Diekirch Museum Hosts Exhibition on British Sports Cars in Luxembourg

The Conservatoire National de Véhicules Historiques (CNVH) in Diekirch is hosting an exhibition titled "British Sports Cars in Luxembourg", in collaboration with the British Sports Car Owners' Club Luxembourg (BSCOC).

Held under the patronage of the British Embassy in Luxembourg, the exhibition runs from 19 May 2026 to 16 June 2027 and is open daily (except Mondays) from 10:00 to 18:00. It is aimed at a wide audience, including schools, students, families and automotive enthusiasts.

The official opening ceremony took place on the evening of Thursday 21 May 2026 in the presence of Danial Shaikh, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Luxembourg, and other guests.

Speaking at the opening, CNVH President Tom Sauber described the exhibition as part of the museum's mission to use automotive history as a bridge between cultures. He thanked the British Embassy for its trust and support, as well as Andrew Notter, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg (BCC), for helping strengthen ties between the museum and the British community. He added that the project aims not only to showcase cars but also to bring people, stories and cultures together.

Tom Sauber noted that the exhibition builds on several years of collaboration with the British Embassy and the British automotive community in Luxembourg, including a successful exhibition marking 100 years of MG in 2023. He also emphasised that the exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Marie Schmit, a key figure in Luxembourg's historic ("oldtimer") car community. He thanked all those involved in bringing this project to life.

Jean Hansen, President of BSCOC and Secretary of CNVH, also paid tribute to the late Jean-Marie Schmit during his speech. He presented the BSCOC, which was founded in 1977, and explained that only a selection of British cars could be displayed due to the museum's limited space.

From a historical and curatorial perspective, CNVH Administrative and Operations Coordinator Nadia Klasen explained that British sports cars have played an important role in Luxembourg's automotive culture since the 20th century. Brands such as MG, Triumph, Jaguar and Austin-Healey helped define a driving philosophy centred on craftsmanship, lightweight engineering and driving pleasure. She described the cars not simply as objects but as symbols of history, passion, elegance and individuality.

In his speech, Danial Shaikh noted that projects such as this exhibition aligned with the British Embassy's efforts to strengthen links between the United Kingdom and Luxembourg. Reflecting on his previous work in the automotive sector, he observed that modern vehicles are becoming increasingly standardised, while classic cars continue to attract enthusiasts because of their distinctive character and mechanical authenticity. He later signed the museum's "golden book", alongside Jean Hansen and Dr Paul Bonert, Alderman of the City of Diekirch.

The exhibition is structured into thematic sections, including Special Sports Cars, Pre-War Classics, Racing Legends, Sports Limousines, Popular Sports Cars, and a memorial section dedicated to Jean-Marie Schmit.

Speaking to Chronicle.lu after the official speeches, Nadia Klasen, who is also a historian, noted that the connection between the CNVH and the British community in Luxembourg began in 2023 with the MG exhibition, which attracted a significant number of visitors. One year later, the museum acquired its own British racing car, the Cooper MK5, which won both the Luxembourg Grand Prix and the Silverstone Grand Prix in 1951. The vehicle is currently being restored by the CNVH.

Nadia Klasen also highlighted the strong cooperation with the BSCOC and the broader British community in Luxembourg, including support from Andrew Notter and connections with British institutions and schools in the Grand Duchy.

Regarding Luxembourgers' continued fascination with British historic cars, she pointed to the combination of elegance and sportiness that characterises many British models. She added that one of the biggest challenges in organising the exhibition was selecting the vehicles due to limited space and availability - the cars belong to private owners who had to agree to part with them for an entire year. More than 20 cars are currently on display at the CNVH. She also admitted she was surprised by how many vehicles the museum ultimately managed to fit into the exhibition space.

Following the official part of the evening, guests had the opportunity to browse the selection of British cars on display while enjoying a bagpipe performance and British-themed refreshments, including triangle sandwiches, crisps, cider, beer and gin.

For the ongoing exhibition, the museum also offers guided tours in multiple languages, tailored visits for schools and groups, and private events within the exhibition space.