The Museum reopened on 18th July 2020 – Click HERE for further information

Open Tuesday-Sunday 10.00 a.m to 4.30 p.m
(Plus ALL Bank Holiday Mondays)

The Museum's History

In Anglo Saxon times the area named ‘Leyland’ referred to nothing more than an area of unploughed fields through which Roman roads passed. The town of Leyland as we know it today, has developed largely due to the growth and expansion of the bus and truck manufacturer named after the town.


The museum building was formerly part of Leyland Motor’s and the town’s history. It dates from the 1930s and formed part of the company’s South Works. For most of its life it housed the Customer Inspection Department, where lorries and buses arriving from production were closely inspected by purchasers before they took delivery.


It was in 1983 that the building was transformed into The Museum. It was too cold to open to the public in winter months and the roof frequently needed repair to keep out the rain. However, there has now been a complete transformation as a result of Heritage Lottery Funding, and generous support too from several sponsors. The old café and cinema were demolished, and new facilities provided. A ‘State-of-the Art’ Conference Suite and a new building for the Archive Dept. have been constructed. There are new heating and lighting systems installed, and the layout of the exhibition hall totally changed. We now have a motor museum which should be high on the list for anyone seeking ‘somewhere to go’!

Part of Leyland Motors Factory in 1930’s

“The end of a shift for hundreds of workers”.
“Production of Leyland steam lorries ended.”

During the 1950’s

“Diesel engines power heavier but still slow lorries. More petrol companies competing for business.”

The museum was founded in 1983

“A motor museum to preserve Britain’s heritage in the design and manufacture of trucks and buses.”

Through the 1990’s

“Although only open during summer months, the museum attracts visitors from far and wide.”

Museum logo rebrand in 2018

“A bright new future for this unique motor museum starts with a bright new identity.”

Renovation & Re-Opening in 2019

“Out with the old and in with the new. We welcome you to one of the finest and friendliest motor museums… anywhere!”.

The Museum and its Aims

The British Commercial Vehicle Museum Trust is a Registered Charity whose aims are to preserve for future generations, vehicles of special significance (& related archive material ) designed and produced by British manufacturers. In doing so, the museum opens its doors for the public to enjoy the display of vehicles and to encourage future generations to learn how our engineers laid the groundwork for much of the world’s motor vehicle technologies.

The Museum is self-funding and does not receive government assistance or support for meeting the huge overhead costs encountered in carrying out the valuable work done. We rely on our own abilities, together with the generous support received from our sponsors, to maintain sustainability.

MUSEUM GOVERNANCE

Our strong Corporate Governance ensures that the Museum’s Aims and long-term sustainability will be achieved. The Board of Trustees comprises people with professions built in Company Management, Legal and Financial Institutions, International Marketing and Truck Engineering.

John Gilchrist (Chairman)

Former Chairman and Chief Executive of Leyland Trucks with a career history of over 30 years with the Leyland Group. Led the Management Buyout of the Truck Company following the failure of its parent in 1993. Established Leyland Trucks Ltd and maintained production at the Company’s sites returning the independent Company to profitability. Retired following the sale of Leyland Trucks to the PACCAR Group in 1998.

Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen and Freeman of the City of London.

Chair of Trustees, British Commercial Vehicle Museum.

Rick Roberton

Retired Director and co-founder of Western Truck Ltd, the sole UK distributor for a leading North American truck manufacturer and major suppliers/exporters to customers worldwide engaged in road transport, construction, mining and oilfield industries. His working life has seen his direct involvement in International Road Transport; as Sales & Marketing Manager for a German truck manufacturer; and in heavy duty truck engineering, procurement and Import/Export of vehicles and components.

David Bennett

An Architect by profession, and an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects. A former Senior Partner and founding member of the Cassidy and Ashton Partnership of Preston and Chester, a practice responsible for many infrastructure & development projects including Civic, Commercial, Educational and Industrial, in and around the North West & throughout the UK.

He brings a wealth of experience, both in creative design and an expert overview of the design and construction processes of numerous types of projects, plus an in-depth knowledge of the Construction Industry.

Tim Haley

Chartered Accountant, Tim Haley, has been a Trustee of the British Commercial Vehicle Museum since early 2017. An avid family man and rugby fan, Tim has owned his own company, Haleys Business Advisers, for 25 years, helping clients from all over the country with their finances and business development.

