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> Model Behaviour
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Model Behaviour

Now Open (permanent exhibition)

With more than 150 toys on display, this is an exhibition for big kids and small!

The National Motor Museum’s new exhibition Model Behaviour may be the perfect antidote for the want to be car collector.
Toy collecting is a popular pastime, in fact where once people invested in coins and stamps, many are turning to toys as a sound investment option. It seems that our desire for toys does not dissipate along with other childhood desires - it simply hibernates until such time that we have the purchasing power to relive our childhood dream to ‘collect them all!’

Micros, Corgis, Hotwheels, Matchbox, Tri-ang, and Boomaroo are just some of the iconic toy car brands that have filled the pockets, toy boxes and shelves of generations of children. These and many more feature in the exhibition, with more than 150 toys on display. From vintage pedal cars - right through to a Barbie Mobile Hot Tub Party Bus - the exhibition follows the story of the toy car and the people who collect them.

This exhibition showcases three people who have collected – and in some cases fabricated – toy and model cars. It also outlines some of the history of toy and model cars, which first made their appearance shortly after the first automobiles were seen on the street. It was a logical step for a child to want to follow in their parents’ footsteps and trade in a hobby horse or a rocking horse for a shiny new pedal car.

Model behaviour also features some brand new toys, showing how much things have changed.

The exhibition features a special Kids Space, which is well stocked with toy and model cars for kids to play with.

This exhibition is proudly supported by