Latest News Archives - Great British Car Journey

Incredibly rare Derbyshire-made car returns home

November 21, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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An incredibly rare piece of Derbyshire’s car making history has made a return to the county.

Better known for the manufacture of Rolls-Royces and Toyotas, few people know that in the 1950s, Derbyshire was also home to the production of the now almost forgotten Paramount car.

And now, the fifth Paramount car ever made has gone on display at Great British Car Journey after being discovered at a classic car auction.

Richard Usher, founder and director of Great British Car Journey explained: “We consider ourselves experts in British classic cars but even the Paramount was a mystery to the team here. We had no idea this car even existed. It wasn’t until we were alerted to its local history that we knew we had to have it and bring it home. The Paramount really is a forgotten piece of Derbyshire’s motoring heritage.”

Only 10 Paramount cars were manufactured at the factory in Swadlincote and all of them bear the registration PNU, and were numbered 1 – 10. Great British Car Journey’s Paramount original number plate would have been PNU 4.

“We’d love to trace another of the Swadlincote Paramounts, but we think it’s highly unlikely any will be in existence which makes ours even more special,” said Richard.

Just 16 Paramounts were produced in Derbyshire; first at the Swadlincote factory and then later in Melbourne, until production moved to Buckinghamshire in 1953. In total, just 76 Paramount cars were made until 1956 when production ceased.

“Our brilliant team at Great British Car Journey have already got the car running and looking a lot smarter than when she arrived,” he added.

According to an advert from 1950, the beautiful red, four seater convertible Paramount was ‘designed to provide a sports car of exceptional beauty whilst retaining the distinctive British character favoured by most sports drivers.’

The Paramount boasts Triumph running gear underneath its all-aluminium bodywork which is stretched over a wooden ash frame mounted on a tubular metal chassis.

Richard added: “The car is beautifully made. It is testament to the skills of the craftsmen who made her, as the bodywork is full of complex curves.”

The Paramount now joins Great British Car Journey’s only other Derbyshire made car in the interactive classic car exhibition – a Rolls-Royce once owned by Scouts founder Lord Baden Powell.

To see the car on display at Great British Car Journey, purchase discounted tickets and find details of opening times here

The Christmas Gift Guide

November 14, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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Looking for ideas on what to buy the car lover in your life for Christmas? then you might want to watch this short video by GBCJ ambassador Paul Woodford

We have also created some quick links so you can go direct some great gift ideas in our online shop

Drive Vouchers

Gifts for Under £10

T-Shirts & Hoodies

Wall Art & Pictures

Christmas Cards

Great British Car Share Series 2 Now Available

November 13, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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After the success of Series 1 of the Great British Car Share the deadly duo Paul and Sarah are back together for Series 2 to continue their automotive journey down memory lane in some more of the Drive Dads Car fleet of classic British Cars available to drive. We are sure you will enjoy watching them try out the same cars that are available for our classic British Car driving experience. Cars driven include some real classic 60s & 70s cars including a Land Rover MK1, Triumph Stag and Ford Capri

You can view our full You Tube Channel by clicking the red button below or click on the individual video thumbnails to watch different episodes

You will also be able to see all episodes from Series 1 here too

If you are interested in driving some of these cars yourself (or giving as a gift to someone else) then you can click on the blue button below to see the full fleet of cars available

We hope you enjoy The Great British Car Share and it inspires you to visit Drive Dads Car or the Great British Car Journey for a very personal trip down memory lane where you will find many of the cars you grew up with

New Drive Dads Car Themed Bundles

November 9, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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Some of the most frequent feedback we get from people taking our Drive Dad’s Car driving experiences is that they “wish they could try more cars” or that “their drive reminded them of a particular moment in their life” – this feedback gave us the idea to launch a new range of multi car bundles tp help people get more out of their experience. Detailed below are the first of our new themed bundles being launched at a very special price just for this Christmas. Do you know anyone that might enjoy one of these?

If you like, loved or ever owned a Mini then you are bound to enjoy this 3 car experience.

You will get to drive 3 different Minis starting with the original MK1 Mini then see how it evolved and changed into the MK2 and then finally how it was refined to become the legendary racing car the Mini Cooper.

