Caymanian Compass - Sports Cars will drive many there

Thursday, 20 May 2010 00:00

Sports cars enthusiasts have a chance to see some of the finest – and most expensive – vintage cars at the newly opened Motor Museum in West Bay.

Classic cars worth millions of dollars and ranging back to the end of the 19th century can now be seen by visitors to the Cayman Motor Museum.

It’s on North West Point Road, beside Boatswain’s Beach and opposite the Cracked Conch restaurant and was officially opened by Premier McKeeva Bush three weeks ago.

Racing and speed aficionados will marvel at the sleek Ferraris, Maseratis, Corvettes and Jaguars – all in mint condition.

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.

The building is totally hurricane proof built to exacting standards by Ugland and designed by architect Donal McGrath who said: “This museum was a labour of love because we had to get the measurements exact. It was all done on a computer and every piece of space was calculated for.”

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.”

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.

Magnificent Rolls-Royces, including a 1930 Phantom and Bentleys - including Sir Elton John’s 1963 classic, take pride of place.

There are plenty of motorbikes, fun cars and memorabilia too.

Visitors 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.

A gift shop offers unique auto memorabilia and souvenirs to the general public. The Cayman Motor Museum is available for private functions and special events.

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

By: Ron Shillingford | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
20 May, 2010