Plan your Visit

World-class collection in a World-class museum

Transport Technology

Exceptional levels of innovation have driven the road transport industries since the invention of the first bicycle. From streamlined looks and improved comfort to better engines, steering and suspension, the last 150 years have seen enormous changes in bicycle and car design.

Today’s bicycles look quite different from the first Hobby Horses, Boneshakers and Penny-Farthings of the 1800s, but the basic shape of the bicycle was set in 1888 with the introduction of the Rover Safety Bicycle. Designed in Coventry by J K Starley, the Rover Safety Bicycle has proved one of the world’s most enduring inventions.

Technological breakthroughs have increased the speed, safety and comfort of cars too. In 1895, pneumatic tyres were used on a car for the first time. The first factory-fitted radios came in the 1930s, and the 1950s saw the introduction of disk brakes, power steering and four-wheel drive. By the 1970s, cars with passenger airbags and ABS breaking were available. Today, one of the biggest challenges facing motor manufacturers is the need to reduce CO2 emissions; a challenge that many are tackling with electric-powered vehicles.

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.