from throughout the UK to see the unique collection of more than 130 British classic cars and even drive some of them with the Drive Dad’s Car experience.

In addition to the Tripadvisor award, Great British Car Journey and Drive Dad’s Car have picked up numerous other awards, including Gold, Silver and Bronze in the 2022 Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards earlier this year.

As well as car marques that have long since disappeared from the UK’s roads, like Austin, Morris and Hillman, the collection boast cars with a very special story, like Lord Baden Powell’s former Rolls Royce (Jam Roll) and Elton John’s Bentley Continental T.

“Car museums can be very dull and that’s definitely what I didn’t want to create when I established Great British Car Journey. My team, and the many volunteers who work here, have done a brilliant job at helping create a memorable experience for everyone who visits and the Tripadvisor award certainly points to that,” explained the attraction’s founder Richard Usher.

Visitors to the attraction are guided around the display with a unique handheld audio device which tells the fascinating story of Britain’s once booming car design and manufacturing industry.

Richard added: “The cars we have on display at Great British Car Journey have played a big part in many people’s lives. Great British Car Journey is so much more than a car museum it is a trip down memory lane and, that, sets us apart from other motoring attractions and is helping us gain such fantastic Tripadvisor reviews. It’s great to see so many people love the collection and whole experience as much as I do.”

“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travellers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travellers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it’s using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you’ve taken to meet travellers’ new demands. You’ve adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity.”

To find out more about Great British Car Journey and purchase your tickets, visit greatbritishcarjourney.com Or, for those looking for the ultimate trip down memory lane, visit drivedadscar.com to learn more and book a drive.

Derbyshire Scouts welcome ‘Jam Roll ‘to Great British Car Journey

May 20, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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Arrival of Baden Powell’s Rolls Royce marks 1st birthday of Great British Car Journey

Derbyshire’s Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers have welcomed the most important car in the Scout movement’s 114-year history to Great British Car Journey.

‘Jam Roll’, Lord Baden Powell’s Rolls Royce, has gone on display to the public at Great British Car Journey, marking the classic car visitor attraction’s first birthday on 22 May 2022.

The 20hp Rolls-Royce, which was manufactured in Derby, was originally presented to Baden-Powell, along with a caravan (Eccles), at the 1929 World Jamboree on the Scouting movement’s 21st birthday.

The car was subsequently named ‘Jam Roll’ in recognition of its connection to the Jamboree and Rolls Royce.

The unique car boasts the Scout Fleur de Lys emblem, etched with the Scouts motto ‘Be Prepared’ on the radiator in place of the traditional Spirit of Ecstasy or ‘Flying Lady’, making it one of a kind.

Now, 93-years after it was presented to Baden Powell, ‘Jam Roll’ has joined the collection of classic cars at Great British Car Journey. The arrival of the car at the attraction was extra special for the Cubs in attendance, as it helped them earn their Collectors Badge.

Tom Stoddart, One of the Trustees of B-P Jam Roll Ltd which owns the car, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Jam Roll is now on display at Great British Car Journey and available to be seen by Scouts and Guides throughout the world. Retaining the car in Derbyshire was very important to us. It is an important piece of Scouting history, and we know that it will be well looked after by Richard and his team.”

Richard Usher, CEO of Great British Car Journey said: “We are thrilled to have such a uniquely historic car in the Great British Car Journey collection. It is a wonderful way to mark the 12-month anniversary of opening the attraction.”

Scouts around the world were asked to donate a penny per member and enough was raised to buy ‘Jam Roll’ and ‘Eccles’. Lord Baden Powell used the Rolls Royce and Eccles for many years and after his death in 1941 his family sold it to private owners. It was seen infrequently at Scouts events before being acquired by BP Jam Roll Ltd, a trust established to purchase in the car in 2008 ensuring it stayed in the country.

Following Jam Roll’s purchase by the trust, of which Lord Baden Powell’s grandson the Hon. Michael Baden Powell is a trustee, the car was sympathetically restored by Scouting volunteers and members of the Rolls Royce Heritage Centre where it was stored until it arrived at Great British Car Journey.

