More than just mere conveyances to get us from point A to point B, the best sports cars are true works of art, testaments to countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship and generations of advances in automotive technology. Thankfully, more manufacturers are opening their factories to the public to let racing and automotive aficionados get a behind-the-scenes view of what goes into producing their favorite supercars. Others have even gone a step further and established their own museums, forever preserving the history and traditions that made their brands so popular in the first place.
Let’s take a deep dive into some of Europe‘s best destinations for car aficionados and see what they offer for those whose hearts race to speed of a Formula One engine!
Porsche 918 Spyder (2014) at the Porsche Museum, Stuttgart
Germany
Porsche Museum & Factory Tour — Stuttgart
The Porsche Museum and Factory Tour is one of Stuttgart’s most popular attractions. A 5,600-meter showroom that tells the story of the luxury car company’s history, it features 80 cars on exhibit. Along with spotlighting the life of the company’s founder, Ferdinand Porsche, the museum places an emphasis on technology and innovation, giving visitors a glimpse into the company’s plans for the future. Among the museum’s most popular attractions is its showcase of racing cars, which includes the famous Porsche 917 Pink Pig, the vehicle that won the 1971 Le Mans race. Also of note is the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton, an electric car decades ahead of its time that was designed by Ferdinand Porsche himself in 1898.
Mercedes-Benz Museum — Stuttgart
An institution celebrated both for its contributions as a car museum and amazing architecture, the Mercedes-Benz Museum details the history of one of Germany’s most iconic automobile brands. Featuring an astounding 160 vehicles on display, the Mercedes-Benz Museum invites visitors on a trip across 130 years of the company’s history. Curators have split the institution into two thematic sections that weave seamlessly throughout its 16,500-square-meter exhibition space.
The Legend section arranges displays of vehicles by era, giving visitors a glimpse of what the company produced in a single epoch. Displays here follow themes like the company’s classic styles of the 1920s and the sports car revolution of the 1950s. Moving into the Collection area, visitors are treated to a timeline of chronological changes in vehicle design. This section shows how the engineering and appearance of Mercedes-Benz vehicles have changed throughout the decades, with everything from buses to souped-up supercars on display. Among the most popular vehicles on exhibit is a replica of the Reitwagen, the world’s first motorcycle, dating back to 1885.
Mercedes-Benz Museum by Julian Herzog licensed under CC BY 4.0
BMW Museum & BMW Welt — Munich
The BMW Museum and BMW Welt are Munich’s go-to destinations for sports car enthusiasts exploring the culturally rich landscape of Bavaria. Spanning 5,000 square meters in the architectural wonder known as the Weisswurstkessel, this destination treats visitors to 125 exhibits focused on the company’s history. Showcasing everything from sports cars and motorcycles to in-depth examinations on how BMW engines function, the BMW Museum is also home to some of the most famous cars in history. Movie buffs can look forward to seeing James Bond’s BMW Z8 from The World Is Not Enough, while followers of the King of Rock and Roll will get all shook up seeing Elvis’s BMW 507, a car used by the King when he was stationed in Germany during his service in the United States Army.
Just as the BMW Museum explores BMW’s past, BMW Welt focuses on the company’s current and future offerings. Located just across the street from the BMW Museum, BMW Welt features a range of current BMW cars as well as a showcase of models from several of the company’s affiliated brands, including Mini and Rolls-Royce. In addition to wonderful photo opportunities, BMW Welt also offers adventure activities for visitors, including racing simulators.
Italy
Museo Ferrari — Maranello
Museo Ferrari lets visitors to Italy live life in the fast lane as they marvel at the institution’s incredible displays of sports cars and the larger Italian motorsports industry. Guests often begin their tour in the Victories Room, a showcase of the company’s Formula 1 models that have carried their drivers to victory in championships throughout the world. The exhibit also includes profiles on several professional drivers and a collection of motor racing trophies. Visitors can then move on to discover Ferrari’s wider history of cutting-edge research and innovation. Cars on display include GTOs and F40s, supercars from throughout the company’s history that pushed the envelope and set the standard for sports and racing cars for decades to come.
If you want an even bigger picture of the company’s place in the pantheon of sports racing, be sure to schedule a tour of the nearby Ferrari Factory or take a ride on the institution’s Formula 1 simulator to see what it’s like to race one of the company’s iconic sports cars.
Ferrari
Lamborghini Museum & Factory Tour — Sant’Agata Bolognese
For many gearheads, Lamborghini represents the zenith of sports car companies. The company’s museum in the small town of Sant’Agata Bolognese honors the traditions and values that made Lamborghini synonymous with unsurpassed excellence in its thorough examination of the manufacturer’s past and plans for the future.
Visitors to the Lamborghini Museum are encouraged to begin their tour at the factory, where the company’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship take center stage. Guests can then head to the museum to learn all about the company’s history and the personal philosophy of its founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. Along with a timeline of the brand’s chief innovations, guests can also check out a few examples of the corporation’s most iconic vehicles. Most notably, a glorious 1964 350 GT and a futuristic 1974 Countach are on permanent display to the delight of classic car lovers.
