The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects
The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects was an exhibition celebrating 50 years of the National Motor Museum.
50 objects
The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects exhibition celebrated the National Motor Museum’s 50th Anniversary in 2022.
Each object was carefully chosen from the Museum’s internationally-acclaimed collection of almost 1.9 million artefacts.
They represent some of the Museum’s most significant vehicles, motoring objects, films, photographs, books and archives, along with some more surprising, but no less important, inclusions.
Every object has a fascinating story, not just about the history of motoring, and the amazing achievements of its pioneers, but about the effect of mobility on our lives and the world around us.
Its technological advancements and transformational impact have changed our society, culture, economy and environment. Its influence has shaped modern design, art and advertising.
Highlights
The final 50 include pioneering vehicles from the 1899 12hp Daimler to racing icons like the 1930 Bentley 4½ litre Superchared.
Significant objects from the history of motoring are represented, including the 1907 Halda taximeter which gave taxi cabs their name and cat’s eyes which helped make driving safer.
The Spirit of Ecstasy and Lalique car mascots represent some of the best in art and design, whilst road builders clogs and archive Ford film footage illustrate the industry and economy of motoring.
The social impact of motoring is also shown through the unique 1955 Royal Caravan and one of the first factory fitted car radios, amongst many other items.