Motoring Shows Galore at Gaydon

BMC - Leyland Show. Photo courtesy of the British Motor Museum.

The British Motor Museum will be hosting four nostalgic motoring shows in July, which will include the Wythall Busfest on 1 July, the BMC & Leyland Show on 9 July and the Old Ford Rally and Rootes Heritage Day, both on 23 July.

The Wythall Busfest is arranged in partnership with the Transport Museum Wythall, and will feature over 100 restored, vintage, and modern buses and coaches. 2023 sees the 50th anniversary of the last Daimler bus being built in Coventry, so the organisers are inviting all Daimler buses to come together and celebrate this milestone year.

The BMC & Leyland Show will feature a wide range of British marques produced by the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland and The Rover Group. Hundreds of vehicles will be lined up outside the Museum, from Minis and Morris Minors to the larger Rover 800s, Montegos and Maestros, as well as a variety of vans and lorries. 2023 marks 50 years of the Allegro and 40 years of the Maestro and Montego, and the organisers are inviting all owners of any of those makes to come along and display their cars.

The Old Ford Rally will enable fans to see around 400 classic Fords, aged between 50 – 100 years old. There will be a huge range on display, from Model Ts to the cars of the pre-war austerity years as well as the more luxurious post-war Zephyrs, Zodiacs and Granadas, plus the fan-favourite Anglias, Mk1 and Mk2 Cortinas, Capris, Escorts and Fiestas. Clubs that will be attending include Deuces of Britain, with their collection of 1932 Fords, and the XR Owners Club, who will be bringing over 30 vehicles from their range.

Old Ford Rally. Photo courtesy of British Motor Museum.

On the day, the Museum will also be playing host to a massive Meccano exhibition, in partnership with the Midlands Meccano Guild. This regular fixture of the show has grown from 25 tables in the beginning, to over 50 tables for this year’s show, holding an impressive collection of Meccano models from all over the country. Modelling fans will love seeing the creations on display and may even find some inspiration for their next great project.

Taking place alongside the Old Ford Rally, the Rootes Archive Centre Trust will be holding their Rootes Heritage Day, celebrating all kinds of Rootes classics, from earlier Hillmans, Humbers, Sunbeams and Singers to the later Chryslers, Simcas and Talbots. Ticket holders on the 23 July will be able to enjoy both the Old Ford and Rootes shows, as well as entry to the Museum and Collections Centre, all with one ticket.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “We have a great range of motoring shows for our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy next month. With so much choice, there’s something for everyone, and this year many of our shows are celebrating milestone anniversaries too!”

Father’s Day

The British Motor Museum has plenty of choice for those looking for a gift or special day out for Father’s Day on Sunday 18 June. Those visiting the Museum on Father’s Day itself, can enjoy the spectacle of 500 vintage and veteran motorcycles at the annual Vintage Motor Cycle Club's Banbury Run. It’s the biggest gathering of motorcycles and three-wheelers produced before 1931 and makes for a wonderful spectacle.

Banbury Run. Photo courtesy of British Motor Museum.

Or if Dad would prefer multiple visits to the Museum, why not treat him to an annual Membership so he can enjoy admiring over 400 British classic cars and attending all the motoring shows? Gift Vouchers are available for Memberships too! Starting from £42 for the year, not only does it include free entry to the Museum and its events, but also special Member only events including ‘Museum on the Move’ where Members get to ride in a selection of the Museum’s cars. Find out more at britishmotormuseum.co.uk/membership.

The Museum’s online shop also stocks a range of gifts from novelty motoring themed items such as ‘Dads Garage’ and ‘Man Cave’ tin signs, to motoring cuff links, hip flasks, mugs, and memorabilia as well as many unique marque products. To find more Father’s Day gift ideas please visit britishmotormuseum.co.uk/shop.

Advance show tickets cost £14.50 per adult, £9 per child, £12.50 per concession and £40 for a family. Anyone wishing to enter a vehicle into a show can do so online. Camping is also available at some of the shows. Details: https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on or call 01926 895300.