About the Cayman Motor Museum
The Cayman Motor Museum, a new attraction located on North West Point Road near Boatswain’s Beach, will open its doors to the public on Monday, May 3.
The museum, housed in a new purpose-built structure, is the realization of a vision by businessman Andreas Ugland to have a local showroom to share his large collection of exotic, rare, and classic motorcars and motorbikes.
“Before assembling our collection in Cayman,” said Mr. Ugland, “our motorcars were scattered throughout the world with many of them in England, Canada, and my home country of Norway. My wife, Natalie, and I conceived the notion of bringing them all to Cayman for the people of these islands, and our visitors, to enjoy.
“Ten years ago, we acquired the land for the museum and began moving forward with our designs and working with government to secure planning approvals,” explained Mr. Ugland. “We were all set to break ground in 2004 when Hurricane Ivan paid us an unexpected visit, and we were forced to put our plans on hold. About three years ago, we revived the project and began the process of cataloging the collection, starting construction, and, more recently, packaging and transporting the cars to Grand Cayman.
“Finally, after more than a decade, it truly is a pleasure to share these motorcars and motorbikes with all who might appreciate their significance—and magnificence.”
On display are 80 vehicles which collectively provide an historical tour of motoring throughout the world—beginning with the very first automobile ever produced, an 1886 Benz! An exact model of the first vehicle ever to be driven in the Cayman Islands—a 1905 Cadillac— has a place of special prominence in the museum.
Of special interest both to children (and “adult children”) is the ultimate crime-fighting vehicle, the original “Batmobile” that squired Batman and Robin around Gotham in the 1960s television show. An exact replica of the “Batcycle” is also on display. Moviegoers will recognize the 1929 Yellow Rolls-Royce that appeared in the movie of the same name, and “royal watchers” will be attracted to the 1956 Daimler DK400, Queen Elizabeth II’s first limousine.
Racing and speed aficionados will marvel at the sleek Ferraris (nearly a dozen classics, all in mint condition), Maseratis, Corvettes, and Jaguars. Magnificent Rolls-Royces (including a 1930 “Phantom”) and Bentleys (including Sir Elton John’s 1963 classic) abound, beckoning viewers back to an era of meticulous craftsmanship and unsurpassed luxury.
Visitors will enjoy a special journey into Cayman’s cultural past through a collection of magnificent paintings, never-before-seen photographs, and local artifacts on display throughout the museum. An exhibit of a vintage diner has also been incorporated into the main showroom.
A gift shop will offer unique auto memorabilia and souvenirs to the general public. The Cayman Motor Museum will be available for private functions and special events.