You will also get to see even more Minis as entrance to our interactive museum is also included as part of the bundle

60 Minutes Driving Time around our road circuit
Supported by a trained instructor
More £50 Off Normal Multi Car Bundle
Includes Museum Entrance for Voucher Holder (Worth £18.50)
Each drive only costing £33

If you enjoyed TV detectives from the 70s and 80s then you will love our 3 car detective package.

Whether you are being Jack Regan from the Sweeney, Bodie or Doyle from the Professionals or the slightly more sedate Foyle you are bound to have a great day driving those 3 classic vehicles

You will also get to see even more Detectives Cars as entrance to our interactive museum is also included as part of the bundle. Including Morse’s Jaguar

60 Minutes Driving Time around our road circuit
Supported by a trained instructor
More £50 Off Normal Multi Car Bundle
Includes Museum Entrance for Voucher Holder (Worth £18.50)
Each drive only costing £33

Herbert Austin was a pioneer of the British Car Industry and this unique bundle will let you experience how his cars evolved from 1937 to 1971.

You will drive 3 classic Austins starting with an Austin Seven you will then experience the next generation Austin A30 (launched to compete with the Morris Minor) and finally get to drive an iconic Austin 1275 GT

You will also get to see even more Austins as entrance to our interactive museum is also included as part of the bundle

60 Minutes Driving Time around our road circuit
Supported by a trained instructor
More £50 Off Normal Multi Car Bundle
Includes Museum Entrance for Voucher Holder (Worth £18.50)
Each drive only costing £33

Career route starts at Great British Car Journey for new apprentice

November 2, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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Another young, classic car enthusiast has kick-started their career at Great British Car Journey.

Riley Smith (19), from Underwood, has embarked on a Level Three Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing at the museum.

He joins from Ashfield School where he completed A Levels in Computer Studies, Physics, and Business Studies.

Keen to get his career started after school, Riley explained: “I didn’t want to go to university. I knew that I wanted to have a lived-experience of industry. Great British Car Journey has been a fantastic starting point for that to happen and I am looking forward to putting my Business Studies A Level into practice here.”

In his new role at the classic car visitor attraction, Riley will be helping to market Great British Car Journey’s new online range of merchandise.

Riley’s journey with Great British Car Journey began last year when he completed a work experience placement. Subsequently, the placement helped Riley secure a weekend job as a coordinator for our popular Drive Dad’s Car experience.

Richard Usher, Founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey explained: “Riley impressed us from the start. From a successful work experience week, through to his weekends working alongside members of the public; Riley has made an impact with his enthusiasm and willingness to learn.”

Riley’s enthusiasm for his apprenticeship is evident: “I’m living the dream! I’m restoring my own classic 1275 Mini at home so working at Great British Car Journey is a perfect fit for my future career ambitions and interests.”

Riley is one of two apprentices now employed at the museum. Its heritage apprentice Luke Henshaw was named as the Tourism Young Achiever in 2022 in the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards. Last year, the attraction was named as the best New Tourism Business in the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

As the award-winning classic car attraction continues to go from strength-to strength, Richard reflects: “We are in a position to offer unique and meaningful apprenticeships and Riley is already making the most of his placement with us.

“The cars at Great British Car Journey here may have a rich history, but we are delighted to offer Riley a bright future with us.”

You can check out visiting times and book tickets to visit us here.

Christmas Events & Gifts at The Great British Car Journey

November 1, 2023 Riley Smith

From Monday 6th November we will switch to our Winter Opening Hours. That doesn’t mean we’ll be hibernating though, far from it!

As we’re an indoor attraction winter weather cannot spoil your day out at Great British Car Journey. You can book your ticket for a great day out during November, December, January and February.

There is also still time to host a Christmas Party or Event at the Filling Station Cafe as well as attend our last Great British Car Meet of the year which is being held on Saturday 30th December

This year we have also upgraded our online gift shop. We now have a wide range of gifts which are ideal for British classic car enthusiasts – from prints, mugs and t-shirts to water bottles, cushions and hoodies – there’s something for everyone. So make sure to visit us when you’re Christmas shopping.

For the ultimate classic car lover gift, however, how about a drive in a classic car with our Drive Dad’s Car experience? Choose from more than 40 cars when you purchase a Drive Dads Car Voucher.

We’ve got it wrapped up at Great British Car Journey this Christmas for the classic car lovers in your life.