With a life-long interest in anything mechanical and engineering, Tim is a disciple of the LEAN manufacturing philosophy. Always looking at ways to help clients grow and improve their businesses

Joseph McKevitt

Over 30 years involved with the Commercial Vehicle Industry at Leyland Trucks, starting as an apprentice and progressing to his current role as Purchasing Director with PACCAR Inc. in 2008. Joseph is a member of the Chartered Institute of Supply and a member of the Institute of Leadership & Management . Joseph also sits on the committee of the Chamber of Commerce in London, focussing on UK automotive business.

Chris Melia

Chris is a Partner Director of AMION Consulting, an economic and financial consultancy company, where she heads up the Visitor and Leisure team. Chris has been a consultant for over 10 years and produces business plans, development strategies & feasibility studies for a wide range of heritage, culture, leisure and tourism clients.

Prior to becoming a consultant, Chris worked in a number of senior positions in the heritage and tourism sectors. She was Managing Director of Magna, a science centre and conference venue in Rotherham, a Director of Tourism South East, and the Marketing Director of Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh. She has held a number of Board positions and currently sits on the Board of a multi-academy trust.

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Derek Forrest

A solicitor for over 30 years and founder of ‘Solicitor Direct’. Derek is also a lifelong member of ‘Resolution’ whose aim is, wherever possible, to resolve legal matters without the need to enter into court proceedings. He is a member of the military re-enactment group ‘Ermine Street Guard' and has a keen interest in historic vehicles

Peter Jukes

Starting as a craft apprentice in 1977 with Leyland Trucks, Peter retired as Operations Director in 2021 after a successful 44 year career in Commercial Vehicle Manufacture, Facilities Maintenance, Aftermarket Parts Distribution and Factory Supply Chain Management. During this time he was a Key Influencer in Leyland’s transformational Culture Change called ‘Team Enterprise’ and a long time Chairman of the Leyland Trucks Helping Hand Charity Committee.

Keith Ellison

Keith was apprenticed at Hayward Tyler & Co in Luton in 1965, finishing as a test engineer working with large boiler circulating and submersible pumps. His love of sailing took him in a different direction and he was soon managing a sailing centre in Hertfordshire. He moved to the North West to work for the Royal Yachting Association. On retirement, Keith joined the volunteer team at the museum in 2010, enjoying learning about the industry, passing on knowledge to visitors , caring for the exhibits and caring for the future of the museum.

Bill Robinson

Retired Director of Finance for South Ribble Borough Council. Bill brings a high level of expertise in dealing with Local Authorities and Government Agencies, central and regional funded programmes.

Bill is a Vice President of Lancashire County Cricket Club and was Honorary Treasurer for many years of the former Lancashire Cricket Board.

Geoff Southworth

After joining Leyland Motors in 1966, Geoff served the company for another 43 years! He was involved mainly in engine manufacturing processes, including machining crankshafts and camshafts within very fine tolerances. Leyland Motors at this time also produced finished product for other manufacturers, including Rolls Royce. Since 2008, Geoff’s skills (he is also a qualified joiner) have been used for the benefit of the museum. Much of the work carried out in the museum’s Exhibition Hall relies on his hands-on assistance.

David Mitchell

Owner of Direct Asset Management Ltd, involved in specialist vehicle fit-out and management. Former Engineering /Fleet Director with Lynx Express Ltd. Previously Fleet Engineer within NFC at BRS, Roadline UK and National Carriers.

The Leyland Heritage Café

Time to Relax. . . for all-day breakfast, lunch, or afternoon teas ! Here you will find good quality food, well prepared and presented. The café proudly holds the local 5-Star award for Hygiene & Cleanliness and is able to take bookings for private parties. Full details can be found by clicking on the following link leylandheritagecafe.co.uk or by calling Darren on 07544 704 488.

The Shop

The place to find a souvenir or that special gift that’s just that bit different! We have carefully selected a range of products that you just might not find elsewhere… and all reasonably priced!

Our Mission & Vision

The museum is dedicated to protecting and preserving that part of the nation’s heritage which brought about world renowned developments in transport; from the improvement of roads to the building of vehicles that run on them. In doing so, the museum’s aim is to inspire people to learn more of what the nation has achieved by working closely with the community wherever possible. The end result being on-going achievements within educational projects, and at the same time bringing enjoyment to people of all age groups.

Educate

Schools, colleges and those wishing to further their interests, will not only learn about Transport Development over the years but also enjoy an insight into Social History.

Inspire

The exhibits and the fine way in which they are presented will make you want to learn even more. Leading to discussions which will be both enlightening and enjoyable.

Enjoy

So many unexpected surprises. Time and time again we hear visitors openly state how much they have enjoyed themselves.