TV cars from one of the UK’s most successful rom-com series are set to go on display at Beaulieu, home of the National Motor Museum this Spring.
The critically acclaimed and much-loved British romantic comedy series Gavin & Stacey, created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, officially ended with its final episode airing in December 2024. Originally debuting in 2007 and running through to 2010, with a return for special episodes in 2019 and 2024, the series has become one of the most popular UK TV series of recent decades.
Now, as the curtain falls on the much-loved series, Beaulieu is proud to announce that several of Gavin & Stacey’s most iconic cars will be joining its newly refreshed and refurbished ‘On Screen Cars’ exhibition.
Vehicles on display include Gavin’s blue Citroën Saxo VTS which features heavily across the three series’, particularly during the early stages of his relationship with Stacey, when it was often used to drive between Essex and Barry Island. The Saxo became a recurring presence throughout the show, representing the effort Gavin puts into making his long-distance relationship with Stacey work. For fans of the show and motoring in general, it’s a nostalgic nod to early noughties car culture.
Also on display will be Smithy’s Volvo 850S Estate, which was used by him for his job as a handyman in Billericay, Essex. With the slogan ‘If your husband won’t do it – I will…’. written on the back, the estate featured heavily throughout the program and was well remembered as the backdrop to Smithy’s iconic rendition of Band Aids “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in the 2008 Christmas Special. It also featured in a sketch for Comic Relief in 2011, when James Corden as ‘Smithy’ transported Wham star George Michael to the studio in the first ever ‘Carpool Karaoke’.
Finally, completing the line-up of star-studded cars from the show, Uncle Bryn’s reliable Citroën Xsara Picasso completes the trio of vehicles on display. Uncle Bryn, played by Rob Brydon made no secret that he was very fond of this car, quoting in one episode that he’ll “drive it ‘til the day he dies”. Uncle Bryn had three Picasso models during the series, with the one on display at Beaulieu being featured in series three.
The three cars join a list of other memorable icons from film and TV in Beaulieu’s recently refreshed and refurbished “On Screen Cars” exhibition, which is now open for visitors to explore in time for May half-term beginning 24th May 2025. Other vehicles on display include the bewitched blue Ford Anglia which features in Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, Del Boys Reliant Van featured in the British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, James Bond’s Jaguar XKR from the blockbuster film Die Another Day, Mr Bean’s Mini plus many more.
A ticket to Beaulieu includes admission to the whole Beaulieu attraction, including On Screen Cars, the National Motor Museum and its new display, Icons of F1, opening on 24th May, as well as Palace House and its newly refurbished bedrooms, open to the public for the first time this year. There is also the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey, Monorail, Secret Army Exhibition, Brabazon Restaurant and Little Beaulieu, the adventure playground. Plus, Beaulieu’s brand-new feature exhibition ‘We Had One Of Those’, where visitors can get back in the driving seat of cars from their past.
