Abarthisti take over Duxford - 31st January 2010
The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is home to more than 200 military and civil aircraft, as well as maritime and land warfare exhibits housed in seven cavernous exhibition halls and hangars. As well as static exhibits, Duxford is also a working museum, with major restoration projects and routine maintenance of many historic aircraft taking place in publicly-accessible areas. The recently-opened AirSpace tells the story of British aviation, and its Aircraft Hall contains over 30 historically significant aircraft, such as the Lancaster, Vulcan and Concorde.
Our base for the day is the American Air Museum (see photo right). Designed by Lord Foster and opened by The Queen in 1997, the AAM is an outstanding piece of architecture. It houses the largest collection of American warbirds on display outside the United States, including a vintage B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell, P-47 Thunderbolt, and aircraft from the Cold War era such as a B-52 Stratofortress, SR-71 Blackbird and F-4 Phantom, with many suspended from the ceiling as if in flight.
We've been granted special access to park on the apron directly outside the AAM. Not only does this provide a fantastic photo opportunity, and a convenient base before exploring the rest of the Duxford site, but the AAM's huge glass front allows us to seek refuge should the weather turn without straying more than a few feet from your car!
The AAM also has its own cafe - Station 357 - serving coffee, sarnies and snacks, while The Mess Restaurant in the Visitor Centre offers a more extensive menu.
Duxford is just off the M11, 8 miles south of Cambridge (map). Gates open at 10:00am.
Prices and Booking
Booking for this event has now closed.
Tickets have been sent to all attendees. If you have not received your ticket by 23/1/2010, please let us know.
Q&A
How many people can I bring with me?
As many as you can fit into your car! The £19.90 admission fee is per car, not per person, and covers the driver plus all passengers.
Does the admission fee give me access to the rest of the museum?
Of course. You and your guests are free to visit all other exhibits on the Duxford site.
Where's Duxford?
Duxford is right next to Junction 10 of the M11 - you can't miss it. Look for the green signs and the large hangar buildings. If you'd like to use sat nav, the post code is CB22 4QR.
Where do we park?
We will be parking directly outside the AAM building itself. Directions will be posted to you together with your admission pass.
What time does the event start?
The gates open at 10:00am. There's a lot to see at Duxford, and we'd recommend arriving as close to that time as possible. The museum closes at 4:00pm, with last admission at 3:00pm.
Can I pay on the day?
To benefit from our discounted admission and special parking arrangements, all attendees must pay in advance. Sorry, but those who haven't paid will be turned away.
Can I get something to eat while I'm there?
The AAM has its own cafe serving a good selection of drinks and snacks, plus the larger 'Mess Restaurant' offers a more extensive menu. There are toilets conveniently located within the AAM, too.
Unfortunately I now can't attend. Can I get a refund?
Refunds are given on a 'best endeavours' basis only, and will be minus any applicable banking or PayPal fees. No refunds can be given after 16/1/2010.
I don't own an Abarth; can I still come along?
Sorry, this event has been organised exclusively for Abarth owners. If you are waiting for your Abarth to be delivered, you are of course very welcome to come as someone's guest, or park in the public car park and pay for public admission at the gate.
Terms & Conditions: Admission fee is per car and only genuine Abarth models will be allowed to park outside the AAM. Refunds are on a 'best endeavours' basis only, and will be minus any fees incurred. No refunds will be given after 16/1/2010. Attendees must have submitted their payment in good time prior to the event to be allowed access.