Book Entrance Tickets

Save money by booking in advance a classic day out the weather cannot spoil. Choose a specific day or buy a voucher for any day in the future for you or friends / family

Buy Classic Car Drives

Buy a voucher for a drive in a car from your past or that you have always wanted to try. Alternatively purchase one of our multi car bundle for your friends and family to try a few different cars

Get Christmas Presents

Browse 1000s of quality gifts featuring all your favourite British Classic cars. Including the Great British Cars range, Autocar Cover Art, Classic Adverts and Upload Your Own Images

Christmas Lunches & Dinners at the Filling Station Cafe

October 25, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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We’re delighted to now offer evening meals alongside our Christmas lunches at the Filling Station Cafe this festive season for just £18.95 for 2-courses or £20.95 for 3-courses.

You and your friends, group, colleagues, organisation or family can book Monday to Thursday from 6pm-8pm throughout both November and December or Monday to Thursday in November from 12pm-2pm, and Monday to Friday in December 12pm-2pm for a really unique Christmas treat. We have a delicious traditional Christmas menu or you can choose from our standard menu

For more information please contact us or email ian@greatbritishcarjourney.com to book your festive get-together (minimum group size is 15 and maximum 40).

The Great British Car Journey is also a unique destination for any Corporate Event in Derbyshire

We can also arrange private tours of the attraction during the winter months or classic car driving sessions tailored to your specific group

We are a lot more than just a summer visitor attraction and can offer the best Christmas events in Ambergate, Derbyshire and the Peak District for anybody that enjoys a bit of nostalgia

What’s Your Favourite Classic British Car?

October 22, 2023 Riley Smith

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The idea behind the launch of our Great British Cars Range was to make sure we had merchandise available for every classic British Car

As T-Shirts seemed to be the most popular part of the range we thought we would launch a campaign to Wear Your Favourite Car. Our range of high quality soft style cotton unisex T-Shirts is proving to be a great way to let people share their favourite British Cars with the rest of the world. All you have to do is

1. Select favourite car from over 80 different models
2. Decide what colour t-shirt is needed
3. Choose size required

You are now ready to let the world know what is your favourite car

You can share your favourite or these t-shirts also make the perfect gift for other car lovers

‘Molly’ motors towards milestone birthday at Great British Car Journey

October 19, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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The only unrestored early Austin Seven AB Tourer in existence has arrived at Great British Car Journey. She will be on public display throughout half term.

‘The Austin Seven ‘Chummy’ or Molly’ as she is known to her owner David Mawby, celebrated her 100^th birthday at the award- winning classic car attraction in Ambergate, Derbyshire.

Despite being 100 years old, the car has just 19,000 miles on her clock and is in all original condition, including the paintwork, upholstery, engine and hood.

Molly was one of the very first Austin Sevens to roll off the production line in 1923 when the world’s first affordable mass-produced family car went into production. By 1939 when production finally ended, 290,000 Austin Seven cars and vans had been made.

A small handful of Austin Sevens remain to this day; however, Molly is the only one not to have been restored in any way. Although fragile, she can even still be driven.

First registered in 1923, Molly has had a fascinating history, including an appearance on TV, when she was awarded the prize for the most original Austin Seven by Top Gear in 1982.

She spent just three years on the road after being purchased from new before being laid up in 1926 when her first owner died. She remained hidden away until 1950 when his widow died, and the car was then sold.

The car was then purchased by a garage where it was mainly used for display purposes. The garage owner retained the car when he retired and only lightly used it. Molly has since had a couple of other owners, who have also resisted the temptation to restore her.

Current owner David explained how he acquired this unique piece of motoring history in 2007: “My interest in her began on my 21^st birthday when I was given a copy of the ‘Original Austin Seven’ magazine featuring Molly as the main story. I had always admired original cars and had dreamt of owning this AB Tourer. I traced her owner, and he sold it to me under the strict condition that I would never sell her.”

Delighted to welcome Molly to the museum exhibition, Richard Usher, founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey who was treated to a ride in Molly, said; “It is always a pleasure to welcome significant historic cars to the museum, especially when they were made at Longbridge. As a Brummie boy myself, I am always overwhelmed by the magic of the Austin Seven and a ride in Molly was a real lifetime motoring highlight.

“The Austin Seven is one of the hero cars of Great British Car Journey so to have Molly with us for her 100^th birthday is extraordinary, She’s a must-see for all Austin enthusiasts. But be quick, she’s not with us for long!”

