Plan your Visit

World-class collection in a World-class museum

A New Industry 1900 to 1914

By 1900, Coventry was known as the cycle capital of the world. Times were changing though, and bicycle makers such as Premier, Swift, Rover, Riley, Humber, Singer and Triumph were beginning to experiment with motorcycle and car manufacture. Car firms with a background in bicycle making were able to combine both types of production during the pre-war period, thereby spreading the business risk, and it was these companies who survived the economic slump of 1906-1910.

Only aristocrats could afford models like the 1912 Siddeley-Deasy, which cost £685; more than 100 times the total weekly wage bill at Standard. It soon became clear that to reach a wider market cars would have to be priced more modestly, so lighter, smaller models with engines of less than 1.5 litres were developed.

The results were an instant success. When Standard released a car costing £185, more than 2,000 were sold. But with the Great War just around the corner, everything was about to change.

Don't miss out on the latest from the Coventry Transport Museum

Home of Record Breakers

Coventry Transport Museum is home to the world's two fastest cars.

Marvel at these spectacular feats of British engineering.

Get up close to the two fastest cars in the world, Thrust SSC and Thrust 2.

Bring the curriculum to life!

Coventry Transport Museum's interactive exhibitions make the perfect venue for school visits in Coventry.

We offer a wide range of sessions for school groups, all 'Learning Outside The Classroom' quality assured.

We thoroughly believe there is no such thing as being too old for play!

Get involved in our ever-growing Family Programme around Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

We also have free to loan family activities which are available at the Box Office.