
Podcast by Rob Capaldi

Podcast by Rob Capaldi

12 June 2026
MotoFest brings thousands of people into Coventry city centre each year, but beyond the cars themselves lies a much bigger story.
In this special episode of Motor City UK, recorded on location throughout Coventry MotoFest 2026, we explore the people who keep the city's automotive culture alive today.
From concours judges and classic car enthusiasts to grassroots motorsport organisers, educators, historians and civic leaders, we hear how Coventry's relationship with the motor car continues to evolve.
Along the way we discover forgotten stories, celebrate iconic vehicles, explore the future of automotive skills, and ask what car culture means in a city that helped shape the industry for more than a century.
Featuring:
Motor City UK explores the people, places and technologies shaping Britain's original Motor City.
Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod
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Welcome to the Riley Cars Archive Heritage Trust
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Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways:
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01:02:20

29 May 2026
Can a video game inspire a lifelong passion for cars? In this episode of Motor City UK, we explore how Forza Horizon, the British Motor Museum and the wider West Midlands automotive ecosystem are helping shape the next generation of enthusiasts.
Recorded at the British Motor Museum's Forza Horizon: The Experience launch event, this episode examines the growing overlap between gaming, engineering, automotive heritage and modern car culture. From developers and museum leaders to drifters, journalists and vehicle builders, we explore how digital and physical automotive worlds increasingly connect.
Motor City UK explores the people, places and technologies shaping Britain's original Motor City.
Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod
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Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways:
00:00
38:39

15 May 2026
Coventry’s post-war reconstruction reshaped not only the city itself, but the wider British motor industry. In this episode of Motor City UK, we explore how wartime shadow factories, industrial expansion and large-scale manufacturing transformed Coventry into one of the defining automotive centres of post-war Britain.
Joined by historian Damian Kimberley at Coventry Transport Museum, the episode traces the growth of Jaguar, Rootes, Standard Triumph and more in Coventry, alongside the gradual shift from industrial confidence towards consolidation, labour disputes and the end of mass car production in the city.
Motor City UK explores the relationship between transport, industry and identity in Britain’s original motor city.
Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod
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Damien Kimberley's books on Coventry's transport heritage:
Coventry's Motorcar Heritage https://amzn.to/4cdovpm
Coventry's Bicycle Heritage https://amzn.to/4qSLpWq
Coventry's Motorcycle Heritage https://amzn.to/4s6lcEX
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Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways:
00:00
33:59

01 May 2026
Jaguar’s history is often told through its cars — but the people behind the brand reveal a very different story. From early employees in Coventry to global figures shaping international markets, women played a critical role in Jaguar’s rise.
In this episode, Motor City UK explores the untold contributions of women in Jaguar’s early years, from sales leadership and business development to motorsport success and global expansion.
A deeper look at the people who shaped one of Britain’s most iconic automotive brands.
Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod
The Women who made their Marque’ can be found online HERE
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You can find the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust online at the following locations:
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Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways:
00:00
41:05

17 April 2026
A Clean Transport Revolution with NatWest and Warwick Manufacturing Group
Episode four of the Motor City UK podcast takes us to the Junction Building at Warwick University - home to the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator.
In an informative panel discussion we explore Coventry and the West Midland’s contribution to the development of new transportation technology, through the lens of the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator.
The episode features insights from experts at the University of Warwick and NatWest, with discussion focused on challenges like regulation, infrastructure, and public perception in the transition towards innovative transport solutions.
The discussion highlights the importance of supporting early-stage businesses and the potential of connected, autonomous, and electric vehicles in shaping a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod
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You can find our guests from this episode below:
Adam Walters - NatWest Accelerator Community Manager
Federico Melotti - WMG Principal engineer
David Milton - WMG Entrepreneur in Residence
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If you are interesting in registering for the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator, be sure to download the NatWest Accelerator App::
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Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways:
00:00
57:15

03 April 2026
Episode three of the Motor City UK podcast takes us to Fargo Village on Far Gosford Street, to meet with automotive artist Ian Cook, better known as PopBangColour.
Ian will be a familiar face if you have visited a car show in the UK recently, he is often seen creating unique artworks from his mobile studio at events across the country.
Using radio-controlled cars, tyres and toys, he has created a completely unique artistic style that’s vibrant, colourful and full of energy.
In this episode, we talk about Ian’s creative journey, the steps he has taken from school in Solihull to studying fine art at one of the UKs leading art schools to working with major automotive and sporting brands around the world.
We dig into his inspirations, motivations and plans for the future while coming back to talk about Coventry and how the city and its rich automotive heritage stimulates his creativity.
Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod
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Find the PopBangColour online HERE
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Motor City UK is created, produced and hosted by Rob Capaldi, Get in touch with Rob in one of the following ways:
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01:03:03