Great British Car Journey Museum! With Austin 1300GT Drive!

[@roygardiner2229]

Splendid! Thank you. What struck me was the sheer aesthetic excellence of these cars, which, to me, are far more attractive, more clean-lined, than the weird and awful pretentiousness of most modern cars. The Austin 1300 GT was a case in point. The Italian design of the body is sheer beauty.

[@jamesm90]

My mum had a 1300GT in the 70s, in mustard yellow, I loved it then, and it was the first car I drove in and out of the garage at about 12 years old, it always felt a bit special. This brought back the smell of vinyl seats. Your videos are helping me get through a boring stay in hospital, thanks !

[@ianmontgomery7213]

I am glad he mentioned the Nomad- my sister had one years ago.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@ianmontgomery7213 As far as I know, that was an Australian car not sold anywhere else. I saw one in New Zealand in the late '70s.

[@ianmontgomery7213]

@@pashakdescilly7517 yes I believe you are right.

[@keplermission4947]

Just after WW2 the British started to make mass market cars and the labour was very expensive, the quality craftsmen were soon sacked and cheaper and cheaper facilities were used until a lot of these profit driven car makers were just closed down or absorbed by BMC and such. The British weren't very nice, the employers were strict and unpleasant, not a job for life by any means. They used whip people in prison and get them walking on a treadmill. There was a terrible social class discrimination issue. It was just like Amazon or the harshest employment conditions, slave labour sweat shops. When Hong Kong was returned to China it was great thing and Mrs Thatcher was working-class and knew the problems with the social class snobs that she'd met in her career.

[@pashakdescilly7517]

@@keplermission4947 you are mixing up a lot of disparate stuff. Your description of treadmills snd whipping might be true of a Victorian prison.... Get real

[@RoyCousins]

When you got into that all black vinyl Austin 1300 GT, I could almost feel the sweat on my back. Memories!

[@keplermission4947]

The Bristol car shown was a British cover version of the German BMW and had an engine that was a BMW engine, modified and made in the UK but you know, Britain's employers were like that. They were Empire thinkers and imported rather than using native resources, human or otherwise. These Bristol were largely perfected by local service techs that got them working good. The British cars were no better than TVR, they were full of issues in the United States, they were slavishly worked on loved, the Jaguars and such. Just wonderful.

[@tomfinney6498]

Mate in the garage where we worked as mechanics , had a 1300GT in bronze yellow ! reg no was UMS 190J , loved it :-)

[@fasthracing]

My first car was a 1973 Austin 1300. I managed to buy some wheel trims off a 1300GT model from a breakers for the sporty look!

[@eekamoose]

The sound of that gearbox whining took me straight back to 1978 driving an Austin 1100. Happy times.

[@Grimwriggler]

Wow that Bristol is just gorgeous .

[@jefferysmith3930]

I can see it now. You book your drive in whatever car. Get in, start it up and your first question is about how the wipers work. The chaperone looks at you and asks, “Did that Hub Nut bloke send you?”

[@bentullett6068]

I would do that and complain about the triangle of doom

[@frothe42]

You know, that was one of the first things I thought Ian would show us! As insignificant windscreen wipers and their actions are to most people are unimportant, I feel it definitely is, because of visibility and safety! So, I look forward to wiper action and how it clears the windscreen!

[@frothe42]

@@bentullett6068 Or triangle of disappointment!

[@JamesAllmond]

@@frothe42 yep, the other evil triangle...

[@jt-bg6ey]

@@bentullett6068 and the corner of disappointment

[@6chhelipilot]

My Grandad had an Austin 1300 GT and he sometimes let me drive it. All the good times.

[@urbanrider403]

I’ve fallen in love with that Austin 1300GT.

[@robinwells8879]

Bucket list just extended by one more item and it has gone straight in in pole position! What a wonderful idea. Driving a baby Austin is already on the list so two birds with one stone. My father used to tell of his epic journey from Cambridge to Oban in an Austin 7 and having to go up the old Rest and be thankful pass in reverse gear because the ratio was lower than first gear. That or first didn’t work which is not impossible because he also rode a bike that only had one pedal when posted up in those parts during the war! What an adventure that must have been. Wishing them every success with a wonderful business model.

[@GRAHAMAUS]

This museum should be called "I used to have one of those!", as I'm sure that's going to be the most commonly overheard phrase. Definitely going to be on my bucket list.

