Tap into history from Tuesday 28th July as County Classics Motor Museum unveils an exciting new interactive pilot experience designed to bring classic vehicles to life like never before.
County Classics Motor Museum is proud to announce the launch of an innovative new visitor experience in partnership with museum enhancement specialists En-Dash, introducing a series of interactive digital tap points that transform the way visitors explore some of the museum’s most treasured exhibits.
The initial pilot features 10 carefully selected vehicles – including eight classic cars and two iconic motorcycles – each offering visitors the opportunity to go far beyond the traditional information plaque and enjoy a truly immersive “deep dive” into automotive history.
Using nothing more than their own smartphone, visitors can simply tap their device against the interactive plaque using built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. No app is required, making the experience quick, simple and accessible for everyone.
Pilot vehicles
10
8 cars, 2 motorcycles
Languages
~20
Instant translation
App needed
None
Tap and go
More Than Just a Museum Visit
Each interactive experience unlocks a wealth of exclusive digital content, including:
What you'll find behind each tap point
- Original television commercials from the vehicle’s era.
- Fascinating historical facts and production information.
- Film and television appearances, showcasing each vehicle’s place in popular culture.
- High-quality audio guides, allowing visitors to listen rather than read.
- Instant translation into almost 20 different languages, making the experience more inclusive for overseas visitors and those who speak English as an additional language.
- Opportunities for collectors and enthusiasts to contribute their own memories and stories, helping preserve the social history surrounding these remarkable vehicles.
Visitors can also discover the County Classics Motor Museum YouTube channel, explore museum membership options, view café offers and learn more about upcoming events — all within the same interactive experience.
Supporting the Future of the Museum
The new digital platform has been designed to do much more than enhance the visitor experience. It also creates new opportunities for carefully selected local businesses to sponsor individual tap points, helping generate additional support for the museum while promoting local organisations that share a passion for preserving Somerset’s heritage.
Behind the scenes, the technology provides valuable anonymous insights into visitor engagement, helping the museum’s curator and dedicated volunteer team better understand which vehicles and features visitors enjoy most. These insights will help shape future exhibitions and improvements, ensuring the museum continues to evolve while preserving its rich collection.
A Glimpse into the Future
If the pilot proves successful, this is only the beginning. The long-term ambition is for visitors to be able to “Tap into the History” of every vehicle throughout the museum.
Imagine standing beside your favourite classic car and hearing its engine roar back to life through your headphones, reliving unforgettable television adverts, exploring archive photographs, discovering untold stories from previous owners, or diving into decades of motoring nostalgia — all from the palm of your hand.
It's the next best thing to climbing behind the wheel.
Honouring Patrick Hawkins' Vision
Patrick's Day – 2nd August 2026
The launch comes at a particularly poignant time, ahead of Patrick’s Day, when the museum will celebrate the life and remarkable legacy of its founder, Patrick Hawkins.
Patrick’s vision transformed a lifelong passion into one of Somerset’s most unique visitor attractions. After receiving life-saving heart surgery, he dedicated himself to creating the County Classics Motor Museum as a way of giving something back to Taunton – a lasting thank you to the community and medical professionals who helped save his life.
Sadly, Patrick passed away in August last year, having seen his dream become a reality. Today, thanks to the dedication of the museum’s volunteers and supporters, his legacy continues to inspire thousands of visitors every year.
This new digital pilot represents part of the next chapter in that story – embracing new technology while remaining true to Patrick’s original vision of making classic motoring history engaging, educational and accessible for everyone.
Come and Experience It Yourself
The interactive pilot officially launches from Tuesday 28th July, and everyone is invited to come along and be among the first to experience the future of museum exploration.
Whether you’re a lifelong motoring enthusiast, a family looking for an enjoyable day out, or simply someone who appreciates local history and innovation, there’s never been a better time to visit County Classics Motor Museum.
And for museums, heritage attractions and visitor destinations looking to modernise without losing the authenticity of their collections, this pilot demonstrates how affordable, accessible technology can enhance storytelling, improve accessibility and create meaningful engagement for today’s visitors.
The team at County Classics Motor Museum and En-Dash look forward to welcoming visitors and hearing their feedback as they begin this exciting new journey – one tap at a time.
