The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, will reopen its doors to the public on 26 May, following a £1m revamp.

A new exhibition tracing the history of the motor industry since the 1890s – called Making British Cars – will feature an interactive display on the lifestyles and earnings of motor factory workers as well as a Top Trumps-style interactive on British cars of the 1970s.

Two further exhibits will include Under the Skin and Life’s Highway.

In addition, a mezzanine floor is being built to display iconic cars such as the Mini, Morris Minor and Land Rover.

Museum curator Stephen Laing said: “The new exhibition depicts the highs and lows of the industry, and demonstrates the skills and traditions of the people who worked and still work on making cars today.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund provided the investment for the Road Ahead redevelopment project. Details: www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Photograph: courtesy of the Heritage Motor Centre