[@cme2cau]

That will be a fabulous place! Those pusher fans on transverse BMCs made the left front wheel the best place to stand beside on a cold day (and the worst on a hot day)

[@willswheels283]

Yes, I’d heard of this museum, fantastic concept. As for the BLMC 1300, a fantastic 60’s car, I’ve had 2 of these as Daily drivers in recent years, both a Wolseley 1300 and Austin, great to drive, just like a bigger Mini. And for the record they are reliable unlike Basil Fawltys 1100, lol😁

[@jontaylor1652]

I absolutely adore those 1100/1300's. I had no fewer than seven over the years and every one was a little gem. I never did get to own a GT though, sadly.

[@VauxhallViva1975]

I totally agree! I currently have three 1100/1300 cars. An orange GT, a white 1100 and a green 1300. Among other cars.... ;)

[@simonsackett]

The distinctive sound the GT made when it was started. Brought back memories, that did.

[@GenialHarryGrout]

I'm sat watching this with a huge smile on my face. Seeing the Austin GT takes me back to the 2 cars I owed after passing my driving test. Both 1300's both of which I wished I had kept.

[@Jam3sA]

That 1300GT immediately brought to mind the component diagrams in the AA Book of the Car. The concept for the museum is brilliant in my opinion

[@stepheng8779]

Looks a great place to visit, that 1300GT is absolutely gorgeous, takes me right back. One of the best episodes of Car SOS is on the Hillman Imp, hope you get to video one Ian.

[@kevinwhelan8126]

When I was a kid I used to refer to the Vanden Plas Princess as a Rolls Royce 1100!

[@HubNut]

Not far off the mark! They're very plush.

[@DaBoogie049]

I'm glad that people still maintain our fleet of old cars, even in difficult times

[@IDann1]

Funny to think back in my youth all these cars were only a few hundred quid, now their revered classics

[@mickspencer4171]

What a great idea, a museum where you can actually drive some of the cars, seeing some of those exhibits brought back some memories, great vid Ian.

[@colinjones2505]

Brilliant. Looking forward to a visit in the future. Had a 'teal blue' 1300GT in 1975. One of the top four cars I've ever owned tbh. Thanks for letting us know about it

[@matty6848]

My dad had one as a youthful man back in his day. He’s says it’s still one of the best cars he’s had. Now as a pensioner he’s more into his motorhomes😂

[@chuckwoodchip1696]

My Dad had a 1300gt which I drove not long after passing my test, this brought back such great memories. I can see me booking a drive in it for old times. Great video👍

[@gryfandjane]

Now, more than ever, lamenting that my home in Missouri is so far from the UK. I would love to visit that museum. Being able to drive some of the collection is an amazing feature. I wish them great success!

[@SteveDentonClassics]

What a great idea to make a car museum more interactive. I think more museums should take a leaf out of this ones book, it's the way forward. I'll certainly be making a visit 👍

[@andrewmarriott4033]

Just down the road from me can’t wait till it’s open Certainly walkable from my home to here Used to have a Austin 1100 rotten as a pear

[@richardbaron7106]

One of my first memories of cars as a 3-4 year old in Great Missenden, was a burnt-orange Austin 1300 GT with the black vinyl roof and fancy wheels parked on the side of the road near where we lived around 1970 / 1971. It stood out due to the orange paint and black trim, plus the GT badge at the back. This was at the time when my step-dad had a mini van and an Isetta bubble car. This is going to be a fantastic museum, made even better with cars your can drive.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Think it must have been Blaize Red like this one or Bronze Yellow, Richard.I recall them also in Polar White and Teal Blue. A friend had one and it really was a great little car, went really well and felt fast that was all that mattered , airy and amazingly spacious inside and something lost to day - fun !.Survivors are now making strong money and |I'm not in the least bit surprised .

[@richardbaron7106]

@@Roger.Coleman1949 - it could have easily been Bronze Yellow - my 3/4 year-old mind might have mistaken it as orange years later, esp after moving to NZ in 1974 where some of the Aussie cars here were a burnt orange (probably Ford Falcons, I'm guessing).

[@phillipsharpe6459]

This place is about 15 miles from where I live ,definitely going when it opens, some of the cars there i have had in the past, me being 66, years old, lots of memories to be revisited, 😁👍

[@bertiewooster3326]

Can we pop in for a cuppa Philip?

[@phillipsharpe6459]

@@bertiewooster3326 any time pal ,the kettle is always on ,😁👍

[@matty6848]

Yeh my dad is 68 And i know he would love this place. Lots of cars from his youth especially the 1300 GT👍

[@sanatandharma4435]

When you first entered the stored car area I went weak in the knees. I love that Bristol! What a great idea this is!