This October half term (from Saturday 21st October until Sunday 5th November), kids go free at Great British Car Journey. Just use the code KGF23 when booking online and any child’s ticket you buy with a full price adult ticket will be free. Find out more here.

For details of all opening times, visit here.

Kids Go Free – October Half Term

October 16, 2023 Riley Smith

This October Half Term Kids go free at Great British Car Journey.

If you are looking for something to do this half term that the weather cannot spoil then why not bring them along to our interactive car museum at Ambergate?

There’s lots for kids to enjoy at Great British Car Journey, including:

Separate kids interactive tour to keep them engaged
Cars they will love, like the DeLorean, Dutton Amphibious Car, a genuine F1 car, and many, many more
Filling Station Cafe with special kids meals
Plenty of toy cars in the gift shop too!!!

The offer is available from Saturday 21st October until Sunday 5th November

Just click the button below and use the code KGF23 and any child’s ticket you buy with a full price adult ticket will be FREE OF CHARGE

A very big Italian Mini adventure for Practical Classics editor starts at Great British Car Journey

October 4, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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Great British Car Journey friend and Practical Classics Editor Danny Hopkins has begun his own Mini adventure 23 years to the day after the classic Mini ceased production (4 October 2000).

Richard Usher, founder and CEO of GBCJ has lent Danny his own classic Mini Cooper Sport from the museum’s collection which he will use to take part in the legendary Italian Job run in aid of Buttle UK, a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in crisis.

When he heard about Danny’s epic adventure for charity, Richard was happy to lend his own Mini for the adventure. He explained: “I’ve known Danny for a number of years and share his enthusiasm for anything with four wheels (and some with three). When I heard what he wanted to do and all about the charity, I had no hesitation in lending him my personal Mini.”

Richard handed over the branded Mini to Danny at GBCJ ahead of him starting his epic Italian adventure. On Monday 9 October, Danny will join 30+ Minis in his specially branded Mini, for a 14-day blast to and through Italy. The journey starts with a run to Imola via Nurburgring and Munich.

During the 2,000 mile charity jaunt to Turin, the classic Mini convoy will then blast through Modena and Sienna to Turin, before heading back to the UK through the Alps. Along the way, Danny will be visiting Ferrari, the founder of which, Enzo Ferrari was known to be the owner of at least one Mini.

Most importantly of all, however, Danny will be raising cash for the charity during his travels.

“Raising cash for Buttle UK is what this is all about,’ said Danny. “They are a wonderful charity, helping kids in difficult situations so, unlike Harry and the boys in the film, I aim to get back to the UK with a lot of cash.”

The GBCJ Mini was registered on 18 October 2000. It boasts just 11,000 miles on the clock and is in fine running order after being serviced in the GBCJ workshop by our resident classic car technicians, Doc Lawrence and his able apprentice Luke Henshaw. Vintage Tyres have also supplied a full set of new rubber tyres.

Richard added: “The Mini is the hero car of Great British Car Journey and this little example is sure gonna have a story to tell when it returns from its travels. It will be going back on display with an extra 2,500 miles on the clock and all its decals!”

We’ll be following Danny’s Mini adventure on GBCJ social media channels each day as he sends us video diary updates. Follow our social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

“It’s an amazing collaborative effort,” added Danny, “but I don’t want it to be in vain so feel free to dig deep… and walk tall having done a good thing. I’ll be doing regular updates as I go… it’s a long way in a little car. I promise I won’t blow the bloody doors off though.”

You can donate to Buttle UK via Danny’s JustGIving page here

Photo Prints of Classic Cars Now Available

September 12, 2023 Riley Smith

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We have had some great feedback on the quality of the photographs of the various classic cars in the Great British Car Journey that we have used to create the new Great British Cars Merchandise Range

So we have decided to invest in a high quality professional photo printer so we can supply these images as Sublimation Photo Prints at affordable prices

These prints are now available in our online store and in our gift shop at Ambergate

They are a high quality 12′ x 8″ gloss photo print
Supplied as standard in a black card photo frame with silver insert at an entry price of just £9.95
They can also be upgraded to be supplied in a wooden photo frame for just £19.95

Special Deal

Buy 2 Get 1 Free – 3 Prints for Under £20

Browse over 75 iconic images of classic British Cars all photographed taken of actual cars from our interactive museum and driving experience

Choose your favourite 3 cars – we know its hard to pick from so many classics
Add them to your shopping basket
This will automatically give you the 3rd product free of charge
Checkout and pay for your order
Prints will be delivered in approximately 5 days
Keep to yourself or share with friends

Stylish New Clear Water Bottle Range Launched

August 22, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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As part of our commitment to continue rolling out new products as part of the Great British Cars range, we are delighted to announce the launch of a range of multi image water bottle designs for our most popular cars.

