The British Motor Museum is offering an alternative to the traditional Halloween activities by taking part in ‘Museums at Night’ – a bi-annual national festival funded by Arts Council England.

The Gaydon motor museum will be hosting an exclusive throwback evening on October 31, which will showcase 1970s archive material from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s collection and guest motoring archives including the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

Held outside of normal opening hours from 5.30-9pm, the special evening will offer a range of activities and displays, as well as a hot and cold buffet with tea and coffee. Visitors can enjoy a special pop-up exhibition focussing on the press, advertising and sales material, with a focus on the way different genders were represented by the motoring industry of the era.

Cars from the 1970s on display will include a recently donated 1971 Morris Marina 1.3 Deluxe, a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, an Austin Maxi 2 and a Triumph TR6. There will also be full access to the main Gaydon museum, an exclusive 1970s themed tour with a costumed guide, plus a chance to access the Reading Room and view bookbinding with the Conservator. In addition, visitors can see the ‘K’ from the Longbridge K gates on display, watch 1970s motoring footage in the cinema and chat to the archive team. Anyone arriving in a 1970s car will have special front row reserved parking, too.

While motoring enthusiasts and those who love British motoring heritage will enjoy the event, it has been designed to be enjoyed by those with an interest in 1970s culture, iconic advertising and design, plus those with an interest in gender studies, social history and diversity.

Admission is £10 per person which includes supper and refreshments. For more information please visit the website www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events or call 01926 641188.