[@thewatchman1078]

Brilliant can’t wait and keen to support. Thanks for posting.

[@volvo480]

So much for all the credit you've built up with the Welsh tourist board by sharing all those stunning views and beautiful driving roads in Wales, Ian... just this video and now everyone will be heading for Derbyshire! (it is now on top of MY list of places to visit in the UK!)

[@niceviewoverthere4463]

Excellent choice the 1300GT. Sounded just like my 1300 did in 1975. By 1979 it didn't sound quite like that - much more idler gear whine by then. Hope to get there one day.

[@johnvanstone5336]

Keep on making these type of video’s Ian as you present them research them so well🇬🇧🤘☀️

[@djmossssomjd8496]

Petrolhead heaven. I had a 1982 Crusader Cortina 80 until 5 years ago when 3 lovely 'visitors to our shores' decided it needed writing off so as to claim on my insurance...THEY FAILED, I WON!! (but lost my beautiful 'Tina) It was almost as good as the Mk5 you showed here. That and that gorgeous Chevette would be my first two choices but love 'em all. Thanks for showing us them.

[@miketherefurbisher8000]

Hi Ian The joys of being out of lock-down, a great video! I bet you enjoyed yourself that day. Nice to see a change of content, it was all getting a bit dull, keep em coming we love you really.

[@frglee]

Great content! There's a place I'd enjoy visiting! It made me wonder if they have a Triumph Herald, so I could see whether it is as alarming to drive as I recall my Mother's car was. I'd certainly be up to trying the Hillman Imp, one of which has pride of place in the car section of the excellent Glasgow Riverside Transport Museum, with many misty-eyed Scottish visitors admiring her. And yes, you really must review one sometime!

[@nick2203]

What a wonderful collection of car. The fact that you can actually drive some the exhibits is marvellous. My first car was an Austin 1100, so very much like your drive of the 1300GT. Definitely on the list of places to visit when the museum opens.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Can't beat a tantalizing glimpse of a Bristol through an archway

[@bobss3704]

Tut tut, such rudeness, now, a pair of freestanding Bristols?

[@keplermission4947]

Bristol ... now crystal is a different story.

[@kevintynan796]

Wonderful idea, these gems from our motoring heritage not just sitting in a museum, but actually being driven. May I say Hub Nut is back on track with this interesting and informative episode.

[@Shane_Marsh]

1st class video as usual Ian. This place is just what's needed to get more people interested in older cars. I liked the 1300GT with 1/3rd screen of disappointment.

[@padraigodonnell6081]

That gear box whine is something most classic cars have, including our mk1 cortina. It's the happiest sound of all ( especially when it's a 1500cc kent unit buzzing away up top)

[@davidjones332]

Nobody thought synchromesh was necessary on first gear back then!

[@padraigodonnell6081]

@@davidjones332 should have made clear, but the cortina got syncromesh on all forward gears. It's the general whine of the gear box I'm talking about, especially in second. But nothing really beats the whine of first form the likes of an Anglia.

[@MrButtonpresser]

These cars are lovely to look at, but it's the driving that really seals the deal. What a great idea. Next trip to the UK, this is on the agenda!

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

This looks fabulous and I love the idea of being able to drive these classics. Vinyl seats, those were the days; burnt legs in your shorts as a kid! Definitely going to visit once it opens. Cheers Ian for bringing this wonderful museum to my attention.

[@MrG61-u9k]

Bloody marvellous, lots of cars I was brought up on and worked on as an apprentice and mechanic at an Austin Rover dealer, great video Ian 👍 If ever there was a venue for a HubNut meet up 🤔

[@millomweb]

I can see Ian & family leaving Wales now.

[@matty6848]

Yep same here. West’s works then cab 1 & 2. Went past the place the other day. It’s tragic to see it all gone. Even cab 1 has been completely demolished now.

[@stephenstokes8318]

I would love go to that museum . My Nan had a Chevette in same colour as the one you looked at but hers had vinyl seats and auto gearbox

[@kraljmatjaz7668]

austin was also assembled in my town in late or early 70s, but later on came French and from then we are assembling Renault small cars at the moment ( Twingo, Clio 5 and Smart forfour)

[@stratpod]

really enjoyed that Ian, lump in my throat seeing all those wonderful cars from my era , will have to be a definite visit, pity it's so far away

[@seancooke4127]

Unbelievable. The perfect choice. These 1300 GTs were gorgeous in Orange. Fancy a go in a Jaguar or a Shadow. Probably settle for a Midget or MGB. He couldn't leave the wipers alone could he. Now we know why he loves the Welsh climate, he gets to have the wipers on all the time.

