The British Commercial Vehicle Museum

The British Commercial Vehicle Museum

Our Archive Department holds comprehensive records dating far back to the 1890s. These include thousands of photographs, technical publications and engineering drawings which together provide a concise history of vehicle development by such famous names as Leyland, Albion, AEC, Maudslay, Thornycroft , and Scammell Lorries. At one time, all of them were major vehicle manufacturers in their own right. Examples of their vehicles are on display in the museum.

Follow the ‘Time Line’ of pictures around the walls. It traces the development of transport from the days of horse-drawn buses right up to today’s newly developing hybrid and electric vehicles. Each of the historic vehicles nearby will have a story to be told and touch-screen panels provide interesting information and interactive challenges for all age groups.

And there are other tales to be told too! Stories of how people lived and travelled in the days of horse-drawn buses; why drivers of steam lorries ended the day with their bodies covered in coal dust, grease and oil; what it was like for long distance drivers before the days of sleeper cabs. ‘Once upon a time…’ has many starting points. Come and listen to them.

Located in the heart of Lancashire, Leyland is the spiritual home of commercial vehicle manufacture. The Museum tells this story, and how these vehicles are used. Over 60 magnificent vehicles from the 1890s up to the 21st century are displayed.Come and stand next to the mighty Scammell 100 Tonner, sit in the cab of a modern artic truck and an open top fire engine, take a view from inside the Popemobile.

It is not just about the vehicles, marvel at the photographic collection of the past century and watch archive films from a bygone age.If all this is not enough, talk to the interesting characters that have spent all their working lives building and operating these magnificent machines. ?This is real living history?. Finish your visit with a drink in our caf? and look for interesting souvenirs in our shop. This is a place with personality.