Jam Roll has found a new home at great British Car Journey where it is now on display alongside more than 130 British-built and manufactured cars which have long since disappeared from the roads, including the Austin Seven, Morris Minor and Ford Escort as well with a number of cars with equally famous owners, including Elton John’s Bentley Continental T.

Richard added: “The fact that ‘Jam Roll’ was made in Derby, only a few miles from Baden Powell’s wife’s home town of Chesterfield and indeed Great British Car Journey, gives this internationally important car a lovely local connection.”

Although now on display at Great British Car Journey, ‘Jam Roll’ will continue to make special appearances at Scout events.

To view Jam Roll and the wider car collection at Great British Car Journey, you can purchase tickets at greatbritishcarjourney.com or simply turn up and pay upon arrival.

If you’re looking for the ultimate trip down memory lane, pick from the 38-strong Drive Dad’s Car fleet and get behind the wheel of your favourite classic car. Visit drivedadscar.com to learn more.

Give Dad the ultimate trip down memory lane this Father’s Day!

May 13, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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If you’re looking for that unique gift for Father’s Day, then you’ve found it!

Pull out the choke, turn the key and send your loved one on the ultimate trip down memory lane!

Drive Dad’s Car gives you the opportunity to get behind the wheel of over 35 of the most popular cars ever made in Britain. Choose from an Austin Seven or a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit and everything in between, including the Mini, Morris Minor and Ford Capri!

Plus, we are offering you a 15% Early Bird discount and Drive Dad’s Car mug for the driver with all driving experiences booked in May.

Simply enter the code EARLYBIRD15 in the checkout to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

Vouchers are valid for 12 months, but this early bird offer isn’t, so don’t miss out and book an experience today!

Come and join us on our Century of Sevens celebration day!

April 26, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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2022 Marks the Centenary of our Hero car, the Austin 7.

We are looking to gather over 100 of this iconic little car, along with a celebration cake and run out into the Peak District.

Owners of Austin’s of any generation are invited to join us at Great British Car Journey on Sunday May 8th to celebrate the centenary of both the Austin Seven and the Austin Twelve. Anyone arriving in an Austin will be entitled to admission for just £10! so please get friends, relatives and anyone you know with an Austin involved!

Pre-war Austin owners are eligible to go on a 35-mile run taking in some of Derbyshire’s most glorious countryside and there will be a lunch stop at a location which will provide a further treat for car enthusiasts AND music lovers. You can enter this run free of charge, online here: https://bit.ly/38x1CON

Participants will receive a commemorative plaque, free tea and coffee and a slice of a special “Birthday Cake” which will be cut at 3:30 pm.

Contact us on info@greatbritishcarjourney.com if you’d like to arrange a club visit

Come and join us for National Drive it Day 2022!

April 5, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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Great British Car Journey is proud to be part of The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and are delighted to be supporting National Drive it Day 2022.

National Drive it Day has been running since 2005 and five classic car owners and the public the chance to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial, aimed to prove the viability of this new invention….the automobile!

Last year, over £40,000 was raised over for NSPCC’s Childline and we will be once again raising funds for Childline through the sale of Drive it Day commemorative plates (available on the day) or online from http://www.driveitday.co.uk/shop We will also be offering passenger rides in a selection of our classic cars and 10% of all money taken on the day will go to Childline.

Plus, we have reduced admission to Great British Car Journey for the day!

Adult £10 – Usually £16

Child £5 – Usually £7.50

Family £25 – Usually £40

(2 Adults and up to 3 Children)

We already have over 100 cars booked in to visit throughout the day, so get the date in your diary and come and join us on what will be a great day for the motoring enthusiast.

Members of Federation affiliated clubs will be permitted to enter the building to use the cafe and gift shop (Please provide proof of membership)

Come and join us for our Easter Family Fun Weekend

April 4, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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Easter 2022 is just around the corner and we’d love youto come and join us on an eggciting mystery character hunt through our car collection!

Pick your way through the classic cars and collect all the letters to spell the name of the mystery bunny at the end!

We’ve picked out eleven letters on our cars that spell the name of a famous Bunny! All you haveto do is search for the cars where the letter comes from and the arrange them into the name of the mystery bunny.