[@jt-bg6ey]

Time to drink tea sit back relax and watch a hubnut video. 👍☕

[@itsmephil2255]

Well said ☕

[@Kai-Peter.Schellhase]

Definitely going there at some point. Thanks for taking us behind the scenes, Ian!👍

[@captaccordion]

Good to see you being so prolific Hubnut! Yes, it's a worthy collection alright. At the moment you made a beeline for the Marina, I myself would have made a beeline for the Rapier! Cheers.

[@jo05dk]

This is exactly what we need. Love the concept..and absolutely love that little 1300GT and its lovely induction noise :)

[@PurityVendetta]

Ooooh, look forward to this museum opening. Not too far away from me either.

[@PopsMotorcycles]

WOW this museum is only 10 minutes from my house. Thank you Ian for showing us this new museum.

[@Qwerty1235945]

That is going to be amazing. Thank for the heads-up Ian.

[@AndreiTupolev]

I don't know what it is, but the interiors of the Chevette and Metro with their red vinyl seats can't help but fill one with delight

[@redsorgum]

I learned about this museum a couple weeks ago from another KZbinr, very cool that you got some early access. All he was able to do is park on the outside and talk about it.

[@dazt103]

This is brilliant. What a great collection.

[@Rjhs001]

I can hardly wait to go there, so excited. Thanks for the info Ian.

[@neilwalsh4058]

What a fabulous place and a fantastic idea letting people drive them. It's what the world of car museums have been crying out for. 👍

[@johnwaga3702]

An excellent video, I look forward to visiting the museum. My mate had a 1300GT back in the day and it was fantastic fun to drive.

[@phrayzar]

What a fantastic place this will be. I think I'm going to have a nostalgia overdose when I visit. Can't wait.

[@jkk244]

Being able to drive a museum’s cars reminds me of the same offer by the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee in the US. A buddy and I spent an afternoon driving a Tatra 603, with its rear-engine air-cooled aluminum V8. Ah, full Soviet-era quirkiness and goodness. I am definitely going to visit this museum when I am on holiday to the UK !

[@matty6848]

That sounds brilliant. Is the museum still open? I’ve never been to Tennessee state only New York and California, but the next time I’m over got to visit mid and the southern states for some REAL America, not the typical tourist spots.

[@DrEvilsFinger]

This looks like a wonderful place. Great to have a car museum closer to home too.

[@joshnnik]

That was my life history in British cars. Thank you for the trip down memory lane!

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

That museum looks brilliant. I love how the drive experience part is called "Drive Dads Car". :D

[@ColinPrince]

Amazing collection all with beautiful paint work and cars that us older viewers can only dream of!

[@phillipsharpe6459]

Where you are used to be the old ambergate wire works, many years ago, 😁👍

[@nigelmasters8552]

Hi Ian, Thoroughly impressed with this and it brought back so many memories. I passed my test in 1972, Austin A35, Austin Cambridge then to Germany. A Fiat 500 Sports Coupe and believe it or not a Morris 1000 Traveller. But my last overseas car was a Morris 1100, what a motor. All over Europe without a hitch. Thank you.

[@johnnyonenote376]

Fabulous Ian... I was intrigued when you put that little taster up in your previous video as to the actual location. It is about a 20 minute drive for me and for folks who want to make a day or two of it, there are plenty of campsites / B&Bs in the area. Also Crich Tramway Museum is a stone's throw away and Matlock Bath with it's cable cars up to the Heights of Abraham. A beautiful part of the country and all credit to Richard Usher and the team for what must have been a tremendous amount of work to put this together, very best of luck to them. Count me in !

[@MrTomwinter]

I remember walking around that sight 20yrs or more ago. great to see something being done with it.

[@aerogray2500]

Great vid! what a cracking little car that 1300 GT is!

[@smoothmicra]

Thanks for the heads up, I am itching to visit and drive those classic beauties.👍

[@isthereanybodyoutthere9397]

That engine and exhaust note remind me of my lovely Triumph 1300 TC (probably similar power train). Old Brit "sports" cars are just beautiful to look at, beautiful to drive, and beautiful to hear.

[@MGBetts1]

Princess Anne has actually owned EIGHT Scimitars, including the Middlebridge one she has now. Not a lot of people know that! 😔

[@martinneumann7783]

Wonderful! What a nice story and cool museum concept. That's really different. I'm looking forward to the Hillman Imp video that you mentioned... 😍

[@GreatBritishRailways1]

At 10:45 was that Morris Minor in lilac not a special edition Morris 1,000,000?