Maserati Showroom & Factory — Modena
The Maserati Showroom and Factory in Modena gives visitors a behind the scenes look at Maserati’s attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. Tours begin in the company’s showroom, where you can learn of Maserati’s decades-old philosophy of sportiness combined with unparalleled elegance. The Showroom features several examples of current Maserati cars in production as well as scale models of vehicles from the company’s past. Tours also explore the brand’s transition from manufacturing racing cars to more traditional consumer vehicles.
Moving into the factory, guests get to see the intensive production process used to create Maserati’s stellar vehicles. Among the favorite places to stop is the engine lab, a special part of the building where Maserati engineers design cutting-edge innovations for the next generation of supercars. NOTE: Factory tours at Maserati are only available on select dates, and spaces are limited due to high demand and production schedules. Visitors are encouraged to book well in advance to secure a spot.
Maserati
United Kingdom
McLaren Technology Centre — Woking
Few automobile brands possess the same level of heritage and tradition as McLaren. Based out of the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, the company has made a name for itself with its preeminent Formula One vehicles, masterpieces of engineering and technology that have changed the face of the motorsports industry. Once restricted to McLaren employees and the titans of the Formula One racing circuit, the McLaren Technology Centre is now open to those with an interest in fast cars, racing, and the technology behind automotive innovation. NOTE: Public access to the McLaren Technology Centre is extremely restricted, with very few tour opportunities available. Visits are usually limited to special events or exclusive invitations, making this a rare experience for automotive enthusiasts.
Tours of the facility take visitors to the company’s showroom, where winning vehicles of past racing tournaments retire with honor and are still maintained to working condition. Among the vehicles on permanent display is the McLaren F1 GTR, winner of the 1995 Le Mans Championship. Trophy and memorabilia displays further provide a window into the company’s tradition of racing and excellence. Visitors can then head to the McLaren Production Facility to see the company’s engineers hard at work on the next generation of McLaren racers and luxury cars.
British Motor Museum — Gaydon
Car museums don’t get any better than the British Motor Museum, an institution specializing in the history and tradition of automobiles in the UK. Featuring over 400 historic cars and more than a million automobile-themed artifacts, this is the ultimate experience for globetrotters with an interest in the British automotive industry. Located on a massive 65-acre piece of property that was once used by the British Royal Air Force, it boasts many exhibits for those with a passion for automobiles. Sports cars on display include Aston Martins and McLarens, with special touch screen displays providing details and statistics on vehicle history and manufacturing methods.
Likewise, visitors hoping to experience the full breadth of British automotive history can head to the Time Road exhibit to see examples of British cars from over a century ago. Beginning with the first motor vehicles to grace highways in the United Kingdom in 1896, visitors can see the evolution of British automobiles up to today. If you’re particularly interested in the British Royal Family, you definitely won’t want to miss a display of two Land Rovers used by Queen Elizabeth II.
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Silverstone Experience — Towcester
Why just look at amazing automobiles when you can get in the driver’s seat and take one for a spin yourself? The Silverstone Experience lets sports car enthusiasts get behind the wheel of some of the most awe-inspiring supercars in the world and let loose on the United Kingdom’s only Formula One racetrack. Arriving at the Silverstone Circuit, would-be drivers are given safety equipment and taught the basics of motorsports by professional instructors before heading to the raceway. Participants can choose from several souped-up cars for their day as a Formula One racer, including Aston Martin Vantages, McLaren 620Rs, and Ferrari F430 Coupes. Boasting no speed limits and edge of your seat thrills, the Silverstone Experience is the ultimate adventure for anyone with a passion for cars and motor racing.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance for these museums and factory tours?
A: Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for factory tours, as they often have limited availability and strict visitor schedules. Some locations, like the McLaren Technology Centre and Maserati Factory, may only offer tours on select dates.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for factory tours?
A: Most factory tours require visitors to be at least 14 or 16 years old due to safety regulations. Some may allow younger children if accompanied by an adult, but it’s best to check each manufacturer’s policy.
Q: Can I test drive any cars at these museums or factories?
A: Most museums and factories do not offer test drives, but experiences like the Silverstone Experience or Ferrari’s driving simulators provide interactive opportunities. Some car brands, like BMW Welt, offer limited test drive programs for potential buyers.
Q: Are guided tours available in languages other than English?
A: Many major museums and factory tours offer guided tours in multiple languages, including German, Italian, and French. Audio guides with language options are often available as well.
Q: How much time should I plan for each visit?
A: Be sure to plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours for museum visits. Some destinations, like BMW Welt and Silverstone, offer additional experiences that could extend your visit.
Q: Is photography allowed inside the museums and factories?
A: Photography is usually permitted in museums but is often restricted in factory tour areas for security and proprietary reasons. Always check specific policies before your visit.
Q: Are these attractions accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Most major museums and factories offer accessible entrances, elevators, and guided tours for visitors with disabilities. However, factory tours may have limitations due to the layout of production areas. It’s best to contact each location in advance to confirm accessibility options.
Are you a sports car aficionado? Do you intend to plan to any of these destinations? Let us know in our comments section below!
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