Motoring's history in 10 objects

Cotswold Motor Museum’s innovative project will feature input from its visitors

On my way back from a rally in the Cotswolds last autumn I paused for something to eat in Bourton-on-the- Water, that absurdly pretty Oxfordshire town where you expect to meet Miss Marple and Poirot sharing a cream tea. I parked by the Cotswold Motor Museum which looks a fascinating mix of cars, artifacts, toys and bicycles, but I didn’t have time to visit. Now the museum has opened an exhibition inspired by Radio 4’s History of the World in 100 Objects which makes me want to go back. Their version is a history of motoring in 10 objects, but the twist is that only nine are displayed: visitors to museum or website can vote for a inal object by the end of the year.

Much debate went into their choice, says museum curator Michael Tambini, and I won’t list them all – look on their website – but the ones I agree are definites include seat belts, cats’ eyes, and the pneumatic tyre.

There’s room for a left-ield object, though – they have Betjeman’s Shell Guides in their list – which opens up the arena. I’d better have my own tenth object ready for when I go.

Something pivotal in motoring history: the Mini? Tarmac? Sat-nav? Ferdinand Porsche? The cup-holder? My driving licence? Hmmm…