British Motor Museum launches campaign to fix OWL's wings

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Press release

The British Motor Museum has launched a campaign to fix the leather-covered wings of its 1899 Wolseley 3½hp Voiturette to allow it to participate in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in November. The 125-year-old vehicle needs to be restored and the museum is asking for donations to raise £5,200 to complete the work this summer.

Affectionately known as "OWL," the 1899 Wolseley has participated in the London to Brighton Run 38 times with the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. As such a regular entrant in the world’s longest-running motoring event, OWL would be very much missed this year.

Following a visit by the Leather Conservation Centre, it's been confirmed that work is needed on all four of OWL's wings to secure and stabilise the original 1899 leather. Made in Birmingham, OWL was the first vehicle that Herbert Austin designed with four wheels. The same car was driven by Lord Austin himself in the Thousand Mile Trial of 1900 and won first prize in its class.

Its historical significance has long been recognised—OWL was exhibited in Britain’s first ever motor museum back in 1912. It's now one of the oldest vehicles at the British Motor Museum, home of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. As an independent charity, the Trust needs to generate substantial funding and relies on various income streams. These include ticket sales, charitable donations and commercial activity, all vital to the Museum’s mission - to tell the story of Britain's motor industry, now and in the future.

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