The designs feature small images of our actual cars (from the Great British Cars Range) printed on the clear bottles with a durable UV cured ink to make them both practical and stylish for all car lovers.

This style of water bottle has become increasing popular and ours are both unique and priced at just £12.95 each.

This 750ml capacity clear water bottle is a great way to keep yourself hydrated and fits perfectly in most car cup holders. It is easy to carry around so stops you using disposable plastic bottles so both saves you money and the planet!

It has a screw top lid with a foldable spout that helps you to avoid spills and the internal straw means it’s easy to drink from without tipping the bottle.

See the Designs

Great British Cars Merchandise Range Now Available

August 3, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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Great British Cars Range Now Available

Since we opened over two years ago we have always wanted to offer a wider range of merchandise featuring all the cars in our museum and providing options for all tastes and budgets. The Great British Cars range is the result of more than 12 months of research, design and testing which, we believe, represents the widest selection of classic British car merchandise available. Please take a look and tell us what you think.

The Great British Cars range is a celebration of the most iconic cars ever made in the UK. The range comprises a collection of high quality products, all created using stylish photos of actual cars from the Great British Car Journey exhibition and Drive Dad’s Car fleet.

We have focussed on proven popular product types, like t-shirts, mugs, drinks bottles, fridge magnets, and coasters, but we aim to soon introduce other products following customer feedback.

Our vision is to offer something for every car in the museum and every car on the Drive Dad’s Car fleet.

We already stock some of the more popular car / product combinations in our onsite gift shop, we are using the latest print-on-demand technology to ensure we have 1000s of additional products always available in our online gift shop.

New Cars Added to the Drive Dads Car Fleet

June 11, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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We are excited to announce that we have now increased our Drive Dads Car Fleet to over 40 classic cars that are all available to be driven. We think we were already the widest selection of classic cars available to drive in the UK so these 7 new models just make it even more likely we will be able to take you or your loved ones on a nostalgic trip down memory lane

If you want to find our more about our Drive Dads Car driving experience please click on the button below to visit our dedicated website that shows all the other cars available and gives you lots more information about the booking process, costs and the format

Great British Car Journey named as a top new tourism business in national awards

June 9, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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Just two years after opening, the Great British Car Journey, an interactive car museum in Derbyshire, has been named as one of the top new tourism businesses in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.

The annual awards, which celebrate the tourism industry’s brightest stars, were held on Thursday 7 June at a glittering award ceremony hosted by Alex Polizzi at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Great British Car Journey was one of 48 winners selected from hundreds of tourism businesses across England, including hotels, self-catering accommodation, B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums.

Accepting the bronze award for New Tourism Business of the Year Richard Usher, Founder and CEO of Great British Car Journey, said: “What a phenomenal journey the last two years have been for Great British Car Journey. To be recognised in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence has just blown us all away. We knew we had something special when we opened the museum in May 2021 but to have it confirmed is wonderful.

“It’s onwards and upwards for Great British Car Journey. We have many exciting plans in the pipeline which will ensure we continue to stand out in both the classic car and visitor attraction market.”

Since opening amid Covid restrictions, the museum has been a hit, welcoming more than 60,000 visitors from through the UK and the world.

To maintain and increase visitor interest, the attraction continues to add unique and fascinating cars to its exhibition, including the Rolls-Royce which was owned by the founder of the Scouting movement Lord Baden Powell, the last Morris Minor ever made, and a Lotus driven by world champion racing driver Mario Andretti.

It has also further developed its offer to hosting regular events, launching a car club, an online shop, and its own YouTube series, Great British Car Share, with motoring personalities Sarah Crabtree and Paul Woodford.

The museum, which is located in Ambergate on the edge of the Peak District, now boasts more than 150 classic British cars in the exhibition which tells the story of car design and production in the UK from the 1923 to 2000. Uniquely, the museum also has more than 40 classic cars, ranging from the Austin Seven to the Ford Capri, which visitors to the attraction can take for a drive.

