Visiting Solihull?

[crequet]

I will be near Solihull, England this week and was wondering if anyone knew if they allowed plant visits?

Thanks in Advance
Chuck Requet
1995 Defender 90 #2442

[chrisvonc]

Chuck, The last time we wen tto the UK, I inquired to Land Rover Adventures who were setting up tours of the plant at the time. They only used to do 2 tours a week. Now this may have changed as this was 3-4 years ago.

[Art Vigil]

Chuck, go to the Heritage Motor Centre (http://www.heritage.org.uk) in Gaydon instead.
The factory tour is way too long and not nearly as exciting (especially since you can't tour the special vehicles division). Plus you'll only see new Rovers there, the cool old & rare models are in the Gaydon museum.
Depending on how much time you have, try to check out Warwick Castle while you're up there; Shakespeare's birthplace is just up the road (Stratford-Upon-Avon) as well and worth the visit.

[RichardMoore]

send me an email to jamoore.outfit@virgin.net if you have time for a beer, I live 10 miles south of Solihull :toast

[J4hand]

I was wondering the same thing. I am going to the UK this summer and So-oily-hill is on my list. I don't want to be disappointed though. Art, did you once post pictures of the Heritage Centre? I remember seeing pictures of a British car museum from someone on this site, or maybe Dweb. It seemed to be a place I shouldn't miss.

Thanks, James

[Art Vigil]

Seriously, the factory tour was a huge letdown for me. At the time I went ('98) the D90/Disco section was being remodeled so I had to spend 3+ hours walking through the other parts, none of which were very interesting. I saw Freelanders, Rangies & Rover cars being assembled and listened to the guide talk about how the machines that assemble the vehicles work. I would expect a tour of any car manufacturing facility to be about as interesting. The only highlight was the peek I had into the "Special Vehicles" division which is normally off-limits and just the knowledge of knowing I was in the birthplace of my D90.
My advice is to spend your day visiting the Gaydon Museum, Warwick castle, Shakespeare's birthplace and definitely don't miss the opportunity to slow down and have that beer with Richard - :toast

[RichardMoore]

come for a beer - I've heard that Yanks are generous and insist on buying every round;)

Gaydon is well worth a visit - I had a butchers* last week whilst at the LRM show.



* butchers hook = look