[@Dan_druft]

That Austin 1300GT brings back memories as my late mum used to own an orange colour one until my brother borrowed it and wrote it off, it looks great even now.

[@IDann1]

Back in the 90s I worked for kennings car and Van rental, and the maestro was the only car that was discontinued very quickly for poor reliability, taking in account that we only had cars there under three months old and under 10k.miles.

[@mattw8332]

Wow, I'll have to put this on my list of places to visit. I spy a Rover 213/216. I would love to be able to take a spin in that if possible - I'm easily pleased!

[@darrenmeears4667]

Just been to the museum what a fantastic place it was you can get up close to the cars all the Windows are open so you can have a good sniff inside them and I drove the mk1 astra carnt wait to go back again so thanks Mr hubnut 👍

[@roversteve8772]

Great review once again Ian, my type of museum seeing many of my old Favourites. Looks like I have another place to visit when I do my future U.K. trip. The 1300 GT you drove looks Awesome Great to see so many Wonderful cars from the British Car Automotive History saved , love the opportunity offered to drive some of these Special cars.

[@whitemoor66]

What a brilliant place this will be. So many cars from my childhood, youth and early adult life. Excellent choice of car to drive, took me back immediately to my A series powered Allegro and Mini. The almost apologetic cough of the starter motor, instant start of the engine, the transmission whine and the lovely intake noise. Absolute bliss!

[@andrewgurney6019]

A beautiful Lotus Esprit totally ignored for a Reliant Robin, only on Hubnut!, thanks for the video, looks like it's going to be a cool place to visit.

[@frothe42]

I noticed that Lotus, which is from the mid-80's from the look of its taillamps and the side view!

[@00kirbyd]

The 1300GT, mine has been the only car I’ve known my whole life. Yet it’s never been on the road in that time! But it is time for another of these rare beasts to rejoin the roads again. I will be booking my place to drive the one at this museum to help give me inspiration in what seems like an impossible task (if you’ve never restored a car before!)

[@929V6]

I love the "scream wash"! :-)

[@scrapyardwarriorvlogging]

I know where I’m going to be probably spending the rest of my life visiting. Cannot wait until this is open!

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Very exciting, a must see museum. Thanks for the video.

[@bernddoerper5667]

Thank you Ian for this great video👍. Some of those Austins have been sold here in Germany too. When I was a small boy our neighbours son, a policeman, drove auf white colour Austin 1100. That was his first brandnew car after he sold his first Opel Ascona A which was a troubleshooter. I was to small to remember whether he was really happy with the Austin. I had a small blue colour MG 1100 from Matchbox those days. It had a towbar and I allways put the yellow Matchbox horse trailer behind, not thinking that that vehicle never could tow a horse trailer in reallity. Somehow I lost that toycar by playing with my cars in the summer holiday on the Italien beach in the sand. I was very sad. So thanks a lot for this impression how those cars were driving. 👍

[@mr-wx3lv]

Definitely need an excursion to that place. I want to drive some of those cars. My era growing up...

[@AR-iu9jv]

This museum should have the expert on cars Mr Ian Seabrook to do a guided talk around because the knowledge that comes out is second to none.

[@JRGRAY-33]

Fantastic, gotta go when things get back to normal and the museum opens up

[@barryshackson4005]

What a great place this will be when it's finished, would love to visit it at some point.. Thanks for the video Ian. All the best Barry.

[@petersimpson5859]

I have my eye on the E plate SD3. If it's a 1.3, I'll be doubly delighted and booking a drive. The cheeky little putter from the Mini's exhaust is a happy sound.

[@robinjones6999]

Fantastic Ian - its been in the national press as well - all the best

[@TudorSmith]

Wowe I loved that trip down memory lane. I'm definitely going to check out the website and see what they have to offer. It'd be a chance to drive an old classic without having to buy one :)

[@660einzylinder]

We had a Marina 1300L coupe as one of the training cars at Tech College, what a memory that invoked. Commuting for day release in a 1955 Ford Prefect.

[@chrisdowns1987]

Looks right up my street, can’t wait to visit. I’ve always had a soft spot for the MG ZR, MG rover did a great job keeping looking fresh for that long on a budget of 50p! If I’d have been braver It might have been my first car 🤔 Do I also spot a Delorean hiding in the background? 👍

[@tris7]

I love this channel. Brill video. Although, you are the only person on earth to be pleased by a City Rover.