Richard added: “2023 has been a fantastic year so far. We won Gold at the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards earlier in the year and also narrowly missed out on the Tourism Superstar of the Year Award for our young heritage apprentice Luke Henshaw. We’ll keep on doing what we do as it is evidently working!”

To book discounted entry tickets to Great British Car Journey visit here or to book a drive in one the cars on the Drive Dad’s Car fleet visit here

Unique piece of BMC history goes on display at Great British Car Journey

June 7, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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A unique piece of BMC history – a restored ‘skeleton’ example of the Austin 1100 Countryman – is now on display at Great British Car Journey after being generously lent to us by The 1100 Club.

The skeleton body of the unique vehicle is designed to show the electric motors which control the movement of front and rear seats, demonstrating its carrying capacity to the full.

The arrival at Great British Car Journey follows the end of an eight-year search by the club for a new home for the car following the closure of its former home, Stondon Motor Museum in 2015. Since the museum’s closure the car has been in storage, only being brought out by the club for shows and exhibitions. During this time, members of the Essex branch of The 1100 Club restored the rare model to its former glory.

“Absolutely over the moon” to finally bring the car out of storage, Gordon Diffey, The 1100 Club committee member who is responsible for looking after the car, explained: “After learning about the Great British Car Journey at the Classic Car Show last year where I had my car on display and then visiting the museum myself, I was very impressed and realised it would be an absolutely perfect place to display the car. Now that it is on display again at the museum, members of The 1100 Club and all other classic car enthusiasts have the opportunity to see it whenever they want.”

Originally produced by Austin to demonstrate the still unique BMC engine and transmission layout at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, the car also appeared the following year at the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show on a turntable alongside a fully bodied version.

At the end of the show the Austin 1100 skeleton car was put into storage at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon before being purchased by The 1100 Club in 1998 and subsequently displayed at Stondon Motor Museum in Bedfordshire.

Delighted to have the Austin 1100 skeleton on display in the exhibition, Richard Usher, CEO and founder of Great British Car Journey said: “This is a truly unique car and an important piece of BMC’s history which we are delighted to now have on display. It’s a real talking point, like so many of the wonderful cars designed and produced by British manufacturers over the last 100 years. I am grateful to Gordon and The 1100 Club for giving us the opportunity to share this car with so many people.”

The Austin 1100 skeleton car is available to view seven days a week alongside more than 130 classic cars at Great British Car journey.

Single admission is just £17.50 but, when booked online, visitors pay just £16.00. Concessions and family tickets are also available.

Save money and book your entry tickets online here.

Happy 2nd Birthday to Great British Car Journey!

May 22, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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Two years ago today Great British Car Journey opened its doors to the public!

We want to thank everyone who has visited us and continues to support us along the way – we’ve had yet another incredible year!

Some of the highlights this year include:

Winning GOLD at the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards.
Shortlisted as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence which takes place in London next month – wish us luck!
Our wonderful Apprentice Luke Henshaw finishing 2nd in the NATIONAL VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Awards!
BBC Breakfast spending the morning with us to meet Luke and acknowledge his success.
The amazing Paul Woodford and Sarah Crabtree joining the team as Ambassadors.
Launching our very own Great British Car Share YouTube series to rave reviews!
Relaunching one of our most popular events The Gathering as the Great British Car Meet for 2023, which continues to be as well attended as ever!
The launch of our online store selling the iconic Autocar magazine front covers.

None of this could have been achieved without our amazing team who work tirelessly to make sure every visitor has an unforgettable experience. From our skilled vehicle technicians and calm and collected driving instructors to the army of volunteers and café team and everyone in between – we are grateful to work alongside such passionate people.

Thanks also go to the wonderful owners who have allowed us to display their cars in our exhibition; as well as the army of car enthusiasts who turn out in their droves in their much-loved classics at our car meets – you enable us to showcase the best of British automotive engineering and design. And, of course, a big thank you to the incredible car clubs and everyone who visits us – we appreciate your support.

As we look forward to what 2023/24 has in-store. We already have some exciting new events and projects in the pipeline, including the addition of more classic cars to the Drive Dad’s Car fleet that you won’t want to miss (discover them at Meet the Fleet Day this Saturday!), more quirky and historic vehicles to the exhibitions and some stunning new Autocar front covers available for purchase.

