Inside the archives! Behind the scenes at the British Motor Museum

The British Motor Museum offer a Heritage certificate service for British built classics, telling you about your cars history, but how so they do it? We go into the archives for a look around! And you can get a birth certificate for your car here: bit.ly/3KEajYp
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[@conradharcourt8263]

The British Motor Museum, like most museums, has a hand to mouth existence depending on admission fees and funding from sources such as the Arts Council. At present motoring history continues to be a popular subject. If this general interest declines in years to come the museum may sadly go the same way as many others that were devoted to specific trades or articles. The impact of the final cessation of motor manufacturing in England, as and when that inevitably happens, is difficult to assess but we should of course be prepared for the worst.

[@RichieRouge206]

Oh my word this was fascinating Matt! I would be lost in those archives for weeks!!! It is heaven! How on earth did they manage to keep all that intact? I’m truly amazed and thanks for showing us this wonderful resource!

[@furiousdriving]

Luck and dedication!

[@kellybrickey4300]

WOW! This is so great. I've ordered certificates for my 58 Minor and all three of my Ado16, and every time I get one, I always wonder the it actually came from . Now I know! Thanks Matt , and thank you Richard and Emily and other staff! You are doing good work. ;-)

[@neilbucknell9564]

Fascinating video Matt Some of us are old enough to remember the distributor/dealer split. The former were indeed the "big boys" and controlled the supply, the latter often the little local outlet, who would often resent the tardiness of their distributor (and often their much lower standard of service and servicing which did much to harm the reputation of BL in the 1970s. 1980s and 1990s). I still remember attending the launch of the R8 Rovers at our little local outlet, and hearing their complaints about how difficult it had been sourcing the cars they then had from the distributors for their launch event.

[@lucythemoggy1970]

my minor was sent to a distributor ( Caffyns of Tonbridge ) which is now a SEAT dealer, it then went to Jessups of Dunton green, Kent a dealer, which matches the original sales receipt I have!

[@jamesdecross1035]

What an amazing thing to see. You can clearly see why people who are interested in history and archives get so excited by it. Thank you!

[@mikeburnitt403]

Superb behind the scenes look at what is involved in these certificates, Richard and Emily must get a great deal of satisfaction from the joy they bring people.

[@richardbacchus482]

Thank you Mike, yes I have a wonderful job, I'll never be wealthy from it, but I'm one of the few who doesn't mind Monday morning

[@gryfandjane]

Well that was fascinating. Years ago I ordered a Heritage Certificate for my 1978 MG Midget, and it’s nice to see where it came from.

[@maxidyne]

Very interesting and fascinating video! You Brits are true petrol heads with an awesome car history. So great to see all the data is preserved.

[@SimpsonsClassics]

Absolutely loved this video Matt! Wow what a good place to see the behind the scenes of.

[@johndutton9739]

What a lovely video - I always wanted a nose around the heritage and possibly get a job there - fascinating. One of my memories is at Coventry Uni I did an end of year presentation to Spen King. Was so gutted I didn’t tell him how even back then I admired the rovers he helped to create so much.

[@Lot76CARS]

Brilliant insight Matt. Although I’ve been there countless times this behind the scenes look was fascinating. Ironic that the newer the car, potentially less data is available!

[@lucythemoggy1970]

they helped me with my morris minor. told me the years my colour was made from, but best of all with the certificate I got was my minor still has all its original engine, gearbox, and rear axle!

[@SJR313]

Dealer swaps are exceptionally common even now. A dealer will order for stock, it goes onto a central manufacturer computer and then a request can be made to release the vehicle or “swap” a desirable vehicle for another…

[@focusrssteve]

Good morning everyone, hope you're having a nice Sunday!

[@furiousdriving]

Good morning!

[@dennisbotha2589]

Thanks Matt. Very interesting and pleasant delivery as always! In essence you obtained your Mini"s birth certificate, and it is to be reborn! Wishing you the best of British luck!

[@spinosauruswearingboots4156]

A fascinating film. I worked in the archives at my work for a time conserving nautical charts. It was a great job and really rewarding.

[@patrickhostler5939]

What a fascinating collection, I had no idea, but so glad to see, that these historical documents are being looked after .❤

[@d33b33]

Very interesting. These people could tell you how much British motoring icons have left the UK vs how much is still there. I bet there is a surprising amount of heritage requests from the Scandinavian countries.

