The sole surviving mobile cinema built by the British Government in the late 1960s is poised to become the star attraction at the 2017 Stratford Festival of Motoring (30 April-1 May).
Seven of these futuristic cinemas built on Bedford SB chassis with Coventry Steel Caravans coachwork were commissioned by the Ministry of Technology and toured the country, promoting modern production techniques to British industry, but all soon fell into disuse. The last surviving example was discovered in 2003, with work to return it to the road beginning two years later. It wasn’t until 2010 that the restoration, which included a new engine, new seats and complete refurbishment of the cinema section, was finally completed.
Jaguar is the featured marque at this year’s event, with a number of the firm’s significant models going on show on Wood Street, where the mobile cinema will also be based. The cinema will be in use throughout the event and will show, among others, a film supplied by the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
