[03
OCT 00] MUSEUM
OF BRITISH ROAD TRANSPORT NEWS
Cavalcade To Mark Museum's Birthday
Cars
representing Coventry’s motor heritage will come out on to the
streets of the city on Thursday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of
the Museum of British Road Transport.
Now
ranked as having one of the most important collections of cars,
motorbikes and bicycles in the country, the museum was originally a
part of the Herbert Art Gallery.
An
agreement between Coventry City Council, West Midlands County Council
and the Coventry Chamber of Commerce and Industry enabled the museum
to open in its own building in Hales Street on 5 October 1980.
Recently
the museum has grown in popularity, and visitor numbers have soared
since an experiment to allow free admission was introduced in 1998.
The
cavalcade of cars will parade around the city centre and will be on
display from 12pm to 2pm in the Upper Precinct.
Cllr
Joan Wright, cabinet member for Cultural and Leisure Services, said:
“The
museum has gone from strength to strength over the years and we are
tremendously proud of its achievements, particularly its recent
recognition as one of this country’s most important national
collections.
“I
would particularly pick out the acquisition and superb display of
Thrust 2; the introduction of free admission providing access for
all; the introduction of the Education Partnership centre into
Museum and obtaining Queen Mary’s Daimler.”
She
added that the restoration of the royal 1935 car and the display of
Thrust SSC shortly after it broke the world land-speed record, were
also highlights.
Museum
director Joe Elliott added:
“The
museum has evolved over the years into one of Coventry’s greatest
assets and I believe its true importance lies in the fact that it so
overtly highlights the outstanding engineering skills of Coventry
people.
“From
a personal point of view I particularly cherish the vital role the
museum played on that fabulous weekend in 1987 with the Sky Blues
bus, when Coventry City won the FA Cup.
“The
museum was right at the heart of one of the great days in out
city’s history.”
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