British Car Museum
Discover a treasure trove of classic British automobiles, from vintage icons to everyday classics, in this extensive museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
British Car Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a treasure trove of classic British automobiles, from vintage icons to everyday classics, in this extensive museum.
"An astonishing collection of classic British made automobiles, a true treasure."
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Experience
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have ample space to appreciate the extensive car collection.
🧐 Look for Ian, the Owner
For in-depth information on specific cars, chat with Ian, the owner. He's a wealth of knowledge!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 80 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Astonishing Classic Car Collection
Main Exhibition Hall
Hundreds of meticulously preserved British cars from the 1930s to the late 20th century. A true treasure trove for automotive history buffs.
Vintage Memorabilia and Artifacts
Throughout the museum
Discover old TVs, pianos, model airplanes, and more, adding a rich layer of nostalgia beyond the automotive exhibits.
Rare Vauxhalls, Austins, and Morris Cars
Specific display areas
See iconic models like Vauxhalls, Austins, and Morris cars, many of which are well-labeled for easy identification.
Denis Fire Engine
Special exhibits
An intact vintage Denis fire engine is among the unique vehicles on display, offering a glimpse into historical emergency services.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Car Enthusiasts
Beyond the Cars: A Nostalgic Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Experience
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have ample space to appreciate the extensive car collection.
🧐 Look for Ian, the Owner
For in-depth information on specific cars, chat with Ian, the owner. He's a wealth of knowledge!
📸 Capture the Details
While you can't sit in the cars, take your time to photograph the intricate details of these vintage beauties.
🕰️ Allow a Few Hours
If you're a true enthusiast, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the 450+ cars.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Best Experience
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have ample space to appreciate the extensive car collection.
🧐 Look for Ian, the Owner
For in-depth information on specific cars, chat with Ian, the owner. He's a wealth of knowledge!
📸 Capture the Details
While you can't sit in the cars, take your time to photograph the intricate details of these vintage beauties.
🕰️ Allow a Few Hours
If you're a true enthusiast, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the 450+ cars.
☔ Great Rainy Day Activity
This indoor museum is a perfect escape on a bad weather day, offering hours of engaging exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the British Car Museum for its astonishing and comprehensive collection of classic British automobiles, often describing it as a hidden treasure. The sheer number of well-preserved vehicles, spanning decades, is a major highlight, making it a must-visit for car enthusiasts. While some note the packed displays and lack of interactive elements for younger children, the museum is widely regarded as a valuable and engaging experience, especially for those with an appreciation for automotive history.
"We stopped by the British Car Museum on a rainy day in Hawkes Bay and found an astonishing collection of classic British made automobiles, mostly from the 1930s to the late 20th century.
What an impressive collection, something you'd expect to see as part of a worldly museum exhibition, not discovered in a roadside barn in the small community of Te Awanga, New Zealand. This is nothing short of a treasure.
We greatly enjoyed the two hours we spent looking over old cars, of which there are hundreds on storage here. We very much enjoyed seeing the many old Vauxhauls, Austins, Morris' as well as the in tact Denis fire engine. The vehicles are all well labeled so it is easy to know what year, make and models you are looking at and there are many more to see than what we mentioned above.
In addition to the incredible collection of historic vintage vehicles, you can also see old equipment, pianos, TV sets, model airplane set and other items of interest. As such, even if you are not a fan of old cars, there is easily enough to spark your interest for an hour or two at the British Car Museum.
Overall, we very much enjoyed our time here and would gladly return to another look around. This is a great activity, especially on bad weather days when you are looking for something to do inside."
Brad
"Great museum with an excellent comprehensive collection. $10 entry, could spend a few hours here if you are a true British car enthusiast. Few old Ford's in the collection such as Escort and Cortina."
88_M
"This place has got some good collection. But the cars have to be organized. Not a must go place but for those who love antique cars, it is good."
Aswini Swaminathan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The British Car Museum is located in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Specific directions will depend on your starting point, but it's often described as a roadside discovery in the Te Awanga area.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, museums typically offer parking. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate parking information.
Absolutely! Many visitors discover the museum during road trips through Hawkes Bay, making it a great spontaneous stop.
Using GPS with the address or searching for 'British Car Museum Hawkes Bay' should guide you. It's noted as being in a small community.
Public transport options to smaller, rural museums can be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is approximately $10 per person, offering great value for the extensive collection you can explore.
Advance booking is generally not required for this museum, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates or special event ticketing.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to confirm directly with the museum. Many reviews suggest it's a good option for a rainy day, implying it's open during typical daytime hours.
Information on discounts isn't widely available. It's recommended to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for potential group or family rates.
While there are many cars to see, one reviewer noted it might not be ideal for young children due to the packed nature of the displays and the 'do not touch' rule.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts over 450 classic British cars, including Vauxhalls, Austins, Morris, Fords (Escort, Cortina), Jaguars, and Triumphs. +1
Unfortunately, sitting inside the cars is not allowed to preserve the collection.
Yes, vehicles are generally well-labeled with year, make, and model. For more detailed information, the owner, Ian, is a great resource.
Beyond cars, you'll find vintage memorabilia like old TVs, pianos, model airplanes, and even a Denis fire engine.
A visit can range from an hour or two for casual observers to several hours for dedicated car enthusiasts.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the impressive collection.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid flash photography that could damage delicate exhibits.
The sheer density of cars offers numerous photo opportunities. Focus on unique models or interesting details.
Yes, the museum features a wide range of British marques, including Jaguars and Minis, so you can capture your favorites. 
New exhibitions, like 'From sketch to street,' offer fresh perspectives and photo opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit