British Motor Museum to showcase 80s and 90s hot 
hatchbacks in a nostalgic new exhibition! 

The British Motor Museum invites visitors to return to the golden age of hot hatches in the
new exhibition: ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hot Hatch Story’, celebrating these everyday heroes of 
the streets. This exhibition is inspired by the energetic atmosphere of car meets and the 
bold visuals of era-defining car magazines, immersing visitors in the 80s and 90s hot hatch 
culture in a space brimming with nostalgia. Opening on 20 June, ‘Spoiler Alert’ will run 
until Spring 2027 in The Rubery Owen Gallery.

Iconic hatchbacks on display include a 1983 Renault 5 Alpine, 1981 VW Golf GTI, 1990 
Vauxhall Astra Mk 2, 1981 Ford Escort XR3, and a 1988 Peugeot 205 GTI. Visitors will love 
exploring the enduring legacy of these iconic vehicles through a range of dynamic exhibits 
and installations. 

Visitors will be able to customise their own hot hatch designs and enjoy an interactive hot 
hatch themed photo opportunity, as this new exhibition celebrates their lasting impact on 
automotive culture to this day.

The 80s and 90s marked the golden era of hot hatches, which brought a legendary 
combination of the lightweight practicality of an everyday family car with turbocharged 
engines, sharp suspension, and sportscar styling. Celebrated for their accessible 
performance, the hot hatches became cultural icons and remain highly sought after by 
enthusiasts today.

Cat Boxall, Curator at the British Motor Museum, said, “We’re really excited to open this 
exhibition celebrating hot hatches! Those born in the 60s, 70s & 80s will fondly remember 
these ‘souped-up’ cars as their first or second cherished vehicles. Many have reached 
classic status and are now as highly prized as some supercars!”
To find out more information about the exhibition, please visit: 
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/spoiler-alert-the-hot-hatch-story