So why not come and celebrate with us and experience the magic of Great British Car Journey for yourself? With themed events, fascinating interactive audio tours and the most wonderful classic cars with their own story to tell, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Join us this week and next for :

Merchandise Range Update for 2023

May 18, 2023 Andrew Talbot

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Last year we launched our first foray into car merchandise with our licensing deal with Autocar Magazine for their beautiful cover illustrations . After speaking with our visitors, members and fans we have found that there is an appetite for a much more comprehensive range of classic car merchandise so we have been hard at work getting this organised and today sees the roll out of an ambitious programme to satisfy the demand for quality merchandise for all the classic cars on display at the Great British Car Journey

50+ New Autocar Cover Illustrations Released Today

We have curated 53 new Autocar covers that look great and celebrate some of the classics then we have added them to our wall art range on our online gift shop. To celebrate this until the 31st May 2023 we have reduced the prices on our entry level wall art so everybody can enjoy these iconic designs – just click on the buttons below to search the full range of 150+ covers

This is just the start and over the next few weeks we will be launching the “Great British Cars” merchandise range followed by lots of new products and a completely revamped online shop – please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed

For the Great British Cars range we want to create products for every classic in the museum and we are using photos of our actual cars to create more visually appealing merchandise – take a look at the samples below. If you have a favourite car in the museum that you would love to buy merchandise for then please email me and I am sure we can help

We are launching with 39 classic cars in June
We will start with mugs, metal plates, coasters, t-shirts for each car
We will then move onto Cushions, Notebooks, Flasks, Postcards, & Greetings Cards
Everything will be produced on demand so we can create products for 100s of cars
A small stock range of the most popular cars will be kept in the onsite gift shop

Great British Car Journey announced as finalist in VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

April 28, 2023 Emma Loughlin

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Great British Car journey has reached the finals of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Great British Car journey is one of five tourism businesses from the Peak District and Derbyshire that have reached the finals of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Great British Car Journey has been shortlisted has been shortlisted for New Tourism Business of the Year in the national awards after winning gold at the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards earlier this year.

Gold winners of the 2023 Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

Judges for the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards described Great British Car journey as ‘a well thought through structured experience which captures in creative detail the timeline of the British Motor Industry over the last 100 years. It is of interest not only to motoring enthusiasts but provides a window into the nation’s social history from working families in the 20s, to the swinging 60s, the industrial struggles of the 70’s to the emerging high tech vehicles of now. The historic vehicle apprenticeship programme adopted by the Great British Journey is to be commended.’

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence awards are the highest accolades in English tourism and champion the very best of the country’s tourism industry celebrating quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service.

Richard Usher, CEO and founder of Great British Car Journey, finalists in the New Tourism Business category, said: “Since we opened in Derbyshire in 2021, the attraction has really struck a chord with the general public, whether they are classic car enthusiasts or not, offering the ultimate trip down memory lane. The exhibition, driving experience and our events are attracting visitors and tourist groups from all over the world. It’s been an exciting journey for the entire Great British Car Journey team. To be a finalist in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is just the icing on the cake.”

Alongside Great British Car Journey, fellow Peak District and Derbyshire businesses – Wildhive Callow Hall, The Blind Bull, Pure Outdoor and myGuidedWalks – have also been shortlisted in the national awards.

Wildhive Callow Hall near Ashbourne has reached the finals for Small Hotel of the Year; and The Blind Bull at Little Hucklow, near Buxton, has been shortlisted for the Pub of the Year Award, Outdoor activity and training providers Pure Outdoor have been shortlisted for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award; and myGuidedWalks, a Peak District walking experience provider, has been shortlisted in the Experience of the Year category.

“Good luck to our fellow Derbyshire and Peak District nominees in these prestigious awards,” added Richard.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter on Wednesday 7 June 2023.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire said: “It’s an excellent achievement to be shortlisted for these prestigious national awards and we’re proud that the Peak District and Derbyshire is represented by five fantastic finalists.

“This serves as a timely reminder of the value and sheer quality of our world-class tourism offer, and is testament to our passionate businesses who are dedicated to providing visitors with unforgettable experiences.

“Entering locally aligned awards is the only way to qualify for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, so we encourage tourism businesses to look out for when entries open for the 2024 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards this summer. We wish our finalists the very best of luck!”

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