Start off your Easter adventure by collecting your clue sheet and pencil from reception.
Find all the letters in the Mystery Bunny’s name and arrange them in to the right answer.
Once you’ve completed the sheet with the right answer, you can collect your choccy treat from reception.

There will also be prizes for little visitors who arrive with a ‘car or motoring’ themed Easter hat/bonnet.

Best of all, family tickets for the Easter weekend have been reduced from £40to £30 – book your placetoday: https://bit.ly/GBCJTkts

Triple win for Great British Car Journey in2022 Tourism Awards

March 4, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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Great British Car Journey’s apprentice mechanic Luke Henshaw has been named as the 2022 Tourism Young Achiever in the Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

Luke (18) was one of just 15 Gold winners at the awards, which were organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. ‘Tourism Young Achiever’ was a new award category added to the awards line-up to recognise the thousands of jobs supported by tourism across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

In addition to Luke’s win, the Ambergate-based classic car attraction also scooped the silver award in the New Tourism Business category and bronze in the Experience of the Year category for its unique Drive Dad’s Car experience just 10 months after opening its door to visitors.
Luke, from Mansfield, joined Great British Car Journey in April ahead of the popular attraction opening in May 2021. He works and learns alongside the attraction’s Chief Engineer and to keep a fleet of nearly 200 cars in working order.

Delighted to be recognised, Luke said: “it’s a great honour to be recognised. I was a little nervous but the atmosphere was brilliant and a great experience for my first awards ceremony. I’m learning so much at Great British Car Journey. It’s a fantastic place to work with an amazing variety of the cars that I get to work on daily. It’s brilliant.”

Richard Usher, founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised across three categories in the awards after opening just 10 months ago amidst Covid restrictions.
“Luke, as indeed all the team – from volunteers and paid employees – are integral to ensuring Great British Car Journey continues to grow and become the go-to destination for classic car enthusiasts throughout the UK.

“Despite recent setbacks with the weather, we’re all really looking forward to 2022. We have even more plans for the attraction in the pipeline and the team and I are definitely aiming for more golds in the awards next year.

Designed to recognise and reward excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector, the awards brought together 41 finalists in 15 categories for a glittering ceremony at Chesterfield’s four-star Casa Hotel.
Great British Car Journey is open seven days a week from 10.00am until 5.00pm and charts the history of the British motoring industry through more than 130 cars on display, including Austin Sevens, Morris Minors, Minis, Ford Escorts and even a McLaren supercar.

You can book tickets to visit us at: www.greatbritishcarjourney.com

THANK YOU TEAM!

February 25, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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WOW…..What a week we’ve had here at Great British Car Journey and not one we’d like to repeat!

Like many businesses and local residents, we didn’t escape storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin unscathed. At one point, the River Derwent was recorded as flowing at 220 tonnes per second through Matlock Bath (the highest ever recoded)

Our team has worked tirelessly to get the attraction open as quickly as possible for out visitors (it is 25,000 sq. ft!) and we were immensely proud to open the doors up at 10:00am today.

We’re not a big team, but every department has pitched in without hesitation, so thank you to the Cleaning, Catering, Office support, Reception, Maintenance teams and Volunteers. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Back open Friday

February 21, 2022 Andrew Talbot

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NEWS UPDATE

Thanks for all your well wishes today, following the flooding that has affected us and our neighbours around the Derwent Valley and Peak District.

Our flood defence system worked extremely well, but we did experience some minor water ingress into the main hall and as a result, need to carry out some maintenance and cleaning up around the site.

We will re-open this Friday the 25^th of February and remain open 7 days a week from 10:00am until 5:00pm

If you have booked tickets for the next few days, we will be happy to honour them when you are next able to visit us and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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Give Dad the ultimate trip down memory lane this Father’s Day!

If you’re looking for that unique gift for Father’s Day, then you’ve found it!

Come and join us on our Century of Sevens celebration day!

Come and join us for National Drive it Day 2022!

Come and join us for our Easter Family Fun Weekend

Triple win for Great British Car Journey in2022 Tourism Awards

THANK YOU TEAM!

Back open Friday

Visit the Exhibition, Drive the Cars & Buy the Merchandise

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