Archive

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Since 2007 our large archive and collection of small objects has been undergoing a reorganisation and although the work is still ongoing we are now in a position to share much of this varied material. The Museum’s extensive archive is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the history of Coventry’s transport industry and the British transport industry in general. It includes:

• A library of books, sales literature, catalogues and magazines covering cycling, motoring and industrial topics
• Technical Collection of manuals, technical drawings/blueprints, production records and handbooks from 1900. Manufacturers covered include Daimler, Hillman, Humber, Morris, Rudge, Standard, Sunbeam and Triumph.
• Rootes Group negatives and prints from the 1940s to the 1970s and plans, drawings and press cuttings from the Group's factories and marques.
• Technical drawings and blueprints from the Daimler Collection and 4000 glass negatives of Daimler and Lanchester vehicles and factories from 1900-1939.
• A photographic collection spanning cycling, motoring, motorcycling, motor sport, factory life and historic scenes from companies including Maudslay, Armstrong Siddeley, Standard, Triumph, Lea Francis, Calcott, White & Poppe.

Access to the archive can be gained through personal research in the Archive Reading Room or through the use of our Archive Enquiry Service.

Archive Reading Room

Use of the reading room is by appointment only: Monday to Friday 10:00am – 4:30pm. Most items in the collection can be viewed by visitors wishing to carry out personal research in the archive reading room. Please note if material is particularly fragile personal research may not be possible.

In order to cover our preparation costs we charge £17.25 per visit to the reading room.To make an appointment to use this facility please use the archive enquiry request form. Providing us with as much information as possible about what you are hoping to look at will enable us to prepare fully for your visit.