Motor City UK | EP06 – Coventry in the 20th Century: Reconstruction and the Car Industry

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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.

Coventry Blitz and post-war reconstruction
Shadow factories and wartime production
Jaguar at Browns Lane
Rootes Group
British Leyland, Chrysler and Peugeot
LEVC and the future of Coventry manufacturing

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:

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