[@BRED510]

Fascinating insight. Great the history is being kept alive.

[@robtt997]

One of your best videos . Fascinating. Thank you

[@alanhall7213]

Interesting that the oldest record example had Prosser as the agent, based in Glasgow. Prossers remained in business until the mid 90's when they were acquired by Arnold Clark.

[@TheMileswin]

This is an truly amazing video Matt. I loved every moment and feel like sending all our collection of 40 plus Rover chassis numbers in for certs.

[@dantheblacksmith]

As like many of us I would love to just have a good old browse in there of all kinds of cars throughout automotive history and then of course look up every car I've owned aswell even the shite ones 😂 it's just so fascinatingly interesting! Great vid!

[@neilwalsh4058]

Brilliant video, so good to unearth a cars history. Made me laugh when he said the Land Rover / Range Rover records were a roughly made hotch potch. Just like the vehicles then 😉

[@gerryaddison8677]

Excellent video Matt, that's how I found out from an Heritage Trace back in the early 90's that my 1961 TR4 purchased in 1989 was a really early TR4 ( October 1961 & 286th built ). Also on the certificate was the first owner who was then the Director of Standard Triumph, Donald Stokes later to become Lord and the British Leyland Supremo. I did write to him to let him know I had the car to which he replied saying that he taught his son to drive in it and it was always completely reliable. The car was restored just after purchase in 1989 including a body off, nut and bolt restoration...it took just over 2 years and it's always been part of our family and leads a very easy life attending local shows over the last 30 years.

[@patrickhostler5939]

This chap is super knowledgable. ❤

[@pauldavies6037]

What a great job for any car nerd thanks Matt!

[@shannonireland9057]

Great Video.I always look to watching them.

[@danielrussell446]

Matt what a brilliant video and so interesting to see the records which they have and the process is also fascinating too! So glad you got a certificate for the mini will be a lovely addition to its history

[@hhgttg69]

that was a great look into their service. thank you for that.

[@kevinnye5132]

One of your most interesting videos Matt , throughly enjoyed it 👌🏻, not that I don’t enjoy all your videos 😁, back peddling as fast as I can 😂.

[@tonys1636]

Not surprised that Wolesley kept good records as started as an Agriculture machinery manufacturer (Sheep shearing) and probably had farmers wanting parts for 20 y.o. equipment no longer produced or had been improved on. So could make the exact part required. RR and Bentley kept records right back to the start where they are now who knows? Ford or BMW may know?

[@furiousdriving]

Very true - farmers keep things forever!

[@jeffcarter7197]

Fabulous video. Just amazing history kept in these archives. Thanks for sharing and explaining how the records are collected for producing a heritage certificate.

[@Parknest]

I visited both the Cowley works and the musem in 2011 for the 30th Anniversary of the Triumph Acclaim. This was a fascinating insight into the factory records and how the Heritage Certificates are compiled. Maybe I should get a Heritage Certificate for my Dolomite but the car isn't as it left Canley in 1972.

[@grayfool]

WHat a place. Fascinating stuff. Thanks to everyone for allowing us to see this grat archive.

[@Shazzalu]

Loved this, super interesting and brilliant they have saved so much given the stories - especially the Wolseley skip find 😮

[@barron204]

Fascinating place. Would love to work there.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I have had three British cars! My first, my last and my only!!!! An absurdly bad produced, new 1966 BMC Mini from 1966 to 1970, when I bought a decent and properly produced car! A BMW 2002! Even from the corners of the front screen it leaked in water, and I had to manually bend the doorframes for the windows, with my knee in between, to make them - actually meet the rubber seal round the door!!! The paint round the outside hinges left the plate (From a lousy production method), and don't drive close to a car in front, during rain! And the gear system! A long stick from the front and missing synchromesh for the first gear!

[@Jasonhughes258]

What a great insight to a awesome place. The stories that all that information could tell, absolutely amazing. Thanks for the video on it 👍

[@allanmollison6971]

Thanks for posting Matt, really interesting 😊👍

[@jaspal666]

I am loving this! What a fantastic job to have. I’m sure the fella could provide the info on my cut/shunt… front end 79, rear 80 MGB roadster. 😂😂

[@cliveprocter3698]

Very interesting video, didn't realise how extensive their records were and the physical space they take up. Well done Matt.

