Skip to the content
Side elevation of a large vintage car in dark green with a black leather convertible roof, chromed lamps and spoked wheels. Side elevation of a large vintage car in dark green with a black leather convertible roof, chromed lamps and spoked wheels.

© Ian M Spooner

© Ian M Spooner

Sheffield Simplex Cars

Continuing Display

Kelham Island Museum

Arguably the most famous car ever made in the city, the Sheffield Simplex was hailed by The Times in 1913 as the ‘highest point to which motor design has yet attained’. Today, only three examples remain – you can see two of them at the museum.

 

The car was the idea of Earl Fitzwilliam, who thought Sheffield could produce the finest car in the world. You’ll see an early Simplex from 1910 alongside a 1920 prototype in the Upper Transport Gallery.

The Simplex cars will be out on tour this summer – see them at the following events:

Fri 1, Sat 2, Sun 3 Sep – Chatsworth Country Fair

Free Entry | Please Donate

Opening Times

Tue-Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 11am-4pm

***The River Don Engine is not currently running due to an issue with the gas supply to the boiler. We're working with our gas supplier to have it back in steam as soon as possible.****

The Upper Transport Gallery and Simplex Car display will be closed for events on Sat 27 & Sun 28 Apr and Saturdays, 4, 11 & 18 May.

Kelham Island Museum

Alma Street

Sheffield

S3 8RY

Side elevation of a large vintage car in dark green with a black leather convertible roof, chromed lamps and spoked wheels.

1920 Simplex

Plan your visit

Find out everything you need to plan your visit, from getting here to onsite facilities.

Find out more

More to see and explore

View all

Events at Kelham Island Museum

View all

Support Us

Sheffield Museums is a charity. Your support helps keep your museums open and free for everyone to enjoy.

Read more

Step back in time at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Explore the industry that shaped Sheffield and immerse yourself in life at home and at work at this rural scythe and steelworks,  just a 10 minute walk from Millhouses Park. 

Find out more