Classic car attraction set to open in Derbyshire this summer after plans shelved last year

Great British Car Journey is set to open at the former Richard Johnson and Nephew Wire Works site in Ambergate this summer.

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Originally due to launch last year, plans for the attraction had to be shelved following serious health issues with two of its founders.

The team behind Great British Car Journey say they are ‘now back to full health’ and ready to open later this year with even more vehicles joining the original line up.

More than 150 classic British cars will be exhibited – including Austin Sevens and Morris Minors as well as more modern classics like the original Mini, Ford Cortina and Vauxhall Cavalier.

The family-friendly attraction is the brainchild of former Auto Windscreens and Blyton Park circuit owner Richard Usher.

He said: “Signing the lease (for the site) is a real line in the sand and puts us on track for opening in 2021.

“The enforced break, through both ill health and the pandemic, means Great British Car Journey is coming back stronger having given us the opportunity to acquire even more fantastic British made and designed classic cars.”

A spokesperson for Great British Car Journey said the attraction promises to ‘take visitors through a nine-stage story of the rise and demise of the British motor industry, using a unique audio-visual device’.

The site, which is located just off the A6 in between Matlock and Derby, is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment ahead of Great British Car Journey opening.

Alongside the exhibition, Great British Car Journey will boast a gift shop and café as well as the Drive Dad’s Car experience.

This will allow visitors to go for a spin with an instructor in a selection of more than 30 iconic British cars from the Austin Seven to a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit.

Mr Usher added: “The team and I are tremendously excited about the launch of Great British Car Journey and the Drive Dad’s Car experience in 2021.

“It will be a fabulous addition to the many attractions in and around the Peak District and Derbyshire.”

Keep up-to-date with developments at Great British Car Journey at www.greatbritishcarjourney.com.

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