[@nicholasreason8379]

That was amazing Thank you Matt

[@sportshatch]

Fabulous video Matt. A true bit of Btitish history. Thank you Richard ,Emilyand Matt.

[@darrenmeears3912]

Fascinating stuff matt glad all this stuff is in safe hands EXCELLENT 👌👍🏻🇬🇧

[@sonnysting2663]

I would vote this video as the best I've seen on "Furious Driving" so far 😉

[@mattw8332]

Excellent! A similar them HubNut's trip to Beaulieu last year where he got to look though lots of papers My current job and my last permanent job are records/archives based. Sadly not in a field as fascinating as the car industry.

[@andrewmarriott4033]

I guess you’ll be keeping your mini all original now and not swopping out the auto box great video 👍

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Most interesting. I wonder if they could do me a certificate for my 1978 Triumph 2500S. A long shot I know because she was built in Australia - with mods to accommodate Australian standards such as side intrusion bars, RHD pantograph wipers, EGR, carbon can etc etc. Why bother? Well, I've toyed with the idea of bringing her 'home' and it seems this is mandatory.

[@doktoruzo]

Very interesting Matt, well done. Great video. Thanks

[@peterthebricky]

From Stewart and Ardern in Acton I remember that not far from my grandparents house an amazing looking building similar one in staines too , I've been on a Google image search for while now because of this

[@rodhili3946]

A man with a dream job 😍 I could spend hours and hours in there. Thanks for a great video Matt

[@jonholding3880]

Fascinating video Matt, thank you

[@lesklower7281]

This is a facinating video Matt l wish they had something like this in Australia but l don't own an Australian built vehicle my 1997 Toyota Hilux was built in July 1997 but its regestration is in April and the 1997 this particular Hilux production finished on the 30th of September 1997 and the next generation started the 1st of October 1997 that's what l know and it was made in Japan thats all the information l have l bought with my daughters help and l know who owned it before me and it came from Newcastle the number plate came out in tge late 1990s

[@andrewriley1664]

Great vlog Matt...really enjoyed that

[@thedeadstig123]

Emily has her own KZbin channel and does some great videos about her classics

[@kellybrickey4300]

Do you know what her channel is called?

[@thedeadstig123]

@@kellybrickey4300 "car art by emily"

[@kellybrickey4300]

@@thedeadstig123 oh, she is THAT Emily! Neat! Thanks.

[@Ivorbiggin]

@@thedeadstig123brilliant i just subscribed

[@electrosoundaust]

Fab video Matt. I wish there was something as comprehensive and public as that in Australia. For example, the Nufield BMC Leyland records are held by the Sydney City Council of all people, so not very accessable at all.

[@claytonspeedcars]

Thanks for the video! I know there are some of the BL (Marinas, Allegros etc) cars that can't get certificates as I believe there was a fire wherever they were stored at the time. I wanted to get one my '76 Marina Mk2 Special that I am restoring over on my channel, but I don't think it will be possible.

[@roygardiner2229]

Great stuff!

[@tristanpage6805]

So interesting. Great video

[@icascone]

Wow, how amazing!!!

[@steveadams8799]

Great video Matt. I’m going to get a certificate for my P38.

[@duncanforbes1972]

Brilliant for all the correct reasons ☺️

[@MedievalRichard]

Great Video, Matt! Very interesting. My garaged summer show mini is a 1998 Rover mini MPI. From your video I guess I won't be able to get a heritage sticker? They also just miss out my Dad's RIley RMF 2.0ltr. His is a year 1952 and they only do 53-69! :(

[@furiousdriving]

Probably not, but it doesnt hurt to ask, just in case!

[@dolomite_73]

Absolutely fascinating. I could lose hours in there. I've been meaning to get one of their certificates for my Dolomite.

[@davidsjenkins281]

great video keep up with the good work

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

What a fascinating video Matt, really enjoyable to watch, would love to work in Gaydon and issue the heritage certificates.

[@furiousdriving]

I think a lot of us would!

[@alisterwest6987]

Brilliant video never realised this amount of information was kept,certificate looked smart lovely keepsake, thanks for producing this video 👍🇬🇧

[@DavidJones-dq7iu]

Wow this is fantastic and so interesting. Thank you for showing us this.

