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Exhibition celebrating Vauxhall's history in Luton

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageStockwood Discovery Centre A vintage car with two raised leather seats and an exposed cabin. It is yellow and the wheels have yellow rims. A plate on the front reads: V.C.C 1905 Vauxhall. The car is parked in a building on rubber matting by a brown wall.Stockwood Discovery Centre
One of the first Vauxhall cars made in Luton in 1905 is among those featured in the exhibition

A new, free exhibition celebrating the rich automotive heritage of a town in Bedfordshire has opened.

Luton Made: Vauxhall runs until 28 June at Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road.

It follows the plant's closure in 2025 and explores more than 120 years of Vauxhall's history in Luton and its lasting impact on the town.

Hazel Simmons MBE, leader of Luton Council, said this was "a poignant moment to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution Vauxhall has made to our town".

She added: "This exhibition brings those stories to life in innovative ways, celebrating the people, skills and community at the heart of Luton's identity.

"It offers something for everyone, from former employees and car enthusiasts to young people inspired by design and engineering."

News imageStockwood Discovery Centre A collection of horse-drawn carriages with some on raised platforms by the wall in a museum. There are also two steam rollers in the middle.Stockwood Discovery Centre
Stockwood Discovery Centre is also home to the largest collection of horse-drawn carriages in the UK, as well as two steam rollers

The exhibition is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and features previously unseen photographs, film footage, objects, memorabilia and personal stories.

It has been developed in collaboration with former Vauxhall employees and reveals more about the people, skills and community that powered the factory for generations.

News imageVauxhall Heritage A black and white picture of an old car coming off the production line at Vauxhall Motors in Luton. There are people around it with their arms in the air and a man wearing a suit and hat who is holding a placard which reads: "This is the ten thousandth Vauxhall 10 bought in under five months".Vauxhall Heritage
The ten thousandth Vauxhall car coming off the production line in Luton

Highlights of the exhibition include:

  • Rare archival material and first-hand accounts from former workers
  • Five heritage vehicles on loan from the British Motor Museum, including the first and last cars built in Luton
  • A programme of talks, workshops and community events
  • A virtual reality experience launching in late May

Opening weekend events include a family fun day on Saturday and a classic car show on Sunday, showcasing a range of Vauxhall and Bedford vehicles.

Luton Made: Vauxhall forms part of a wider programme celebrating Luton's 150th anniversary as a borough, with events and activities highlighting the town's history, heritage and community spirit.

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