Motor City UK

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Podcast by Rob Capaldi

Motor City UK

Motor City UK tells the story of the city Coventry's relationship with the motor car. From the cycle workshops of the 19th century to the birth of the British car industry, from the boom years of mass production to the challenges of decline, and on to today’s reinvention as a global hub for electric, autonomous and advanced automotive technology development. This documentary-style podcast explores the people, places and ideas that have shaped Coventry’s automotive identity. Along the way, we hear from historians, engineers, designers, artists, event organisers and innovators - those who were there in the days of high volume manufacturing, and those defining what comes next. Motor City UK is about more than factories and machines. It’s about culture, creativity and community. About why cars mattered - and still matter - to this city, and how Coventry retains it place at as the UK's original Motor City. New episodes coming in 2026.

Latest episodes

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03 April 2026

PopBangColour - Creating Automotive Art in the UK's Motor City

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:

Instagram

LinkedIn

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20 March 2026

Running Coventry's Festival of Motoring

The second episode of the Motor City UK podcast gives us a behind the scenes look into the ups and downs of running a city-centre motoring festival.

The Coventry MotoFest is a unique blend of past and present, showcasing vintage vehicles alongside cutting-edge automotive technology.

Event director James Noble shares insights into Coventry's influential role in the global automotive industry and how the Motorfest not only celebrates historical achievements but also works hard to bring the excitement of cars to a non-traditional audience.

Find Motor City UK on Instagram @MotorCityPod

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Find the Coventry MotoFest 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:

Instagram

LinkedIn

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06 March 2026

Motor City Uk - The Birth of Coventry's Car Industry

This first episode of the Motor City UK podcast gives a deep dive into Coventry's pivotal role in the evolution of the UK's automotive industry. We highlight the city's shift from sewing machine production to become the epicentre of motor vehicle manufacturing, the show illuminates the influential figures, events, and innovations that made Coventry a national leader in the sector.

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13 January 2026

TRAILER - Motor City UK: A Journey Through Coventry's Automotive Evolution

Coventry, a city renowned for its contributions to the automotive industry, has undergone a fascinating transformation.

The introduction of car manufacturing in the 1800s established it as a pivotal hub, with local production volumes peaking in the mid-20th century.

Despite the decline in manufacturing by the early 2000s, Coventry has recently reignited its place in the global automotive industry.

The city is now a cornerstone for research in low carbon and self-driving technologies, driven by its world-class institutions and innovators.

Join us as we delve into Coventry's automotive past, present, and future, uncovering the enterprises and people steering its current resurgence.

We also dive into the city's place in automotive culture as we meet the clubs, creatives and event organisers that keep the city buzzing.

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