[@nigelprince987]

Absolutely fantastic video Matt, well done 😊

[@laikatravels]

Wow, very interesting 👍

[@ianrosie4431]

That was great. Nice people too.

[@JohnHonda101]

Now there's something new I haven't seen before.

[@carlmarkwyatt]

Thanks

[@furiousdriving]

No, thank you!

[@pit_stop77]

Fascinating place, how is the heritage centre funded? Donations?

[@furiousdriving]

The museum visitors helps fund it

[@Roverturbo]

Great video and service, no mention of costs to do this?

[@harrygiles1098]

A great insight, thank you

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I never knew they had all the records. Another reason to keep the automatic box.

[@matthewfrankcook]

lovely video: what nice people 🙂

[@nickskinner1482]

fascinating

[@DrifterWill]

I’d love to get a heritage certificate for my 1983 Mini but I don’t think it goes up to that date on a Mini.

[@furiousdriving]

I think 80s ones should be OK

[@Ceph_Bluejay9]

Hey there Matt quick question are you going to be at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC on the 24th to the 26th of March? Nice video.

[@furiousdriving]

As a visitor but not on a stand this time

[@Ceph_Bluejay9]

@@furiousdriving ah okay if you don’t mind me asking what day??

[@MGBetts1]

I thought I recognised Emily - I follow her car channel!

[@fhwolthuis]

Great stuff, Matt! Did you get a certificate for all your cars? The P6s etc?

[@furiousdriving]

Ive had certificates for the P6s for quite a long time, since I go the V8 in fact but when I got the 'new' Morris Mini wanted to get one for that. I should do the Tomcat, vi and Tourer as well really! Not sure if they can do the 2001 Mini as its BMW now

[@theythinkitsallrover8106]

Poor emily didn't get a word in edgeways! 😕

[@a133m210]

Nice smile with her nods in agreement though

[@Ivorbiggin]

But she has her own channel !!…..car art by Emily

[@wrightfamily4373]

Is this just for British cars as I own a Talbots express and would love to know anything about it from when it was built.

[@azza8249]

I was literally there yesterday

[@123jrh1]

tried to get a heritage certificate for my 92 216 cabby gutted when they messaged me back and said no records available

[@phil7301]

Absolutely brilliant, . Tell you something Matt, your channel should be snapped up by tv, . 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@furiousdriving]

Wow, thanks

[@phil7301]

@@furiousdriving seriously, you know your stuff, you have contacts, your not a poser, and you don't claim to know everything,, I'm sure most people would agree

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

Think you need to get Richard to do your V/O...... What a voice man

[@habsom1406]

I totally agree, Richard is a very natural and eloquent communicator, I could listen to him all day, his expert knowledge and enthusiasm helped make this a fascinating video.

[@furiousdriving]

He does have an excellent Whispering Bob Harris voice!

[@jayash6108]

Wolseley still exist today....commonly known as Plumbcenter

[@Shazzalu]

😂

[@danielrussell446]

Sort of the plumbcenter is linked to the original wolseley sheep shearing company which Herbert Austin worked for but the car division at this time was part of the Nuffield organisation and trade mark owned by bmw I believe

[@adrianrowden8266]

I laughed like a drain.

[@chrisrumble2665]

Anything made on 8 July is bound to be superior!

[@adrianrowden8266]

Very interesting thanks. Does your certificate say it is an automatic?

[@furiousdriving]

Actually no, as it was that early computerised age its missing that (but it is on the receipt and order form from the dealer!)

[@jimdavis5230]

Regarding records being destroyed in a fire. Nobody knows who invented the fire hydrant because the patent was destroyed in a fire.

[@furiousdriving]

Ha! Thats the funniest thing Ive heard all day, I really hope its true!

[@pekkokuopanportti6859]

Ubuntu!

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Interesting video Matt🚗🚙🚘👍👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@darrenwilson8042]

The mini was built the day after my 7th Birthday

[@Mirage8v]

Fascinating Matt! Little small remark/tip from my side: in your enthousiasm you interrupt the people you interview quite a lot I have noticed. And sometimes I was actually wondering what they were gonna say next.

[@rxpx69]

That very first Land Rover 860001 still exists

[@jasoncornell1579]

Did u use the tea shelf?

[@furiousdriving]

The tea shop maybe...