Caymanian Compass - Motor Museum will drive revenue
Tuesday, 04 May 2010 00:00
Classic cars worth millions of dollars and ranging back to the end of the 19th century can now be seen by visitors to West Bay at the newly opened Cayman Motor Museum.
Premier McKeeva Bush was at the official opening of the museum on North West Point Road, beside Boatswain’s Beach and opposite the Cracked Conch restaurant on Saturday.
The museum is the realisation 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.
Mr. Ugland said: “Before assembling our collection in Cayman 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.
“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 cataloguing 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 is the ultimate crime-fighting vehicle, the original Batmobile that Batman and Robin drove around Gotham City 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, specially commissioned photographs, and local artefacts on display throughout the museum.
An exhibit of a vintage diner has also been incorporated into the main showroom.
A gift shop offers unique auto memorabilia and souvenirs to the general public. The Cayman Motor Museum will be available for private functions and special events.
Mr. Bush thanked Mr. Ugland for investing so much time and money to create such a special collection which he believes is unique to the Caribbean.
Mr. Bush also added that he hopes the museum will give a welcome boost to the economy in West Bay.
The Cayman Motor Museum is open to the public: 9am-5pm. Monday-Saturday. Adults CI$15; children (under 12) CI$7.50; toddlers (under 5) are free. On Saturdays, resident adults CI$10; children CI$5
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