Caption
Coventry Transport Museum grew from the germ of an idea, some 20-odd years ago. The city is home to the British transport industry - sadly the last remaining high volume car manufacturer produced its final vehicle in Coventry during 2006; the museum is a timely reminder of what once was.
A small collection of Coventry vehicles has been transformed into, probably, the finest motor transport museum on the planet; a display to enchant almost everyone; from Princess Diana enthusiasts; her Metro is here, to speed freaks who dare to ride the Thrust SSC simulator through the sonic barrier. Antiquarians will revel in the Jaguar SS100 which looks uncannily like a vintage Batmobile. My personal favourites are the motorcycles; an entire gallery of beautifully preserved machines presented for close scrutiny, with a wealth of information.
Coventry Transport Museum website
A brand new facade in Millennium Square makes the collection accessible and grandly exciting to approach across a remarkable, enormous contemporary clock; the blue lines on the ground, which really comes into its own at night, linking Coventry with its many twinned towns across the world.
Soaring arches commemorate the inventor of the Gas Turbine Jet Engine, one Frank Whittle; a native of Coventry. What an extraordinary city, to have spawned so much technology!
To complete this panoramic environment, at the end of 2006 the former Fire Station; a red brick architectural feature, which stood empty and decaying for want of a viable use, has been skilfully transformed into an exciting restaurant.