Plugged In: New Journeys 1980s – Today

Growing traffic jams, crowded city streets, and rising numbers of road deaths led to a nationwide debate. New rules on seat belts, drink-driving, exhaust emissions, and vehicle safety tests were introduced.

Growing concern about vehicle pollution also encouraged a trend towards smaller, more economical cars, not just to save money but to reduce environmental damage. Attitudes to road building changed too. Disputes over controversial road schemes shaped Britain’s ever-changing relationship between motoring, communities and the environment.

More recent developments in Britain’s motoring story are reflected with Europe’s first 3D printed electric vehicle the 2020 Chameleon 3D, a Model S chassis of a 2016 Tesla Model S P90D, and 2015 Volkswagen XL1, a pioneering concept for a super-efficient diesel hybrid, and a 2005 Rover 75 1.8 Connoisseur SE.

1986 Citroen 2CV

A 1986 Citroen 2CV is part of the display - a minimalistic and economical car – this unregistered late example is exactly as it left the production line.